Threads of Grey and Gold — The Man Behind the Gun

The Man Behind the Gun Now let the eagle flap his wings And let the cannon roar, For while the conquering bullet sings We pledge the commodore.

First battle of a righteous war Right royally he won, But here's a health to the jolly tar-- To the man behind the gun!

Now praise be to the flag-ship's spars-- To the captain in command, And honour to the Stripes and Stars For whose defence they stand;

And for the pilot at his wheel Let the streams of red wine run, But here's a health to the man of steel-- The man behind the gun!

Here's to the man who does not swerve In the face of any foe;

Here's to the man of iron nerve, On deck and down below;

Here's to the man whose heart is glad When the battle has begun;

Here's to the health of that daring lad-- To the man behind the gun!

Now let the Stars and Stripes float high And let the eagle soar;

Until the echoes make reply We pledge the commodore.

Here's to the chief and here's to war, And here's to the fleet that won, And here's a health to the jolly tar-- To the man behind the gun!