Empire

The Commonwealth Games began life as the British Empire Games, making them the perfect inspiration for this week’s Three Tune Tuesday. Through three fascinating recordings from the early twentieth century, we explore how music reflected the rise, confidence, and changing legacy of the British Empire. From Harry Lauder’s comforting vision of soldiers carrying home across the globe, to the triumphant strains of Land of Hope and Glory, and finally an Irish folk melody that speaks to a culture finding its own voice, these records reveal how popular music could celebrate power, shape public opinion, and preserve identity. Rather than asking whether empire was simply good or bad, this episode examines how ordinary people experienced it—and how a few minutes of music can open a window into one of history’s largest and most complex stories.

Lyrics

The Foggy Dew

As down the glen one Easter morn

To a city fair rode I.

There armoured lines of marching men

In squadrons passed me by.

No pipe did hum, no battle drum

Did sound its loud tattoo

But the Angelus bell o’er the Liffy’s swell

Rang out in the foggy dew.

Right proudly high over Dublin town