Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy

    Written from the perspective of a naval officer, who urges his lads to 'cheer up' because their ship has strong armour. The chorus zealously describes the iron hulls and guns of the ship with which the sailors will 'conquer again and again'. Subsequent verses note the passing of the days of sail, the safety and formidable strength of iron-hulled ships, and the fire-power of the 'four guns' mounted on the ships.