Added 16.1.2016
IN PROGRESS — NOT FOR PUBLICATION
You'll take my life but I'll take yours too
You'll fire your musket but I'll run you through
So when you're waiting for the next attack
You'd better stand there's no turning back
The bugle sounds the charge begins
But on this battlefield no one wins
The smell of acrid smoke and horse's breath
As I plunge on into certain death
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
The horse he sweats with fear we break to run
The mighty roar of the Russian guns
And as we race towards the human wall
The screams of pain as my comrades fall
We hurdle bodies that lay on the ground
And the Russians fire another round
We get so near yet so far away
We won't live to fight another day
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
We get so close, near enough to fight
When a Russian gets me in his sights
He pulls the trigger and I feel the blow
A burst of rounds takes my horse below
And as I lay there gazing at the sky
My body's numb and my throat is dry
And as I lay forgotten and alone
Without a tear I draw my parting groan
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Onward, onward rode the 600...
The Charge of the Light Brigade, which inspired the Iron Maiden song The Trooper, took place at the Battle of Balaclava (1854) during the Crimean War when 600 British cavalry courageously charged the massed Russian artillery. This gallant but foolhardy assault resulted in a massive loss of life and came about due to misunderstanding of an order given by the commanding officer, Lord Raglan.
Trooper is a premium British beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted at Robinsons brewery. Being a real ale enthusiast, vocalist Bruce Dickinson has developed a beer which has true depth of character. Malt flavours and citric notes from a unique blend of Bobec, Goldings and Cascade hops dominate this deep golden ale with a subtle hint of lemon.
For more information or to buy, visit www.ironmaidenbeer.com.
[Source: http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/iron-maiden-trooper-ale-500ml (accessed 25.1.2016).]
http://loudwire.com/the-harp-twins-cover-iron-maiden-the-trooper/
[PB: This is not the only association of the Charge with beer — find the reference to the old film (from e. C20), where the Charge of the Light Brigade is a London pub.]
[PB: Add notes on Terry Brighton and the validation of 666.]