‘How Stands the Glass Around’ is a British patriotic song from 1729 referring to the hard life as a soldier in the British army during the period, surrounded by constant danger and still working. It talks about forgetting fear and sorrow by drinking and partying with woman and such. Its lyrics seem to say that despite being able to be killed or injured in war, the current moments are filled with happiness and alcohol.
The song became immensely popular in the closing years of the 7 years war, with General James Wolfe singing the song before fighting in the battle of Quebec in 1759, dying whilst doing so. After his death it picked up the alternative title of ‘General Wolfe’s Song’ and was sung by British soldiers into the late 18th century.
Recording done by the band ‘The Druids’ I don’t own the music in any way.