| Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
|
|
|
|
| This is a traditional English tune. According to several sources it dates to at least 1700. The words were written by John Dyer (1700-58). The air appears in The Dancing Master (volume ii, circa 1726). It was popular during Queen Anne's reign, but there are also version refering to George I ("Here's a health to the King"). |
Here's a health to the Queen and a lasting peace, To faction an end, to wealth increase; Come, let us drink it while we have breath, For there's no drinking after death, And he that will this health deny, Chorus Down among the dead men, Down among the dead men, Down, down, down, down, Down among the dead men let him lie. Let charming Beauty's health go round, In whom celestial joys are found; And may confusion still pursue, The senseless woman hating crew, And they that woman's health deny; Chorus May love and wine their joys maintain, And their united pleasures reign; While smiling plenty crowns the land, We'll sing the joys that both afford: And they that won't with us comply, Chorus |
| From
Our National Songs Information from Songs of Ireland J. L. Hatton and J. L. Molloy See Bibliography for full information. |
|