Salvation Army
Though usually associated with World War I, and apparently parodying the earlier song "She Only Answered 'Ting-a-ling-a-ling'" the song apparently also has links with the Salvation Army, as referenced in "The Mixer and Server, Volume 20" of 1911: "In London, the Salvation Army lassies and other street-praying bands are singing a song that has become universally popular in the crowded sections of the city." It is notable that the lyrics of this Salvation Army version differ slightly both from the established "angels" version and the "devils" version in Oh, What a Lovely War!:
- The bells of hell go ding-aling-ling
- For you, but not for me;
- The sweet-voiced angels sing-a-ling-ling
- Through all eternity.
- Oh, death, where is thy sting-a-ling-ling;
- Oh, grave, thy victory!
- No ding-a-ling-ling, no sting-a-ling-ling.
- But sing-a-ling-ling for me.
Read more about this topic: The Bells Of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling
Famous quotes related to salvation army:
“There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army.”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)