"Over the Hills and Far Away" - British Trad. Folk Tune - Arr. and performed by John Tams

A much darker take on this lovely old tune: "King George commands, and we obey, over the hills and far away".

As to the political elements, a crusty old cynic might ask: wasn't it ever thus?

Arranged and performed here by John Tams, including lyrics, for the TV Series "Sharpe" which was set in the Napoleonic Wars - 1803–1815.

A few people have asked about specific images. Almost all of my YouTube vids comprise my own photography. Not here, however - so all credit due to the original creators of these images (not to mention the principal act here: John Tams' performance and arrangement of this music!).

At 0:50 the striking image of brave French soldiers in unimaginably harsh conditions is at once frightening, and heartbreaking. Most of us have not even the vaguest grasp of what it means to be fighting in war - except of course for the courageous soldiers of today, many of whom play video-games for fun, relaxation; and yes, relief from the harder truths of military conflict. Armchair warriors bring it on!

The image of the British soldiers at 1:16 here: http://www.napoleon-series.org/images/home/triviacontest/2006/Funny_7.jpg

And here is a rather earlier account of this tune:

http://youtu.be/0MR7VihPm2E

Finally, here are John Tams' lyrics:

Here's forty shillings on the drum
For those who volunteer to come,
To 'list and fight the foe today
Over the Hills and far away
[Chorus]

O'er the hills and o'er the Main
Through Flanders, Portugal and Spain
King George commands and we obey
Over the hills and far away

When duty calls me I must go
To stand and face another foe
But part of me will always stray
Over the hills and far away
[Chorus]

If I should fall to rise no more
As many comrades did before
Then ask the pipes and drums to play
Over the hills and far away
[Chorus]

Then fall in lads behind the drum
With colours blazing like the sun
Along the road to come what may
Over the hills and far away
[Chorus] X4

Recording:

Over the Hills and Far Away: The Music of Sharpe
Label: Virgin
ASIN: B0000263G2

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