In Memoriam (Easter, 1915) By Edward Thomas E6 Am The flowers left thick at nightfall in the wood E6 F - Am7/E This Eastertide call into mind the men, Dm7+9 Now far from home, who, with their sweethearts, should Am7 Am7+9 Em Have gathered them and will do never again. E6: x7650x Am: 577555 F: xx321x Am7/E: xx201x Dm7+9: xx0560 Am7: x02010 Am7+9: x02000 Em: 022000

Cuckoo Song (Spring begins in southern England on the 14th April, on which date the Old Woman lets the Cuckoo out of her basket at Heathfield Fair -- locally known as Heffle Cuckoo Fair.) A Em Tell it to the locked-up trees, G A Bm Cuckoo, bring your song here! A Em Warrant, Act and Summons, please, G A Bm For Spring to pass along here! D A Bm F#m Tell old Winter, if he doubt, G A Bm Tell him squat and square -- a! Em Old Woman! D Old Woman! C G F Em Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out C G Am At Heffle Cuckoo Fair -- a! March has searched and April tried -- 'Tisn't long to May now. Not so far to Whitsuntide And Cuckoo's come to stay now! Hear the valiant fellow shout Down the orchard bare -- a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair -- a! When your heart is young and gay And the season rules it -- Work your works and play your play 'Fore the Autumn cools it! Kiss you turn and turn-about, But, my lad, beware -- a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair -- a!

The Jacket (Royal Horse Artillery) Am Em Am Em THROUGH the Plagues of Egyp’ we was chasin’ Arabi, Am G Am Em Gettin’ down an’ shovin’ in the sun; Am Em Am G An’ you might ’ave called us dirty, an’ you might ha’ called us dry, Am Em Am Em An’ you might ’ave ’eard us talkin’ at the gun. F G Am Em But the Captain ’ad ’is jacket, an’ the jacket it was new— Am Em Am Em (’Orse Gunners, listen to my song!) Am G Am Dm An’ the wettin’ of the jacket is the proper thing to do, Am Em Am Em Nor we didn’t keep ’im waitin’ very long. One day they gave us orders for to shell a sand redoubt, Loadin’ down the axle-arms with case; But the Captain knew ’is dooty, an’ he took the crackers out An’ he put some proper liquor in its place. Bb Dm An’ the Captain saw the shrapnel, which is six-an’-thirty clear. F C G (’Orse Gunners, listen to my song!) Am G F Em “Will you draw the weight,” sez ’e, “or will you draw the beer?” Am G Am Em An’ we didn’t keep ’im waitin’ very long. For the Captain, etc. Then we trotted gentle, not to break the bloomin’ glass, Though the Arabites ’ad all their ranges marked; But we dursn’t ’ardly gallop, for the most was bottled Bass, An’ we’d dreamed of it since we was disembarked: So we fired economic with the shells we ’ad in ’and, (’Orse Gunners, listen to my song!) But the beggars under cover ’ad the impidence to stand, An’ we couldn’t keep ’em waitin’ very long. And the Captain, etc. So we finished ’arf the liquor (an’ the Captain took champagne), An’ the Arabites was shootin’ all the while; An’ we left our wounded ’appy with the empties on the plain, An’ we used the bloomin’ guns for pro-jec-tile! We limbered up an’ galloped—there were nothin’ else to do— (’Orse Gunners, listen to my song!) An’ the Battery came a-boundin’ like a boundin’ kangaroo, But they didn’t watch us comin’ very long. As the Captain, etc. We was goin’ most extended—we was drivin’ very fine, An’ the Arabites were loosin’ ’igh an’ wide, Till the Captain took the glassy with a rattlin’ right incline, An’ we dropped upon their ’eads the other side. Then we give ’em quarter—such as ’adn’t up and cut, (’Orse Gunners, listen to my song!) An’ the Captain stood a limberful of fizzy somethin’ Brutt, But we didn’t leave it fizzing very long. For the Captain, etc. We might ha’ been court-martialled, but it all come out all right When they signalled us to join the main command. There was every round expended, there was every gunner tight, An’ the Captain waved a corkscrew in ’is ’and. But the Captain ’ad ’is jacket, etc.

The Chances D* D6 I mind as 'ow the night afore that show Dmaj7 Am7 Us five got talking, -- we was in the know, Cm Gm "Over the top to-morrer; boys, we're for it, Cm D7 First wave we are, first ruddy wave; that's tore it." "Ah well," says Jimmy, -- an' 'e's seen some scrappin' -- "There ain't more nor five things as can 'appen; Ye get knocked out; else wounded -- bad or cushy; Scuppered; or nowt except yer feeling mushy." Bm A One of us got the knock-out, blown to chops. Bm E7 T'other was hurt, like, losin' both 'is props. D F#m An' one, to use the word of 'ypocrites, Bm C#7 'Ad the misfortoon to be took by Fritz. Now me, I wasn't scratched, praise God Almighty (Though next time please I'll thank 'im for a blighty), But poor young Jim, 'e's livin' an' 'e's not; 'E reckoned 'e'd five chances, an' 'e's 'ad; Bm E7 'E's wounded, killed, and pris'ner, all the lot -- Bm D7 Em Bm Am B7 The ruddy lot all rolled in one. Jim's mad. Wilfred Owen D*: xx0455 D6: xx0432 Dmaj7: xx0222 Am7: x0x010

This is no Case of Petty Right or Wrong Am Am* Am** Am* This is no case of petty right or wrong Am G F Em That politicians or philosophers Am E7 Am E7 Can judge. I hate not Germans, nor grow hot Am G Am With love of Englishmen, to please newspapers. Beside my hate for one fat patriot My hatred of the Kaiser is love true:- A kind of god he is, banging a gong. But I have not to choose between the two, D Am D Am Or between justice and injustice. Dinned C E7 Am G With war and argument I read no more Am C Am G Than in the storm smoking along the wind F Em A7 Athwart the wood. Two witches' cauldrons roar. From one the weather shall rise clear and gay; Out of the other an England beautiful And like her mother that died yesterday. Little I know or care if, being dull, I shall miss something that historians Can rake out of the ashes when perchance The phoenix broods serene above their ken. But with the best and meanest Englishmen I am one in crying, God save England, lest We lose what never slaves and cattle blessed. The ages made her that made us from dust: She is all we know and live by, and we trust D Am D Am She is good and must endure, loving her so: C G Am And as we love ourselves we hate her foe. Edward Thomas Am: x0221x Am*: x0444x Am**: x0505x

Now Is Past Am C#m _Now_ is past--the happy _now_ A* F#m When we together roved Am E Beneath the wildwood's oak-tree bough G F And Nature said we loved. C G Winter's blast Am G The _now_ since then has crept between, Am E And left us both apart. G F Winters that withered all the green Am D Have froze the beating heart. Am Now is past. _Now_ is past since last we met Beneath the hazel bough; Before the evening sun was set Her shadow stretched below. Autumn's blast Has stained and blighted every bough; Wild strawberries like her lips Have left the mosses green below, Her bloom's upon the hips. Now is past. _Now_ is past, is changed agen, The woods and fields are painted new. Wild strawberries which both gathered then, None know now where they grew. The skys oercast. Wood strawberries faded from wood sides, Green leaves have all turned yellow; No Adelaide walks the wood rides, True love has no bed-fellow. Now is past. John Clare A*: x0545x (agbe)

The 'eathen Am G Am Em The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone; Am G F Em 'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own; Am G Am D 'E keeps 'is side-arms awful: 'e leaves 'em all about, Am G F E7 An' then comes up the Regiment an' pokes the 'eathen out. C G F Em All along o' dirtiness, all along o' mess, Dm Am G Am All along o' doin' things rather-more-or-less, C G F Em All along of abby-nay, kul, an' hazar-ho, Dm Am G Am Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so! [as per verse 1 but end on Em] The young recruit is 'aughty -- 'e draf's from Gawd knows where; They bid 'im show 'is stockin's an' lay 'is mattress square; 'E calls it bloomin' nonsense -- 'e doesn't know, no more -- An' then up comes 'is Company an'kicks'im round the floor! [as per verse 1] The young recruit is 'ammered -- 'e takes it very hard; 'E 'angs 'is 'ead an' mutters -- 'e sulks about the yard; 'E talks o' "cruel tyrants" which 'e'll swing for by-an'-by, An' the others 'ears an' mocks 'im, an' the boy goes orf to cry. Am E7 Am E7 The young recruit is silly -- 'e thinks o' suicide. F C G Am 'E's lost 'is gutter-devil; 'e 'asn't got 'is pride; Am E7 Am E7 But day by day they kicks 'im, which 'elps 'im on a bit, F C G Am Till 'e finds 'isself one mornin' with a full an' proper kit. [as per chorus] Gettin' clear o' dirtiness, gettin' done with mess, Gettin' shut o' doin' things rather-more-or-less; Not so fond of abby-nay, kul, nor hazar-ho, Learns to keep 'is ripe an "isself jus'so! [as per verse 1 but end on Em] The young recruit is 'appy -- 'e throws a chest to suit; You see 'im grow mustaches; you 'ear 'im slap' is boot. 'E learns to drop the "bloodies" from every word 'e slings, An 'e shows an 'ealthy brisket when 'e strips for bars an' rings. [as per verse 1] The cruel-tyrant-sergeants they watch 'im 'arf a year; They watch 'im with 'is comrades, they watch 'im with 'is beer; They watch 'im with the women at the regimental dance, And the cruel-tyrant-sergeants send 'is name along for "Lance." [as per verse 4] An' now 'e's 'arf o' nothin', an' all a private yet, 'Is room they up an' rags 'im to see what they will get. They rags 'im low an' cunnin', each dirty trick they can, But 'e learns to sweat 'is temper an 'e learns to sweat 'is man. [as per verse 1 but end on Em] An', last, a Colour-Sergeant, as such to be obeyed, 'E schools 'is men at cricket, 'e tells 'em on parade, They sees 'im quick an 'andy, uncommon set an' smart, An' so 'e talks to orficers which 'ave the Core at 'eart. [as per verse 1] 'E learns to do 'is watchin' without it showin' plain; 'E learns to save a dummy, an' shove 'im straight again; 'E learns to check a ranker that's buyin' leave to shirk; An 'e learns to make men like 'im so they'll learn to like their work. [as per verse 4] An' when it comes to marchin' he'll see their socks are right, An' when it comes: to action 'e shows 'em how to sight. 'E knows their ways of thinkin' and just what's in their mind; 'E knows when they are takin' on an' when they've fell be'ind. [as per verse 1 but end on Em] 'E knows each talkin' corp'ral that leads a squad astray; 'E feels 'is innards 'eavin', 'is bowels givin' way; 'E sees the blue-white faces all tryin 'ard to grin, An 'e stands an' waits an' suffers till it's time to cap'em in. [as per verse 1] An' now the hugly bullets come peckin' through the dust, An' no one wants to face 'em, but every beggar must; So, like a man in irons, which isn't glad to go, They moves 'em off by companies uncommon stiff an' slow. [as per verse 4] Of all 'is five years' schoolin' they don't remember much Excep' the not retreatin', the step an' keepin' touch. It looks like teachin' wasted when they duck an' spread an 'op -- But if 'e 'adn't learned 'em they'd be all about the shop. [as per verse 1 but end on Em] An' now it's "'Oo goes backward?" an' now it's "'Oo comes on?" And now it's "Get the doolies," an' now the Captain's gone; An' now it's bloody murder, but all the while they 'ear 'Is voice, the same as barrick-drill, a-shepherdin' the rear. [as per verse 1] 'E's just as sick as they are, 'is 'eart is like to split, But 'e works 'em, works 'em, works 'em till he feels them take the bit; The rest is 'oldin' steady till the watchful bugles play, An 'e lifts 'em, lifts 'em, lifts 'em through the charge that wins the day! [as per verse 1] The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone -- 'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own. The 'eathen in 'is blindness must end where 'e began But the backbone of the Army is the Non-commissioned Man! [as per chorus] Keep away from dirtiness -- keep away from mess, Don't get into doin' things rather-more-or-less! Let's ha' done with abby-nay, kul, and hazar-ho; Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!

Arithmetic on the Frontier Am D A great and glorious thing it is C E7 To learn, for seven years or so, Am D The Lord knows what of that and this, C E7 Ere reckoned fit to face the foe -- G Dm The flying bullet down the Pass, C- G E7 That whistles clear: "All flesh is grass." Three hundred pounds per annum spent On making brain and body meeter For all the murderous intent Comprised in "villanous saltpetre!" And after -- ask the Yusufzaies What comes of all our 'ologies. Dm G A scrimmage in a Border Station -- Am E7 A canter down some dark defile -- Am - G - F - D Two thousand pounds of education Am E7 Drops to a ten-rupee jezail -- Am - G - F - Em The Crammer's boast, the Squadron's pride, Am E7 Shot like a rabbit in a ride! No proposition Euclid wrote, No formulae the text-books know, Will turn the bullet from your coat, Or ward the tulwar's downward blow Strike hard who cares -- shoot straight who can -- The odds are on the cheaper man. One sword-knot stolen from the camp Will pay for all the school expenses Of any Kurrum Valley scamp Who knows no word of moods and tenses, But, being blessed with perfect sight, Picks off our messmates left and right. With home-bred hordes the hillsides teem, The troopships bring us one by one, At vast expense of time and steam, To slay Afridis where they run. The "captives of our bow and spear" Are cheap, alas! as we are dear.

Graves of Infants D F#m G Infant' graves are steps of angels, where A Bm G Earth's brightest gems of innocence repose. D F#m G God is their parent, and they need no tear; A Bm A G He takes them to His bosom from earth's woes, A Em A Em A bud their lifetime and a flower their close. C G C G Their spirits are an Iris of the skies, D Am D Am Needing no prayers; a sunset's happy close. F C Am D Gone are the bright rays of their soft blue eyes; F#m A Bm G Flowers weep in dew-drops oer them, and the gale gently sighs Their lives were nothing but a sunny shower, Melting on flowers as tears melt from the eye. Their deaths were dew-drops on Heaven's amaranth bower, And tolled on flowers as Summer gales went by. They bowed and trembled, and they left no sigh, And the sun smiled to show their end was well. Infants have nought to weep for ere they die; All prayers are needless, beads they need not tell, White flowers their mourners are, Nature their passing bell. John Clare

The White Man's Burden A C#m TAKE up the White Man's burden - D E Send forth the best ye breed - A G#m Go bind your sons to exile D C#m To serve your captives' need; D E To wait in heavy harness A - E F#m On fluttered folk and wild - Bm E Your new-caught sullen peoples, D _ E F#m Half devil and half child. Take up the White Man's burden - In patience to abide To veil the threat of terror And check the show of pride; By open speech and simple, An hundred times made plain, To seek another's profit, And work another's gain. Take up the White Man's burden - The savage wars of peace - Fill full the mouth of famine And bid the sickness cease; And when your goal is nearest The end for others sought, Watch Sloth and heathen Folly Bring all your hopes to nought. Take up the White Man's burden - No tawdry rule of kings, But toil of serf and sweeper - The tale of common things. The ports ye shall not enter, The roads ye shall not tread, Go make them with your living, And mark them with your dead ! Take up the White Man's burden - And reap his old reward, The blame of those ye better, The hate of those ye guard - The cry of hosts ye humour (Ah slowly !) towards the light:- "Why brought ye us from bondage, "Our loved Egyptian night ?" Take up the White Man's burden - Ye dare not stoop to less - Nor call too loud on Freedom To cloak your weariness; By all ye cry or whisper, By all ye leave or do, The silent sullen peoples Shall weigh your Gods and you. Take up the White Man's burden - Have done with childish days - The lightly proffered laurel, The easy, ungrudged praise. Comes now, to search your manhood Through all the thankless years, Cold-edged with dear-bought wisdom, The judgement of your peers.

The Men that fought at Minden In the Lodge of Instruction D Am D Am The men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time – C G F So was them that fought at Waterloo! D Am D Am All the 'ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand, C G E7 They was once dam' sweeps like you! F C Am Em Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper, F G Am We'll learn you not to forget; F G Am Em An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse, Dm C E7 For we'll make you soldiers yet! The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad stocks beneath their chins, Six inch 'igh an' more; But fatigue it was their pride, and they would not be denied To clean the cook-'ouse floor. F G Am Em The men that fought at Minden, they had anarchistic bombs Bm A7 Served to 'em by name of 'and-grenades; F C G Dm But they got it in the eye (same as you will by-an'-by) Am G E7 When they clubbed their field-parades. The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad buttons up an' down, Two-an'-twenty dozen of 'em told; But they didn't grouse an' shirk at an hour's extry work, They kept 'em bright as gold. The men that fought at Minden, they was armed with musketoons, Also, they was drilled by 'alberdiers; I don't know what they were, but the sergeants took good care They washed be'ind their ears. The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad ever cash in 'and Which they did not bank nor save, But spent it gay an' free on their betters – such as me – For the good advice I gave. The men that fought at Minden, they was civil – yuss, they was – Never didn't talk o' rights an' wrongs, But they got it with the toe (same as you will get it – so!) – For interrupting songs. The men that fought at Minden, they was several other things Which I don't remember clear; But that's the reason why, now the six-year men are dry, The rooks will stand the beer! Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper, We'll learn you not to forget; An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse, For we'll make you soldiers yet! Am E7 Soldiers yet, if you've got it in you – Am D All for the sake of the Core; Am E7 Soldiers yet, if we 'ave to skin you – Dm Run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw – Johnny Raw! Am G Am Ho! run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw!

Just As Rivers Em7 A* Just as rivers full of water fill up the sea C* G So will what here's been given bring blessings to departed spirits Em7 A* May all your hopes and all your longings Em come true in no long time D C May all your wishes be fulfilled Bm C Like on the fifteenth day of the moon G F Or like a bright and shining gem Em May all misfortunes be avoided May all illness be dispelled May you never meet with dangers May you be happy and live long For those who are respectful, who always honour the elders Four are the qualities which will increase Life, beauty, happiness and strength May every blessing come to be And all good spirits guard you well Fmaj7 Am Through the power of all Buddhas Fmaj7 Em May you always be at ease C G May every blessing come to be F G And all good spirits guard you well Through the power of all Dhammas May you always be at ease May every blessing come to be And all good spirits guard you well A* D Through the power of all sanghas Em A* May you always be at ease Em: 022030 A*: x0550x C*: x3043x Fmaj7: xx3210 [source: Amaravati Chanting book available from www.amaravati.org]