SOLDIERS' SONGS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2756, 27 April 1916, Page 6

SOLDIERS' SONGS

MUSIC ON THE MARCH

SOME OF THE FAVOURITES

, It' is tho custom of the soldiers or the Reinforcements to sing when they | arc route-marching. Even in the stiff climb mot with in crossing, the Rimutakas, the men sing; and when the Twelfth Infantry crossed they were accompanied by their hand. Music in any form appears to please tho marching soldier, and as long as he can sing lie seems never to tire of tho road. Many of their songs are impromptu ones, so far as the words are concerned, though they arc always sung to well-known times, and the thomes on which the soldier troubadour dwells are chielly domestic, as in the case of tho chant railed "Army Stew," tho first "orso of which runs'like this: Army duff, Army duff,— Privates don't get half enough; Olficern do, officers do; Tliey get puddings, and wo get stew. But tho Now Zealand soldiers have some good marching songs which have real swing in tho rhythm and feeling ,in the words. Perhaps the most popular of these is "Keep tho Camp Fires Burning." This is the refrain:

Keep tho camp fires burning, While your hearts are yearning; Though the toys are far away They will dream of you. There's a silver lining Through Uio dark clouds shining, So turn the dark clouds inside out Until the boys come home. "Arawanui" is a haunting Maori song, sung partly in Maori and partly in English, the refrain being: Arawanui, Arawanui, -• Ko kantahara g taniwha, Arawanui, arawanui, Until wojtncet again. The effect of hundreds of strong voices chanting what sounds like a lament is very moving. "Down by the Mississippi's Shore" is a song that is often sung on the march, and there are others. But "Our Territorials" and "Good Old New Zealand" come next in popularity. There is something for tho voices to get hold of in: Good ol.d New Zealand, With her skies of blue! Just tell old England We'll see her through. Though foes oppress you On every band, England, we'll help you, Our dear Homeland! The voices roll out tho "England" with almost as much gusto as the Tommies.are said to have done when singing the German " 'Ymn of 'Ate." So in "Our Territorials," there is swing and vim when the marching men sing: . . ' Keep up your head, New Zealand, Mother and friends and pals, You've nothing to fear for, •Only to cheer for . Our own Territorials.

There is a song called "Tired of Marching," which runs to the air of "Good Old New Zealand," and is a pleasant medium for the men to relieve their feelings on any domestic matter. The burden.of the story always is that they are "full up of marching and Irish stew." "Tipperary" and "Who's.Your Lady Friend" have become almost obsolete as marching songs. "Are] We Downhearted?" is, however, still a favourite, and is sung to all manner of airs, hymn tunes being, the latest to be used. When a company of men is heard, approaching, and singing • as they cdine what: sounds' like a hymn, the civilian is liable to be misled, until he hears the words and recognises them as the old familiar challenge and reply, both chanted in a minor key. _ '■

It has been suggested .that, since Wellington crowds cannot cheer properly, the soldiers should be allowed to sing when they march through the streets. If the suggestion was acted ui>pn, the result would be both interesting and pleasing. ■