BEAT BEAT DRUMS

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Song Title
BEAT BEAT DRUMS
Writers
Weill, Whitman
Publisher
HAMPSHIRE HOUSE PUBLISHING CORP. (ASCAP)
Co-Publisher
Non-TRO Affiliate
% Publisher Controls
50%
Territory Controlled
US
Themes/Keywords
1940's, Beats, Bride, City, Drums, Encouraging, Farmer, Instruments, Land, Loud, School, Strong, Trumpet
Lyrics
Beat! Beat! Drums!
Blow! Bugles! Blow!
Through the windows,
Through the doors,
Burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church,
And scatter the congregation;
Into the school
Where the scholar is studying;
Leave not the bride-groom quiet.
No happiness must he have
Now with his bride,
Nor the peaceful farmer,
Any peace, plowing his field
Or gathering his grain;
So fierce you whir and pound,
You drums, so shrill you bugles blow.
Beat! Beat! Drums!
Blow! Bugles! Blow!
Over the traffic of cities,
Over the rumble of wheels in the streets;
Are beds prepared for sleepers
At night in the houses?
No sleeper must sleep in those beds;
No bargainer’s bargains by day,
No brokers or speculators,
Would they continue?
Would the talkers be talking?
Would the singer attempt to sing?
Would the lawyer rise in the court
To state his case before the judge?
Then rattle quicker, heavier drums,
You bugles wilder blow.
Beat! Beat! Drums!
Stop for no expostulation;
Mind not the timid,
Mind not the weeper or prayer;
Mind not the old man
Beseeching the young man;
Let not the child’s voice be heard;
Nor the mother’s entreaties;
Make even the trestles
To shake the dead,
Where they lie awaiting the hearses.
So strong you thump,
O terrible drums,
So loud you bugles blow.
Beat! Beat! Drums! (2)
Blow! Bugles! Blow!

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