Marching song, When England beats the drum!

In 1914 the outbreak of World War One produced a large quantity of patriotic songs. Some of the themes reflected in the lyrics of this genre of music are emotional and personal sacrifices, recruitment and anti-conscription. The pressure for eligible young men to enlist was enormous and the campaign included music, posters, poetry, letters and pressure from individuals and groups such as the Win the War League. Patriotic songs were often performed at fundraising concerts, recruitment drives and around the piano at home.

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