From the 1918 musical “Sinbad”
Words by Sam Ehrlich
Music by Nat Osborne
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Denese Coulbeck:
Lyrics
- Kipling unfolded a tale that was moulded
About Gunga Din who served in many a war
His deeds were so daring
He ought to be wearing a medal for every scar
I’d love to shake him by the hand
For he was the pride of the land
Chorus
Din Din Oh, Gunga Din
You’re a spunky flunky, Gunga Din
You were a wonder amid shot and shell
When they fell you carried water to the boys
Who shouted “Din Din Oh, Gunga Din”
You’re a hero from your toes up to your chin”
But could you live in a “two-by-four” flat?
With a wife who was grouchy and fat?
If you could do that trick without a single kick
You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din
- Din was no stranger at facing great danger
His Amazon wife made “Dinny” look like a lime
When she’d start to battle, the dishes would rattle
And Gunga “took water” each time
When wifie’s Ma came as a guest
Poor Din went to war for a rest
Chorus
Din Din Oh, Gunga Din
You’re a spunky flunky, Gunga Din
You were a wonder amid shot and shell
When they fell you carried water to the boys
Who shouted “Din Din Oh, Gunga Din”
You’re a hero from your toes up to your chin”
Oh you’re a soldier Din that’s what you are
But supposing your wife declared war?
If you could dodge the cans and all the frying pans
You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: