“O! They Marched Through the Town (The Captain with His Whiskers)”

Description

The girl looks out her window as the soldiers march by. Her eye seizes upon the captain, though she conceals this from her parents. Later they meet at the ball. Though the soldiers later depart, the girl hopes that they will soon return with her captain

Notes

Although the original version of this song makes no mention of facial hair, it is the revised version ("The Captain with His Whiskers") that seems to have captured the popular fancy. - RBW

Broadsides

• Bodleian, Harding B 15(38b), "The Captain with the whiskers", H. Disley (St. Giles), 1860-1883; also 2806 c.8(256), "The Captain with his whiskers," unknown, n.d.

Recordings

• Aaron Campbell's Mountaineers, "The Captain with his Whiskers" (Chamption 45038, 91935)

References

1. Warner 69, "The Captain with His Whiskers" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. Randolph 228, "The Captain with His Whiskers" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. Randolph/Cohen, pp. 214-215, "The Captain with His Whiskers" (1 text, 1 tune -- Randolph's 228)
4. SHenry H660, p. 273, "The Captain with His Whiskers" (1 text, 1 tune)
5. Meredith/Covell/Brown, p. 38, "The Captain with His Whiskers" (1 tune)
6. DT, CAPTWHSK*
7. Roud #2735
8. BI, Wa069