Soldier An' Sailor Too

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
As I was spittin' into the Ditch aboard o' the Crocodile, I seed a man on a man-o'-war got up in the Reg'lars' style. 'E was scrapin' the paint from off of 'er plates, an' I sez to 'im, "'Oo are you?" Sez 'e, "I'm a Jolly, 'Er Majesty's Jolly, soldier an' sailor too!" Now 'is work begins by Gawd knows when, and 'is work is never through; 'E isn't one o' the reg'lar Line, nor 'e isn't one of the crew. 'E's a kind of a giddy harumfrodite, soldier an' sailor too! An' after I met 'im all over the world, a-doin' all kinds of things, Like landin' 'isself with a Gatlin' gun to talk to them 'eathen kings; 'E sleeps in an 'ammick instead of a cot, an' 'e drills with the deck on a slew, An' 'e sweats like a Jolly, 'Er Majesty's Jolly, soldier an' sailor too! For there isn't a job on the top o' the earth the beggar don't know, nor do, You can leave 'im at night on a bald man's 'ead, to paddle 'is own canoe, 'E's a sort of a bloomin' cosmopolouse, soldier an' sailor too. We've fought 'em in trooper, we've fought 'em in dock, and drunk with 'em in betweens, When they called us the seasick scull'ry-maids, an' we called 'em the Ass Marines; But, when we was down for a double fatigue, from Woolwich to Bernardmyo, We sent for the Jollies, 'Er Majesty's Jollies, soldier an' sailor too! They think for 'emselves, an' they steal for 'emselves, and they never ask what's to do, But they're camped an' fed an' they're up an' fed before our bugle's blew. Ho! they ain't no limpin' procrastitutes, soldier an' sailor too. You may say we are fond of an 'arness-cut, or 'ootin' in barrick-yards, Or startin' a Board School mutiny along o' the Onion Guards; But once in a while we can finish in style for the ends of the earth to view, The same as the Jollies, 'Er Majesty's Jollies, soldier an' sailor too! They come of our lot, they was brothers to us; they was beggars we'd met an' knew; Yes, barrin' an inch in the chest an' the arm, they was doubles o' me an' you; For they weren't no special chrysanthemums, soldier an' sailor too! To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about, Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout; But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew, An' they done it, the Jollies, 'Er Majesty's Jollies, soldier an' sailor too! Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you; Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw, So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too! We're most of us liars, we're 'arf of us thieves, an' the rest are as rank as can be, But once in a while we can finish in style (which I 'ope it won't 'appen to me). But it makes you think better o' you an' your friends, an' the work you may 'ave to do, When you think o' the sinkin' Victorier's Jollies, soldier an' sailor too! Now there isn't no room for to say ye don't know, they 'ave proved it plain and true, That whether it's Widow, or whether it's ship, Victorier's work is to do, An' they done it, the Jollies, 'Er Majesty's Jollies, soldier an' sailor too!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents an engaging and vivid depiction of military life, specifically focusing on the dual roles of the "Jollies," individuals who serve as both soldiers and sailors. The speaker's vernacular and colloquial language create an authentic voice and contribute to the overall tone of camaraderie and respect for the Jollies.

The poem uses repetition effectively to emphasize the multifaceted roles of these men, often referring to the Jollies as "soldier and sailor too." This refrain not only underscores their versatility but also their resilience and steadfastness in the face of danger and hardship.

The poem's structure is a series of narrative vignettes that illustrate the Jollies' experiences, from mundane tasks like scraping paint to heroic deeds like handling Gatlin guns and standing firm during the perilous Birken'ead drill. The speaker’s admiration for the Jollies is evident throughout, especially in the lines that praise their self-reliance, adaptability, and courage.

Themes of brotherhood, valor, and duty are prevalent, highlighting how the Jollies' commitment goes beyond traditional roles. They're not just soldiers or sailors, but a unique breed of heroes who embody the spirit of service and sacrifice. The poem's vivid imagery and strong narrative voice invite readers to appreciate the Jollies' contributions and to reflect on the universal values they represent.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.