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Poem
September 5, 1918
Perth Amboy Evening News
Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey
What is this article about?
Walt Mason's poem celebrates the turning tide in World War I, where Allied forces, including Yankees, begin defeating the Germans after months of retreats and bad news. It mocks the Teutons' expected resilience under strain.
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Walt Mason's Rippling Rhymes
BETTER DAYS
For months the news was grim and sad, we learned the word "reverse;"
oh, every day the news was bad, and next day it was worse.
The gods seemed smiling on the Hun, while we could but retreat;
he plied his sabre and his gun, and never met defeat.
We took our bitters as they came, good sports I hope we were,
while Teutons played their winning game, and filled the air with fur.
I used to hear the boys remark, "Just wait the tide will turn!
The prospects now look pretty dark, but we have faith to burn.
Just wait until our Yankee lads get busy with the foe,
and shoot them through their liver pads, or where their whiskers grow!"
The better days have come, the news is fit to read;
we march along to beat of drum, and Huns are snickersneed.
By Yankee Dep, on which we banked, with French and British force,
the kronprins have been spanked, and they are howling hoarse.
The Teuts will stand the strain they're under now the Teuts who till the land,
the peasant and his frau? I wonder how the German towns
will stand the sickening thud? They liked the armies homely ups,
and now the downs will show their sporting blood.
I doubt if Teuts will stand the gaff, their sporting form is cheap;
they cannot force a smile or laugh when they're inclined to weep.
BETTER DAYS
For months the news was grim and sad, we learned the word "reverse;"
oh, every day the news was bad, and next day it was worse.
The gods seemed smiling on the Hun, while we could but retreat;
he plied his sabre and his gun, and never met defeat.
We took our bitters as they came, good sports I hope we were,
while Teutons played their winning game, and filled the air with fur.
I used to hear the boys remark, "Just wait the tide will turn!
The prospects now look pretty dark, but we have faith to burn.
Just wait until our Yankee lads get busy with the foe,
and shoot them through their liver pads, or where their whiskers grow!"
The better days have come, the news is fit to read;
we march along to beat of drum, and Huns are snickersneed.
By Yankee Dep, on which we banked, with French and British force,
the kronprins have been spanked, and they are howling hoarse.
The Teuts will stand the strain they're under now the Teuts who till the land,
the peasant and his frau? I wonder how the German towns
will stand the sickening thud? They liked the armies homely ups,
and now the downs will show their sporting blood.
I doubt if Teuts will stand the gaff, their sporting form is cheap;
they cannot force a smile or laugh when they're inclined to weep.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Ballad
What themes does it cover?
War Military
Patriotism
Satire Society
What keywords are associated?
World War I
Yankee Lads
German Defeat
Allied Victory
Teutons
Walt Mason
Rippling Rhymes
What entities or persons were involved?
Walt Mason
Poem Details
Title
Better Days
Author
Walt Mason
Subject
Allied Advances Against Germany In World War I
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Just Wait Until Our Yankee Lads Get Busy With The Foe,
And Shoot Them Through Their Liver Pads, Or Where Their Whiskers Grow!
The Better Days Have Come, The News Is Fit To Read;
We March Along To Beat Of Drum, And Huns Are Snickersneed.
I Doubt If Teuts Will Stand The Gaff, Their Sporting Form Is Cheap;
They Cannot Force A Smile Or Laugh When They're Inclined To Weep.