A funny, novelty song from 1868.
words and music by T. MacLagan
The U.S. Marines were formed in the 1700s. There is a recurring instrumental interlude in this arrangement. It was for the Captain to dance on stage.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- I am Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines
I often live beyond my means
I sport young ladies in their teens
To cut a swell in the army
I teach the ladies how to dance
How to dance, how to dance
I teach the ladies how to dance
For I’m their pet in the army
(spoken: Ha! ha! ha!…)
Chorus
I’m Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines
I give my horse good corn and beans
Of course it’s quite beyond my means
Tho’ a Captain in the army
- I joined my corps when twenty one
Of course I thought it capital fun
When the enemy came then off I run
I wasn’t cut out for the army
When I left home, mama, she cried
Mama, she cried, mama, she cried
When I left home, mama, she cried
“He ain’t cut out for the army”
(spoken: No, she thought I was too young
But then, I said, ah! mama,…) - The first day I went out to drill
The bugle sound made me quite ill
At the Balance step my hat it fell
And that wouldn’t do for the army
The officers they all did shout
They all cried out, they all did shout
The officers they all did shout
“Oh, that’s the curse of the army”
(spoken: Of course, my hat did fall off
But ah! nevertheless…) - My Tailor’s bills came in so fast
Forced me one day to leave at last
And ladies too, no more did cast
Sheeps eyes at me in the army
My creditors at me did shout
At me did shout, at me did shout
My creditors at me did shout
“Why, kick him out of the army”
(spoken: I said, “Ah! gentlemen, ah!
Kick me out of the Army? perhaps
you are not aware, that…)
Sung here by Fred Feild: