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"Your King and Country Want You" was a British popular song, with both words and music by Paul Rubens. It was published in London in 1914, at the start of the First World War, by Chappell Music. It was written as a "Woman's Recruiting Song" to be sung with the intention of persuading men to volunteer to fight in the War. The profits from its sale were to be given to "Queen Mary's Work for Women Fund". The song raised over half a million pounds for the fund.
Contents
Lyrics
The song lyrics were written to be sung by a woman, but alternative words could be used (listed in brackets) if sung by a man or by a mixed ensemble. The following complete set of lyrics are taken from the original sheet music:
Verse 1:
We've watched you playing cricket And every kind of game At football, golf and polo, You men have made your name, But now your country calls you To play your part in war, And no matter what befalls you, We shall love you all the more, So come and join the forces As your fathers did before.Refrain (to be sung after each verse):
Oh! we don't want to lose you but we think you ought to go For your King and Country both need you so; We shall want you and miss you but with all our might and main We shall cheer you, thank you, kiss (bless) you When you come back again.Chorus (to be sung after each refrain):
Oh! we don't want to lose you but we think you ought to go For your King and Country both need you so; We shall want you and miss you but with all our might and main We shall cheer you, thank you, kiss (bless) you When you come back again.Verse 2:
We want you from all quarters So, help us, South and North We want you in your thousands, From Falmouth to the Forth, You'll never find us fail you When you are in distress, So, answer when we hail you, And let your word be "Yes" And so your name, in years to come Each mother's son shall bless.Encore Verse:
It's easy for us women (people) To stay at home and shout, But remember there's a duty To the men who first went out. The odds against that handful Were nearly four to one, And we cannot rest until It's man for man, and gun for gun! And every woman's (body's) duty Is to see that duty done!Recordings
Below is a list of artists who have recorded the song, record company (where known) and the recording date (where known):
Listen to the song
You can use the following links to listen to "Your King and Country Want You" being sung: