The Corps of Royal Engineers song originated among Sapper units during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa (1899 - 1902).

The words partly in English and partly in Zulu are a complaint that there is too much work for too little pay.

Hurrah for the CRE

Good Morning Mr Stevens and windy Notchy Knight,
Hurrah for the CRE
We're working very hard down at Upnor Hard,
Hurrah for the CRE
You make fast, I make fast, make fast the dinghy,
Make fast the dinghy, make fast the dinghy,
You make fast, I make fast, make fast the dinghy,
Make fast the dinghy pontoon.
For we're marching on to Laffan's Plain,
To Laffan's Plain, to Laffan's Plain,
Yes we're marching on to Laffan's Plain
Where they don't know mud from clay.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah,
Ooshta, ooshta, ooshta, ooshta,
Ikona malee, picaninny skoff,
Ma-ninga sabenza, here's another off.
Oolum-da cried Matabele,
Oolum-da, away we go.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah,
Shush ....................... Whoow!

A full explanation and a glossary of the words used in the song can be found on the Royal Engineers museum website.