The Roast Beef of Old England

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The Roast Beef of Old England is an English patriotic ballad. It was written by Henry Fielding for his play The Grub-Street Opera, which was first performed in 1731. The lyrics were added to over the next twenty years. The song increased in popularity when given a new setting by the composer Richard Leveridge, and it became customary for theatre audiences to sing it before, after, and occasionally during, any new play. The tune is also played at United States Marine Corps formal mess dinners, during the presentation of the beef.

The song provided the popular title for a 1748 painting by William Hogarth: O the Roast Beef of Old England (The Gate of Calais).

[edit] Lyrics

When mighty Roast Beef was the Englishman's food,

It ennobled our brains and enriched our blood.

Our soldiers were brave and our courtiers were good

Oh! the Roast Beef of old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

But since we have learnt from all-vapouring France

To eat their ragouts as well as to dance,

We're fed up with nothing but vain complaisance

Oh! the Roast Beef of Old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

Our fathers of old were robust, stout, and strong,

And kept open house, with good cheer all day long,

Which made their plump tenants rejoice in this song--

Oh! The Roast Beef of old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

But now we are dwindled to, what shall I name?

A poor sneaking race, half-begotten and tame,

Who sully the honours that once shone in fame.

Oh! the Roast Beef of Old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

When good Queen Elizabeth sat on the throne,

Ere coffee, or tea, or such slip-slops were known,

The world was in terror if e'er she did frown.

Oh! The Roast Beef of old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

In those days, if Fleets did presume on the Main,

They seldom, or never, return'd back again,

As witness, the Vaunting Armada of Spain.

Oh! The Roast Beef of Old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

Oh then we had stomachs to eat and to fight

And when wrongs were cooking to do ourselves right.

But now we're a . . . I could, but goodnight!

Oh! the Roast Beef of Old England,

And old English Roast Beef!

[edit] See also

• Merry England

v • d • e Patriotic music of the United Kingdom General "Abide with Me" • "Crown Imperial March" • "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" • "Fantasia on British Sea Songs" • "God Save the Queen" • "Heart of Oak" • "Home! Sweet Home!" • "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" • "I Vow to Thee, My Country" • "See the Conquering Hero" • "Nimrod" • "Radio 4 UK Theme" • "Rule, Britannia!" • "Soldiers of the King" • "Song of Liberty" • "The British Grenadiers" • "The Saucy Arethusa" • "Zadok the Priest"  England "Jerusalem" • "Land of Hope and Glory" • "London Pride" • "Rose of England" • "The Roast Beef of Old England" • "There'll Always Be an England"  Scotland "Flower of Scotland" • "Highland Cathedral" • "Scotland the Brave" • "Scots Wha Hae" • "The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond" Northern Ireland "Londonderry Air"  Wales "Cwm Rhondda" • "David of the White Rock" • "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" • "Men of Harlech" County Songs "Bro Goth Agan Tasow" (Cornwall) • "Come, all ye jolly Tinner boys" (Cornwall) • "Hail to the Homeland" (Cornwall) • "The Song of the Western Men" (Cornwall) • "On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at" (Yorkshire)