The year is 1800. It’s been a rather dry summer. Crossing the Alps has been arduous, but you’ve made it. The Austrians weren’t expecting such a daring move, and you’ve had great success in your battles so far. Then, one evening, as you are on your way to Marengo, Emperor Napoleon himself visits your camp as you are making dinner. A simple dinner of onions on bread. He comments that “there is nothing better than an onion for marching on the road to glory.” And thus, a legend is born.
Every nation’s military has its moments of pride and glory. And these moments become a part of a military’s history and tradition. They become stories passed down from soldier to soldier as a common bond that unites them. And some of these moments get turned into songs. Sometimes, when you are marching along, a good tune keeps spirits high and feet in step. And these marching songs also give you a reminder of what you are fighting for. Enter Chanson de l’Oignon (“The Song of the Onion”). This French marching song dates back to the Napoleonic wars in Italy. Specifically, this song is attributed to the Battle of Marengo. And it’s all about how good onions taste.
I love the onion fried in oil,
I love the onion when it’s good,
I love the onion fried in oil,
I love the onion, I love the onion.Refrain:
In step, comrades, in step, comrades,
In step, in step, in step,
In step, comrades, in step, comrades,
In step, in step, in step.Just one onion fried in oil,
Just one onion turns us into lions,
Just one onion fried in oil,
Just one onion turns us into lions.Refrain
No onions for the Austrians,
No onions for those dogs,
No onions for the Austrians,
No onions, no onions.Refrain
Love the onion fried in oil,
Love the onion, it’s so tasty,
Love the onion fried in oil,
Love the onion, we love an onion.Refrain
So there you have it. A French military march all about delicious onions. No onions for the Austrians, who were defeated in the Battle of Marengo. I will be the first to admit that fried onion is delicious. The easiest way to make your roommates comment on how good your cooking smells is to simply fry up some onion and garlic. But if I were to come across a regiment singing this song, I think I would be more bemused than impressed.
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