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The Peat Bog Soldiers
Children's Song Lyrics and Sound Clip
Michael Mitchell
In July 1936 a fascist revolt in Spain led
by General Francisco Franco sought to
oust the leaders of the new nation
which had only been a republic since
1931. Franco's Nationalists, supported
heavily with troops and equipment from
Germany and Italy, clashed with
Loyalist forces supported by brigades
of international volunteers with
equipment from the Soviet Union.
Eventually, in 1939, Spain fell to
Franco. This song came from one of
the German prisoner of war camps in
the conflict. The name and even the
nationality of the author remain
unknown, but he, like so many of his
comrades, was thought not have
survived the imprisonment.
Far and wide as the eye can wande r
Peat and bog are everywhere
Not a bird sings out to cheer us
Oaks are standing gaunt and bare
CHORUS:
We are the peat bog soldiers
Marching with our spades to the bog
Up and down the guards are pacing
No one, no one can go through
Flight would mean a sure death-facing
Guns and barbed wire greet our view
But for us there is no complaining
Winter will in time be pas t
One day we shall cry rejoicing
"Homeland dear, you're mine at last "
Then will the peat bog soldiers
March no more with their spades
To the bog
© Michael Mitchell. All rights reserved. Used with permission
Educational Children's Music from Songs for Teaching
Educational Children's Music from Songs for Teaching®
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