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Click on the ‘Play’ button above to hear the songs as you read the lyrics below. If the player doesn’t start straight away, wait and then press the ‘Play’ button again. Alternatively, you can listen to the album Mister Sun on Bandcamp HERE and you can download Tin Soldiers on Bandcamp HERE
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download the album Mister Sun at all download stores HERE and on Bandcamp HERE
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Tin Soldiers is a playful yet thought-provoking children’s song that tells the story of an Englishman on a mule, feeling pompous and pretending to be the ruler of all. It whimsically explores the idea of power, authority, and the consequences of pride, while also incorporating fun, catchy rhymes and imagery that children can sing along with. The chorus, “Tin soldiers all dressed in red, melting in the sun like molten lead,” evokes the image of little toy soldiers under the heat, serving as a metaphor for the fragility and fleeting nature of power.
The lyrics also feature familiar nursery rhyme references like “Georgie Porgie,” adding a playful, nostalgic touch to the song. Throughout the song, there’s a contrast between the superficial glory of a ruler and the inevitable decay of power, symbolized by the “melting” tin soldiers. The song presents these themes in a child-friendly, sing-song style, making it both educational and entertaining.
The repeated chorus and rhythmic lines make it easy for children to join in and sing along, while the story behind the song provides a gentle way to reflect on historical themes, such as the transient nature of empires and the importance of humility. With its fun and catchy tune, “Tin Soldiers” is an ideal song for young listeners to enjoy while learning subtle lessons about power and respect.
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Tin Soldiers lyrics
One fat Englishman on a mule
Feeling so pompous, looking such a fool
He’ll ride that-poor-mule till it drops
Showing he’s master, don’t matter the cost
Tin soldiers all dressed in red
Tin soldiers all dressed in red
Melting in the sun, just like molten lead
In the sun like molten lead
He was born-to-lead, so they said
Empire’s built on sand, on backs of the dead
They say charity starts at home
Nick-knack-paddy-whack
Give the dog a bone
Tin soldiers all dressed in red
Tin soldiers all dressed in red
Melting in the sun, just like molten lead
In the sun like molten lead
So much sacrifice for a crown
Written in the past
Pages are all brown
The sun never sets come what may
The sun never sets so they say
Georgie Porgie please
Won’t you come out to play
Who’s the King of the Castle
Who’s the dirty rascal
Who’s the dirty rascal
Who’s the King of the Castle
Tin soldiers all dressed in red
Tin soldiers all dressed in red
Melting in the sun, just like molten lead
In the sun like molten lead
Tin soldiers, Tin soldiers, Tin soldiers
Tin soldiers, Tin soldiers, Tin soldiers
Paul Robert Thomas
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