The Songs Of Olde England, Great Britain, And Modern America

Currently Playing: ‘The Wagon Loafers’ - British Boer War Song

‘The Wagon Loafers’ is a British patriotic song from the late 19th century about life as a ‘wagon loafer’ during the war. The song seems to be from the Second Boer War (1899 - 1902). It recounts driving cape carts, which were a type of South African carriage used for travelling over rough terrain during the war. The melody and chorus of the song however, was originally sung in the states during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865) as marching songs for the US side, it’s most popular versions being ‘John Brown’s Body’ and ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ Recording done by the band ‘The Druids’ I don’t own the music in any way.