12-string Guitar: To Anacreon In Heaven (Including lyrics and chords)
The following is from an article in Wikipedia:
"The Anacreontic Song", also known by its incipit "To Anacreon in Heaven", was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, an 18th-century gentlemen's club of amateur musicians in London. Attributed to the composer John Stafford Smith, the tune was later used by several writers as a setting for their patriotic lyrics. These included two songs by Francis Scott Key, most famously his poem, "Defence of Fort McHenry". The latter combination became known as "The Star Spangled Banner" and was adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931.
This song has been requested by SamHagagaga and like many of his requests is new to me. I find it mildly peculiar that the Anacreontic Society named after a Greek court poet of the 6th century BC should use Roman names for the gods of Olympus rather than their Greek counterparts.
As the article in Wikipedia goes on to say:
These barristers, doctors, and other professional men named their club after the Greek court poet Anacreon (6th century BC), whose poems, "anacreontics", were used to entertain patrons in Teos and Athens. His songs often celebrated women, wine, and entertainment.
The connection with Anacreon, along with the "drinking" nature of the lyrics, have caused many people to label "The Anacreontic Song" a drinking song, though due to the difficulty of singing the song this claim is highly dubious, although the chorus certainly suggests Bacchanalia with its lyrics "And long may the sons of Anacreon intwine the myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine."
The tune was probably composed by a member of the Society, John Stafford Smith from Gloucester, to lyrics by the Society's president, Ralph Tomlinson. Smith wrote the tune in the mid-1760s, while still a teenager. It was first published by The Vocal Magazine (London) in 1778
To Anacreon In Heaven
Capo at 5th fret so I am really playing and singing in the key of F
G C G C G C
To Anacreon in Heaven, where he sat in full glee, a few Sons of Harmony sent a petition;
G C G C G C
That he their Inspirer and Patron would be; when this answer arrived from the Jolly Old Grecian;
G Am D7 G
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute, no longer be mute, I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot,
C Am F G C G C
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine, the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."
The news through Olympus immediately flew; when Old Thunder pretended to give himself airs.
If these Mortals are suffered their scheme to pursue, the Devil, a Goddess, will stay above stairs.
"Hark", Already they cry, "In transports of joy, a fig for Parnassus, to Rowley we'll fly.
And there my good fellows we’ll learn to intwine, the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."
"The Yellow-Haired God and his nine lusty Maids, from Hellion’s banks will incontinent flee,
Idalia will boast but of tenantless Shades, and the bi-forked hill a mere desert will be.
My Thunder no fear on't, shall soon do it's errand, and damme I'll swing the Ringleaders I warrant,
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine, the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."
Apollo rose up and said, "Pry'thee ne'er quarrel, good king of the Gods with my Votaries below:
Your Thunder is useless"--then showing his laurel, Cried "Sic evitabile fulmen, you know!
Then over each head my laurels I'll spread so my sons from your Crackers no mischief shall dread,
While snug in their clubroom, they jovially twine, the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."
Next Momus got up with his risible Phiz and swore with Apollo he'd cheerfully join-
"The full tide of Harmony still shall be his, but the Song, and the Catch, and the Laugh, shall be mine.
Then Jove be not jealous of these honest fellows," Cried Jove, "We relent since the truth you now tell us;
And swear by Old Styx, that they long shall intwine, the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."
Ye Sons of Anacreon then join hand in hand; preserve Unanimity, Friendship, and Love!
'Tis yours to support what's so happily planned; you've the sanction of Gods, and the Fiat of Jove.
While thus we agree, our toast let it be: "May our Club flourish Happy, United, and Free!
And long may the Sons of Anacreon intwine, the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."