Overview
Introduction
"The British Grenadiers" is a traditional marching song of British and Canadian military units whose badge of identification features a grenade, the tune of which dates from the 17th century. It is the Regimental Quick March of the Royal Artillery (since 1716), Corps of Royal Engineers (since 1787), the Honourable Artillery Company (since 1716), Grenadier Guards 'The First (later 'Grenadier') Regiment of Foot Guards' (since 1763), and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (since 1763). It is also an authorised march of The Royal Gibraltar Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, The Canadian Grenadier Guards, The Royal Regiment of Canada, The Princess Louise Fusiliers, and The 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. The standard orchestration for the military band was approved during 1762, when the Royal Artillery Band (initiated during 1557) became recognised officially, and for all other 'grenade' regiments during 1763, when the remaining unofficial bands gained official status.
History
A song titled "The New Bath" found in John Playford's dance books from the 17th century is thought to be the origin. However, it is also suggested that it was derived from the Dutch march "Mars van de jonge Prins van Friesland" ("March of the young Prince of Friesland", referring to Prince Johan Willem Friso); the first notes of this tune are similar. The march was introduced to Great Britain during the reign of the Dutch Stadholder-King William III.
The first known association of the tune with the regiment is during 1706 as 'The Granadeer's March', and the first version printed with lyrics from about 1750. It was a popular tune throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and remains so.
It is played annually at the Trooping the Colour in London. Additionally, the first eight measures are played during the ceremony when the Escort for the Colour marches into position on Horse Guards Parade.
Some former British units have also had it as their march: Royal Dublin Fusiliers (before disbandment in 1922).
Lyrics
以下的英文歌词是最为人熟悉的版本，一般认为创作于1702年－1713年西班牙王位继承战争期间，描述并歌颂当时英国掷弹兵无惧危险和牺牲，站在队列最前线（也就是最危险的位置）向敌人投掷手榴弹（当时的黑火药手榴弹威力低下之余，安全性极差）的英勇表现。
英文歌词
Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules
Of Hector and Lysander, and such great names as these.
But of all the world's great heroes, there's none that can compare.
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, to the British Grenadiers.
Those heroes of antiquity ne'er saw a cannon ball,
Or knew the force of powder to slay their foes withal.
But our brave boys do know it, and banish all their fears,
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.
Whene'er we are commanded to storm the palisades,
Our leaders march with fusees, and we with hand grenades.
We throw them from the glacis*, about the enemies' ears.
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
And when the siege is over, we to the town repair.
The townsmen cry, "Hurrah, boys, here comes a Grenadier!
Here come the Grenadiers, my boys, who know no doubts or fears!
Then sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
Then let us fill a bumper, and drink a health to those
Who carry caps and pouches, and wear the loupèd clothes.
May they and their commanders live happy all their years.
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers."
* 有时也唱作 "about the Frenchmen's ears"
中文译词
有人尊敬亚历山大，也有人崇拜赫拉克勒斯
或是海克托尔，或是利山达。或是许多许多这样的英雄
但是就是全世界的英雄里，也没有一个能和他比
能和那一排,排,排,排,排的英国掷弹兵比
那些古代英雄没见过炮弹铁丸
也没见过那轰杀敌人的火药
但我们勇敢的小伙子都见过，而且早已无所畏惧
哦为那一排,排,排,排,排的英国掷弹兵歌唱吧
当我们被命令向工事冲锋时
我们的队长举起雷管，而我们点起手榴弹
我们从斜堤上丢出它们，砸到敌人的耳朵上
哦为那一排,排,排,排,排的英国掷弹兵歌唱吧
当攻城结束，我们进城休整
那些城里佬就叫唤着“哦小子看啊！来了个掷弹兵！
来了个掷弹兵！那些家伙毫不犹豫，也不知道啥叫怕！”
哦为那一排,排,排,排,排的英国掷弹兵歌唱吧！
然后让我们装满大杯，为那些家伙的健康祝酒！
愿那些戴着帽子背着包，穿着漂亮大外套的大头兵
还有他们的指挥官，得享天年，欢乐幸福！
还有那一排,排,排,排,排的英国掷弹兵！
