Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Military Technology, Steamships, War, Nationalism, Commerce

    Sung to the tune of 'Rule Britannia', the song laments the sorry condition of the Royal Navy's fleet and criticises the fact that 'Old ships are tinkered up for new, / And then sent forth upon the main'. Wonders, 'When shall our ships be good and sound', and blames the present situation on 'Mismanagement and jobbery'. The chorus accuses Britons of being 'Routine's slaves'.