The Downfall of Paris

"The Downfall of Paris" is a British traditional tune
It dates back to the Napoleonic Wars, and became a
popular marching song amongst British troops fighting
in the Peninsular War. Its tune is partly a reworking
of the French song "Ça Ira". It emerged when British
war fortunes were at a low ebb in the early 1800s,
partly as a song of defiance. It was played in Egypt
in 1801 when British troops took Alexandria from French
occupying forces. When British troops entered Paris
in 1815 following the victory at Waterloo, a regimental
band struck up the tune only to be rebuked by
Wellington who didn't wish to offend the inhabitants.
Nonetheless, the bands of Britain's allies Prussia,
Austria and Russia all played the tune as they paraded
in occupied Paris. The tune has spread into both
American and Irish folk music. The Irish band The
Dubliners recorded a version in 1975 on their album Now.