Bless 'Em All
George Formby
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They say there's a troopship just leaving bombay, bound for old blighty shore Heavily laden with time expired men, bound for the land they adore. There's many an airman just finishing his time, there's many a twerp signing on. You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless 'em all. Bless em all, bless em all, the long and the short and the tall Bless all the sergeants and w. o. ones, Bless all the corp'rals and their blinkin sons, 'Cause we're saying goodbye to them all, as back to their billets they crawl You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless 'em all They say if you work hard you'll get better pay We've heard all that before Clean up your buttons and polish your boots Scrub out the barrack room floor There's many a rookie has taken it in, hook line and sinker an 'all You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean So cheer up my lads bless 'em all. Bless 'em all, bless 'em all, the long and the short and the tall, Bless all the sergeants and w. o. ones, Bless all the corp'rals and their blinkin sons, 'cos we're saying goodbye to them all, as back to their billets they crawl You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless'em all Now they say that the sergeant's a very nice chap, oh what a tale to tell. Ask him for leave on a Saturday night and he'll pay your fare home as well. There's many an airman has blighted his life through writing rude words on the wall You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean So cheer up my lads bless 'em all Bless 'em all, bless 'em all, the long and the short and the tall, Bless all the sergeants and w. o. ones, Bless all the corp'rals and their blinkin sons, 'Cause we're saying goodbye to them all, as back to their billets they crawl You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless'em all Nobody knows what a twerp you have been, so cheer up my lads bless 'em all
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: AL STILLMAN, FRANK LAKE, JIMI HUGHES
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Historical Background"Bless 'Em All" is a war song that was famously popular during the World War II.
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Artist IdentityDespite its popularity in the war period, and contrary to popular belief, "Bless 'Em All" was not originally sung by George Formby. Instead, it was performed by a range of artists over the years. Formby himself was known for playing a different collect of songs, often comedic in nature, during the war to raise the morale of British troops.
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Song CreationThe song "Bless 'Em All" is attributed to Fred Godfrey and was written back in 1917. It was later revived and modified for WW2 by Jimmy Hughes and Frank Lake.
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Common MisconceptionThe song was so popular during the WW2 that many people today mistakenly identify it as having originated with that conflict, although it was in fact penned during the First World War.
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Lyrics and ThemeIts lyrics express a sense of gallows humor in the face of imminent danger, characteristic of British stoicism during wartime.
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Witness to EvolutionOver the years, many variants of the song emerged reflecting its popularity and the humours of the soldiers singing it. It has been adapted for different regiments, different services, and for different theaters of war.
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Tribute to Troops"Bless 'Em All" is a semi-satirical tribute to the servicemen and servicewomen who fought for their country, thus adding a depth of sweetness and sincerity underneath its raucous humor.
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Cultural ImpactThe song remains a favorite among old-time singalong and war film compilations long after the end of the World Wars. It has thus secured its place in British cultural history.
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Popular CoverA cover version of the song was performed by Vera Lynn, a British singer and actress who was widely popular during the WW2 known as the Force's Sweetheart.
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Continued LegacyEven today, versions of "Bless 'Em All" can often be heard at commemorations or celebrations related to the World Wars, demonstrating its ongoing legacy.
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Citation
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"Bless 'Em All Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 25 Sep. 2023. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15712045/George+Formby/Bless+%27Em+All>.
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