When it is remembered how large a part has been played in history by
revolutionary and political songs it is both lamentable and strange
that at the present time only one of the numerous political faiths
has a hymn of its own--“The Red Flag.” The author of the words owes a
good deal, I should say, to the author of “Rule Britannia,” though I
am inclined to think he has gone one better. The tune is that gentle
old tune which we used to know as “Maryland,” and by itself it rather
suggests a number of tired sheep waiting to go through a gate than a
lot of people thinking very redly. I fancy the author realised this,
and he has got over it by putting in some good powerful words like
“scarlet,” “traitors,” “flinch” and “dungeon,” whenever the tune is
particularly sheepish. The effect is effective. Just imagine if the
Middle Classes Union could march down the middle of the Strand singing
that fine chorus:--
“Then raise the scarlet standard high
Beneath its shade we’ll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer
We’ll keep the Red Flag flying here.”
Well, I have set myself to supply some other parties with songs, and
I have begun with “The White Spat,” which is to be the party-hymn
of the High Tories (if any). I have written it to the same tune as
“The Red Flag,” because, when the lion finally does lie down with the
lamb, it will be much more convenient if they can bleat and roar in
the same metre, and I shall hope to hear Mr. Robert Williams and Lord
Robert Cecil singing these two songs at once one day. I am not wholly
satisfied with “The White Spat,” but I think I have caught the true
spirit, or, at any rate, the proper inconsequence of these things:--