Banyan Day (again)

 Woke up hungry, checked the pan 

Hoped for beef like a proper man 

Lifted the lid and what did I see? 

A sad grey mush staring back at me  

Cook just grinned like he’d done us proud 

Said “No meat today, now don’t be loud” 

Well I’d stay quiet if I had the strength 

But I ain’t been fed at a proper length  

Oh it’s banyan day! (NO MEAT!) 

Banyan day! (AGAIN?!) 

Not a scrap of beef Not a bone to claim!  

Oh it’s banyan day! (GOD SAVE US!) 

Pass the peas! (NOT AGAIN!) 

If this makes us holy I’d rather sin! 

 Hardtack cracked and it broke my tooth 

Cook said “That’s the mark of youth” 

Someone swore there’s worms inside 

Cook said “Extra be satisfied”  

Saw the ship’s dog chewing well 

Better fed than the crew, I’d tell 

If that dog learns grace and how to pray 

He’ll outrank us all by the end of the day  

Oh it’s banyan day! (NO MEAT!) 

Banyan day! (AGAIN?!) 

Not a drop of fat Not a scrap of grain!  

Oh it’s banyan day! (CURSED DAY!) 

Hold your nose! (AND YOUR PAIN!) 

If this keeps us living We’re half insane!  

“I saw better meals in a London jail!” 

“Even the rats look thin and pale!” 

“I’d trade my boots for a bit of stew!” 

“You’d eat your boots we all know you!” 

Captain says it builds the will 

Surgeon says it cures what kills 

Quartermaster says it saves 

Enough coin to dig our graves  

One man swore he saw real meat 

Dreamed it dancing on his plate 

Woke up chewing on his sleeve 

Said it tasted… second-rate  

Oh it’s banyan day! (NO MEAT!) 

Banyan day! (AGAIN?!) 

Not a bone in sight Not a thing to gain!  

Oh it’s banyan day! (CURSED DAY!) 

Raise your cup! (IN THE RAIN!) 

If we make it home We’ll eat like kings again!