trad
This song is traditionally sung to a different tune than it is often sung to in New England today. The traditional tune is that sung for the variant of this song below "The Topman and the Afterguard". Steven Levine was encouraged to sing to the "Pleasant and Delightful" tune by a Bernard Collard, the video went viral and the new setting became popular. Steven has strong opinions about the subversiveness of the specific lyrics (below) that he sings that I think go over most people's heads. I kinda like the traditional tune; it's novel when you're used to the other!
A soldier and a sailor were walking one day
Said the soldier to the sailor, “Come let us pray,
And if we have one prayer, we may as well have ten”.
“Let’s have a bloody litany”, said the sailor, “Amen”.
“Now what shall we pray for, let’s pray for some beer,
Some glorious, beautiful, wonderful beer.
And if we have one pint, me might as well have ten”.
“Let’s have a bloody brewery”, said the sailor, “Amen”.
“Now who shall we pray for let’s pray for the Queen.
Glory, O Glory, long may she reign
And if she has one child, may she also have ten”.
“May she have a bloody regiment”, said the sailor, “Amen”.
“Now what shall we pray for, let’s pray for our peace.
From Cape Town to Belfast, from Glasgow to Greece
And if we have one year, may we also have ten”.
“May there never be another war”, said the sailor, “Amen”