“The Fenian Song (II)”

Description

If you happen to walk out Someone in your ears are humming, And they'll ask if you know When the Fenians are a coming.... They dare not 'vade our soil, Nor try to work us wrongful"

Notes

Mackenzie: "The so-called Fenian Brotherhood was formed in New York in 1857. Its main purpose, apparently, was to 'set Ireland free,' but among its subsidiary projects was an invasion of Canada from the United States. In Canada there was for a time a good deal of excitement accompanied by the drafting and training of young men for the purpose of sweeping back the threatening tide." Mackenzie thinks this fragment was "probably a Canadian recruiting song." - BS

For additional background to the Fenian invasion of Canada, see "A Fenian Song (I)." For the organization's founding, see "James Stephens, the Gallant Fenian Boy." - RBW

Historical references

  • May 31, 1866 - Some 1200 Fenians under General O'Neill invade the Niagara area
  • June 2, 1866 - The Fenian's victory at Lime Ridge near Ridgeway

Cross references

References

  1. Mackenzie 149, "The Fenian Song" (1 text)
  2. Roud #3285
  3. BI, Mack149

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1928 (Mackenzie)
Found in: Canada(Mar)