[Verse 1]
Have you heard how the wars began
Benjamin Bowmaneer?
Heard how the wars began
Castors away
Have you heard how the wars began
When England fought to a man?
The proud tailor rode prancing away

[Verse 2]
From a shear board he made a horse
Benjamin Bowmaneer
Shear board he made a horse
Castors away
From a shear board he made a horse
So he could ride across
The proud tailor rode prancing away

[Verse 3]
From his scissors made bridle bits
Benjamin Bowmaneer
Scissors made bridle bits
Castors away
From his scissors made bridle bits
To keep his horse in his wits
The proud tailor rode prancing away
[Verse 4]
And as he rode o'er the lea
Benjamin Bowmaneer
As he rode o'er the lea
Castors away
And as he rode o'er the lea
He spied a fly on his knee
The proud tailor rode prancing away

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 5]
From his needle he made a spear
Benjamin Bowmaneer
Needle he made a spear
Castors away
From his needle he made a spear
And pierce the fly in his ear
The proud tailor rode prancing away

[Verse 6]
From his thimble he made a bell
Benjamin Bowmaneer
Thimble he made a bell
Castors away
From his thimble he made a bell
To toll the flea's funeral knell
The proud tailor rode prancing away
[Verse 7]
And that's how the wars began
Benjamin Bowmaneer
That's how the wars began
Castors away
And that's how the wars began
When England fought to a man
The proud tailor rode prancing
The tailor rode prancing
The tailor rode prancing away