That's a reference to another popular shanty of the time, I think.
Sea shanties were as international as the crews that created and sang them. Oftentimes, choruses just got carried over from one song to another in the original language. The "John Franswor" in Boney is probably a similar phenomenon to the "Oh! Mes boués" ("oh! Me boys!") In Jean-Francois.
@anangryorc "Jean Franswor"? It's "Jean Francois" - french for John Francis, if I recall my school-grade french correctly (minus the diacritical cedilla, of course...)
I didnt have the foggiest of the origins or info about this song, I only remember that my dad taught me and my brother the words and tune one day long long ago ,so I searched it here ! Thanks for posting ,brought back a nice memory.
You guys, this song was way better in the 1970 movie with Rod Steiger. It was never sung opera like this guy does it, it was a chantey sung by British soldiers to mock the French. It was sung faster and ocapella too. This is why it sounded better in the Waterloo movie with Steiger. I was singing along in that movie, this clip just makes me flacid lol.
They had Jean Francois and away ya backwards. But it doesn't matter much. And yes, even the common infantry knew about Bony, he was infamous.
So, you're apparently not aware of how deeply Bonapartists feel for the Emperor. Napoleon isn't just some historical figure that had an historic rise and nearly conquered Europe; to Bonapartists, he deserves the utmost respect and reverence. Many see him in the present, and is considered to be their present Emperor. The incompetence, selfishness and debauchery that riddles all current governments and societies shows how badly we need a Bonaparte.
Yeah,I think the song is awful and english people are anoying sometimes, but the pictures of my beloved EMPEROR are amazing,except the caricatures...I LOVE MY EMPEROR!
I'll make you a deal! You upload the rest of your Paul Clayton collection, and I'll upload by Murder Ballads album by Paul! Let me know. Thanks, beautiful song...
This is actually a good example of the admiration that the average Englishman, whether civilian or soldier, had for "Boney"... the original rifleman Harris was no exception.
If you look up the site of the International Napoleonic Society, there's an article "England's unlikely hero, Napoleon".
Oh aye....I got an actual camcorder for Christmas! It's really neat for most things. I'll show it sometime in the blogs (also have a camera that can take two-minute movie clips).
Great to hear Paul Clayton's voice again after these many years. He was a good friend of mine when we lived in the Village in NY in 1956. On Sundays, after playing at Washington Square, we would all gather at our loft on 190 Spring Street for jam sessions that would last to about midnight. Great times. Thanks for playing this for us! Tage
To be around the Village and other places of NYC through the 50's and 60's must have been so stimulating. The people you must have met! The conversations you must have had!
Being from a shitty little milltown on the outskirts of Manchester UK, makes it seem like another planet!
I wonder though if you are being honest with us, as you are apparently only in your 40's. Would be a shame if you made this up, a shame for you really that you feel the need lie on here.
not just any frenchmen, this song is about napoleon (russia and waterloo... and then sent away..)
EmilyGoesCreazy 1 month ago
sounds better when twenty jack tars are hollerin' it dragging up an anchor
alpinorico 11 months ago
mmmm...shoud change the 2nd last vers now to Nonney was murdered in st helena....
its now fact
103littlebastard 1 year ago
Check " le 31 du moi d'Aout " good song ..
jeffkodiac 1 year ago
Re: Jean-Francois:
That's a reference to another popular shanty of the time, I think.
Sea shanties were as international as the crews that created and sang them. Oftentimes, choruses just got carried over from one song to another in the original language. The "John Franswor" in Boney is probably a similar phenomenon to the "Oh! Mes boués" ("oh! Me boys!") In Jean-Francois.
anangryorc 1 year ago
@anangryorc "Jean Franswor"? It's "Jean Francois" - french for John Francis, if I recall my school-grade french correctly (minus the diacritical cedilla, of course...)
zarathustra2k1 1 year ago
@anangryorc
Johny Fransoir, Franswor, Franzwar.. is old slang for a Frenchman, aalso Johnny Crapaud.
Its the same as calling Americans - Johnathon, Englishmen - John Bull, Irishmen - Paddy, Welshmen - Taffy, Hawaians - Kanaka or John Kanaka ect ect
Tiwaz81 1 year ago 6
@Tiwaz81
This here, is what I was typing, but you saved me the bother.
Good show.
Octavius0 9 months ago 2
Asterix in Corsica anyone?
StJude1978 2 years ago 8
@StJude1978
A bit belated, but I am amazed nobody else pointed that out
( for those who do not know, Boneywasawarriorawayaix is a Corsican in A in C)
LdHighEverythingElse 6 months ago
I didnt have the foggiest of the origins or info about this song, I only remember that my dad taught me and my brother the words and tune one day long long ago ,so I searched it here ! Thanks for posting ,brought back a nice memory.
loukanika 2 years ago
You guys, this song was way better in the 1970 movie with Rod Steiger. It was never sung opera like this guy does it, it was a chantey sung by British soldiers to mock the French. It was sung faster and ocapella too. This is why it sounded better in the Waterloo movie with Steiger. I was singing along in that movie, this clip just makes me flacid lol.
They had Jean Francois and away ya backwards. But it doesn't matter much. And yes, even the common infantry knew about Bony, he was infamous.
iluvnato 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
These aren't the lyrics I recall from school...
P.S. "My beloved Emperor"? WTF drugs are YOU on?!?!
zarathustra2k1 2 years ago
So, you're apparently not aware of how deeply Bonapartists feel for the Emperor. Napoleon isn't just some historical figure that had an historic rise and nearly conquered Europe; to Bonapartists, he deserves the utmost respect and reverence. Many see him in the present, and is considered to be their present Emperor. The incompetence, selfishness and debauchery that riddles all current governments and societies shows how badly we need a Bonaparte.
howdilydoodily 2 years ago
Yeah,I think the song is awful and english people are anoying sometimes, but the pictures of my beloved EMPEROR are amazing,except the caricatures...I LOVE MY EMPEROR!
6Andra9 2 years ago
I'll make you a deal! You upload the rest of your Paul Clayton collection, and I'll upload by Murder Ballads album by Paul! Let me know. Thanks, beautiful song...
Tajomaru 2 years ago
This is actually a good example of the admiration that the average Englishman, whether civilian or soldier, had for "Boney"... the original rifleman Harris was no exception.
If you look up the site of the International Napoleonic Society, there's an article "England's unlikely hero, Napoleon".
NapoleonCalland 3 years ago
Some soldiers start singing this, or a version of this, in the film 'Waterloo'
sparkmouse 3 years ago
Yes. Although I enjoy their song about Wellington more.
Who has the Hooked Nose?
Our Wellie!
--
Who made Soult to run?
Our Wellie!
---
Who will kick Boney's Arse?
Our Wellie!
ajferet 3 years ago
How old is this film, mate? Is it a 50's/60's film?
i don't know of it but I'm fascinated by the thought of a decent, well made film about the Napoleonic wars and/or Waterloo
Triplesod 3 years ago
It is from 1970, starring Rod Steiger as Napoleon.
One of the best war movies ever made.
uggabuggazugga 2 years ago
Wellington is so mean! He was very awful and this song about Wellington is stupid and annoying!
6Andra9 2 years ago
Wonderful folk song. Who is the John Fronzwa guy they keep refering to?
altosax1st 3 years ago
I'm not sure...But there's only one prominent Jean-Francois that I know of around that time....and his last name is Champollion.
So....John Francis? Perhaps he was talking to some lad with the same name.
sophia9084 3 years ago
No Jean Francois is simply a mildly derogatory term for a Frenchman. (As opposed to Frog or Froggie or Bagel as more derogatory)
Like calling an Irish man a "Paddy" (As opposed to "Mick"). Or more offensive to us moderns "Darkie" (vs. N-gger)
ajferet 3 years ago
@altosax1st I know this is kind of an old comment but that is just like "kraut' or 'jerrie' for the Germans,it is a derogatory name for the French.
Loveyouall91 1 year ago
@altosax1st jean-françois its a french name
040392agh 1 year ago
great song and images
bullyboy1863 3 years ago
steveray30606......'read' your history before you leave stupid remarks comparing Hilter to Napoleon. There complete opposits
103littlebastard 3 years ago 2
good to see you keeping the old tune alive...good work
103littlebastard 3 years ago
Georgie, how is it that your sound is so clean now? What are you doing different? Do you have a new webcam or camcorder? Have a good day in paradise.
I Cr 13;8a
johnnycee888 3 years ago
Oh aye....I got an actual camcorder for Christmas! It's really neat for most things. I'll show it sometime in the blogs (also have a camera that can take two-minute movie clips).
sophia9084 3 years ago
WOW A comment from Georgie! Where have you been hiding. People have missed you. Did you go to Spain or something? LOL Hope everything
is O K. Praying for you, always
I Cr 13;8a
johnnycee888 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Heil Hitler
steveyray30606 3 years ago
Great to hear Paul Clayton's voice again after these many years. He was a good friend of mine when we lived in the Village in NY in 1956. On Sundays, after playing at Washington Square, we would all gather at our loft on 190 Spring Street for jam sessions that would last to about midnight. Great times. Thanks for playing this for us! Tage
aquareefer 4 years ago 3
That sounds amazing, mate!
To be around the Village and other places of NYC through the 50's and 60's must have been so stimulating. The people you must have met! The conversations you must have had!
Being from a shitty little milltown on the outskirts of Manchester UK, makes it seem like another planet!
I wonder though if you are being honest with us, as you are apparently only in your 40's. Would be a shame if you made this up, a shame for you really that you feel the need lie on here.
Triplesod 3 years ago
Thnx for uploading, i've been lookin' for this one
rehtged 4 years ago 3
You're welcome...
sophia9084 4 years ago
Beautiful song and nice images, thanks for sharing
Cybelephotography 4 years ago 3