Tune of the Day: Sarie Marais
This traditional Afrikaans folk song, created during the Anglo-Boer Wars (1880–1902), seems to take its tune from a song dating from the American Civil War called “Ellie Rhee” (itself perhaps a version of the traditional Irish song “Foggy Dew”).
My Sarie Marais is so far from my heart
But I hope to see her again
She lived in the area of Mooi-river
Before the war began
Oh bring me back to the old Transvaal
Where my Sarie lives
There by the maize
By the green thorn tree
There my Sarie lives
The melody was adopted in 1953 as the official march of the United Kingdom's Royal Marines Commandos and is played after the Regimental March on ceremonial occasions. The French Foreign Legion also sings the song, in its French translation.
Thanks to Ronald for suggesting this tune!