Bless 'Em All

George Formby

About Bless 'Em All

"Bless 'Em All", also known as "The Long and the Short and the Tall" and "Fuck 'Em All", is a war song. The words have been credited as being written by Fred Godfrey in 1917 to music composed by Robert Kewley. It was first recorded by George Formby, Jr. in 1940. The song has also been credited to Jimmy Hughes, Frank Lake and Al Stillman.


Year:
1995
6,618 
#10

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They say there's a troopship just leaving bombay, bound for old blighty shore
Heavily laden with time expired men, bound for the land they adore.
There's many an airman just finishing his time, there's many a twerp signing on.
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless 'em all.

Bless em all, bless em all, the long and the short and the tall
Bless all the sergeants and w. o. ones,
Bless all the corp'rals and their blinkin sons,
'Cause we're saying goodbye to them all, as back to their billets they crawl
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless 'em all

They say if you work hard you'll get better pay
We've heard all that before
Clean up your buttons and polish your boots
Scrub out the barrack room floor
There's many a rookie has taken it in, hook line and sinker an 'all
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads bless 'em all. 

Bless 'em all, bless 'em all, the long and the short and the tall,
Bless all the sergeants and w. o. ones,
Bless all the corp'rals and their blinkin sons,
'cos we're saying goodbye to them all, as back to their billets they crawl
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless'em all

Now they say that the sergeant's a very nice chap, oh what a tale to tell.
Ask him for leave on a Saturday night and he'll pay your fare home as well.
There's many an airman has blighted his life through writing rude words on the wall
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads bless 'em all 

Bless 'em all, bless 'em all, the long and the short and the tall,
Bless all the sergeants and w. o. ones,
Bless all the corp'rals and their blinkin sons,
'Cause we're saying goodbye to them all, as back to their billets they crawl
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless'em all

Nobody knows what a twerp you have been, so cheer up my lads bless 'em all

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George Formby

George Formby, OBE (26 May 1904 – 6 March 1961), born George Hoy Booth, was a British comedy actor, singer-songwriter and comedian. He sang light, comical songs, accompanying himself on the banjo ukulele or banjolele. He was a major star of stage and screen in the 1930s and 1940s. more »

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Written by: AL STILLMAN, FRANK LAKE, JIMI HUGHES

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Background
"Bless 'Em All" is a war song that was famously popular during the World War II.
Artist Identity
Despite its popularity in the war period, and contrary to popular belief, "Bless 'Em All" was not originally sung by George Formby. Instead, it was performed by a range of artists over the years. Formby himself was known for playing a different collect of songs, often comedic in nature, during the war to raise the morale of British troops.
Song Creation
The song "Bless 'Em All" is attributed to Fred Godfrey and was written back in 1917. It was later revived and modified for WW2 by Jimmy Hughes and Frank Lake.
Common Misconception
The song was so popular during the WW2 that many people today mistakenly identify it as having originated with that conflict, although it was in fact penned during the First World War.
Lyrics and Theme
Its lyrics express a sense of gallows humor in the face of imminent danger, characteristic of British stoicism during wartime.
Witness to Evolution
Over the years, many variants of the song emerged reflecting its popularity and the humours of the soldiers singing it. It has been adapted for different regiments, different services, and for different theaters of war.
Tribute to Troops
"Bless 'Em All" is a semi-satirical tribute to the servicemen and servicewomen who fought for their country, thus adding a depth of sweetness and sincerity underneath its raucous humor.
Cultural Impact
The song remains a favorite among old-time singalong and war film compilations long after the end of the World Wars. It has thus secured its place in British cultural history.
Popular Cover
A cover version of the song was performed by Vera Lynn, a British singer and actress who was widely popular during the WW2 known as the Force's Sweetheart.
Continued Legacy
Even today, versions of "Bless 'Em All" can often be heard at commemorations or celebrations related to the World Wars, demonstrating its ongoing legacy.

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