Digital Tradition Mirror

Castle Island Song

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Castle Island Song

You simple Bostonians, I'd have you beware
Of your Liberty Tree, I would have you take care;
For if that we chance to return to the town,
Your houses and stores will come tumbling down
     Derry down, down, hey derry down.

If you will not agree to Old England's laws,
I fear that King Hancock will soon get the yaws
But he need not fear, for I swear we will,
For the want of a doctor give him a hard pill.
     Derry down, down, hey derry down.

A brave reinforcement, we soon think to get;
Then we will make you poor pumpkins to sweat.
Our drums they'll rattle, and then you will run
To the devil himself, from the sight of a gun.
     Derry down, down, hey derry down.
Our fleet and our army, they soon will arrive,
Then to a bleak island, you shall not us drive.
In every house, you shall have three or four,
And if that will not please you, you'll have half a score
     Derry down, down, hey derry down.

From Songbook of the American Revolution, Rabson
Note: After the Boston Massacre, the British Army, in a
  conciliatory gesture, withdrew troops from Boston and quartered
  them on Castle William on Castle Island. The troops weren't
  pleased.
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!