This content song outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the British and American sides in the Revolutionary War. The simple, catchy melody will help students remember essential information.

Who do you think will win,
the British or the colonists?
Who do you think had, the
strengths and the weaknesses? [1]

The British force was bigger,
the Redcoats marched in rows [2]
So the colonists used guerilla tactics, [3]
when outgunned by pros.

Who do you think will win,
the British or the colonists?
Both sides tried to get
international assistance

The British paid Germans,
to help them fight,
But the colonists had France,
with her naval might [4].

Who do you think will win,
the British or the colonists?
What did they think themselves?
morale could tip the balance.

The British were confident,
maybe too much so.
Most colonists were fired up,
fighting for their homes [5].

What were the strategies, [6]
of the British and Americans?
How did they plan to win this war
to make or stop a revolution?

The British wanted armies to clash,
divide and conquer their foe [7].
Colonists wanted big British losses
so they would just go home.

What was the flow of the war,
between the British and the Americans?
Battles moved North to South,
from beginning to the War's end [8].

First combat near Boston,
ye rebels stronghold,
Then down to New York and the South
till England said, so long [9].

Who do you think will win,
the British or the colonists?
Who do you think had better
strengths and weaknesses?

 

Suggested Activities

1) Chart Organization
     Students should construct a chart to organize the information presented in the learning song. Before playing the song, instruct students to create the following chart in their notebooks.

Advantages or Disadvantages	Americans/Colonists	British

     For some students, it will be useful to fill out the "Advantages or Disadvantages" column before playing the song. As the music plays, students should complete the chart. The class should then read the lyrical footnotes, and the chart can be completed. A class review will allow students to fill in any gaps. Directed questioning or discussion can ensure comprehension.

2) American Victory
     Explain in class that the colonists were underdogs at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. When students listen to the song and read the lyrical footnotes, they will see that most advantages were with the British. One then wonders, “How did the colonists win?” This is a good discussion question after listening to the learning song and a nice segue to a teacher-directed piece that might follow.

3) Choosing Sides
     Before playing the song and reading the lyrical footnotes, tell students to imagine that it is 1776 and they are neutral--unsure of whether to back the revolutionaries or remain “loyal”. Based on the information in the song and other sources, which side would they choose? What is their reasoning?

 

Footnotes

     [1] At the time, most people did not feel the colonists had much of a chance against Britain, the strongest nation on earth. England had a large Navy (70 warships while the colonists had none), experienced soldiers (the average British soldier had 9 years experience compared to a few months for the Americans) and a much stronger economy. On the other hand, colonial soldiers were dedicated to the cause of independence. They were more familiar with the territory where the fighting took place and, decisively, they had the support of France, England’s main rival for power in Europe. On balance, victory for the Americans definitely looked like a long shot at the beginning of the War.
     [2] The British Army used military tactics that had worked well in Europe. The Redcoats stood in rows in the open field, advancing toward the enemy before stopping and, in an orderly fashion, opening fire. These tactics were not effective against an enemy who would not always “come out and fight.”

 

Additional footnotes and teach tips are available on Musical Media for Education's
Volume 2 and Teaching Guide.