The Roast Beef of Old England - The Broadside Band/John Potter

When mighty Roast Beef was the Englishman's food

It ennobled our brains and enriched our blood

Our soldiers were brave and our courtiers were good

Oh the Roast Beef of old England

And old English Roast Beef

But since we have learnt from all-vapouring France

To eat their ragouts as well as to dance

We're fed up with nothing but vain complaisance

Oh the Roast Beef of Old England

And old English Roast Beef

Our fathers of old were robust stout and strong

And kept open house with good cheer all day long

Which made their plump tenants rejoice in this song

Oh the Roast Beef of old England

And old English Roast Beef

But now we are dwindled to what shall I name

A sneaking poor race half-begotten and tame

Who sully the honours that once shone in fame

Oh the Roast Beef of Old England

And old English Roast Beef

When good Queen Elizabeth sat on the throne

Ere coffee or tea or such slip-slops were known

The world was in terror if e'er she did frown

Oh the Roast Beef of old England

And old English Roast Beef

In those days if Fleets did presume on the Main

They seldom or never return'd back again

As witness the Vaunting Armada of Spain

Oh the Roast Beef of Old England

And old English Roast Beef

Oh then we had stomachs to eat and to fight

And when wrongs were cooking to do ourselves right

But now we're a I could but goodnight

Oh the Roast Beef of Old England

And old English Roast Beef