New Song: Sherman Tank

Sherman Tank

Tune:  Wildwood Flower

I will drive in my Sherman to the gates of Berlin,

or dance with an angel on the point of a pin.

Be you Tommy or Frenchie or Polack or Yank

you are welcome to shelter by my Sherman Tank.

If we meet with a Tiger we will hide in the wood,

for a seventy five mill won't do us much good.

We will hide in the wood, lads, and keep out of reach

till the seventeen pounders come up from the beach.

I don’t hate the German as much as I should.

I don’t love my Sherman as much as I could.

For to tell you the truth, in the midst of a war,

I would far rather be in a T34.

To cross that wide river you need a strong bridge,

To cross that high mountain just follow the ridge,

To cross that wide plain you will need a good road,

And always my Sherman to carry your load.

I will drive in my Sherman to the gates of Berlin,

or dance with an angel on the point of a pin.

Be you Tommy or Frenchie or Polack or Yank

you are welcome to shelter by my Sherman Tank.

I think it is generally agreed that we do not have enough songs about the tanks, and other armoured and tracked vehicles, of World War II.

This song attempts to fill that gap.

This song will go to the tune of Wildwood Flower, the same tune that Woody Guthrie used for his song Reuben James.  Woody Guthrie adds an extra element to the tune, a little 2 line chorus.  If we need that chorus just adapt the Tommy and Frenchie couplet.

© Patrick O’Sullivan 2012