Digital Tradition Mirror

A Fenian Song

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

A Fenian Song

1. The Queen's Own Regiment was their name;
   From fair Toronto town they came
   To put the Irish all to shame -
   The Queen's and Colonel Boker!

2. What fury fills each loyal mind!
   No volunteer would stay behind.
   They flung their red rag to the wind -
   "Hurrah, my boys!" said Boker.

3. Now helter skelter Ohio,
   See how they play that "heel and toe"!
   See how they run from their Irish foe -
   The Queen's and Colonel Boker!

From Penguin Book of Canada   Folk Songs, Fowke
Note: In 1866, some 1200 Fenian troops, mostly from Meagher's
 Irish Brigade, invaded Canada, crossing at Buffalo. The first
 Loyalist resistance came from the Queen's Own Rifles, a Toronto-
 garrisoned force consisting largely of young college gentlemen,
 and led by Colonel Alfred Booker. The Loyalists were routed, in
 one of the Fenian's only victories.
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!