Johnny Bull (OT2003-3014-003)

Johnny Bull (OT2003-3014-003)

Song excerpted from audio recording OT2003-3014, part of VFC2003-0007 Margaret MacArthur Collection.

Margaret MacArthur Collection -- VFC2003-0007. Vermont Folklife Center Archive, Vermont Folklife Center, Middlebury, Vermont, United States of America.

1964-07-17

en

VFC2003-0007 OT2003-3014-003

Vermont Folklife Center

Johnny Bull

Heenan and Sayers

Folk Music Index (http://www.ibiblio.org/folkindex)

[Singing begins at 0:15]

It was in merry England, the home of Johnny Bull
Where the Briton filled their glasses and drank them brimming full
This toast they drank a-saying "He's to the British Brave
To the champion of the world over land and over wave"

Then Uncle Sam rose up and he look across the main
"Is that old Bull I hear a-bellowing out again
And does he not remember the giant on in the pond
That used to play with lightening when his day's work was done"

[Atwood begins line several times unsuccessfully] It was in merry England all in the bloom of spring
When the brave British heroes stood ready in the ring
To fight with noble Heenan our gallant son of Troy
And to try the British muscle on the brave Benetia boy

There were two heavy flags that floated o'er the rings
On the English was a lion a-ready for a spring
On the Yankees was an eagle and a terrible bird she was
For she held a bunch of thunderbolts securely in her claw

The coppers being thrown out it was then the fight began
Two to one on Sears the bets came rushing in
They fought light noble heroes til one received a blow
And the red crimson tide from the Yankees nose did flow

First blood was Johnny Bull and the British shout for joy
Which cheers our noble Heenan and our gallant son of Troy
A tiger rose within him and the lightning in his eyes
Saying "Smile away old English but Tommy mind your eye"

That last round of all that this world can never beat
The son of Uncle Sam rose champion on his feet
His fellows looked upon him as he held him in the air
And from his grasp he threw him which made old England stare

"Now Uncle Bull remember old Bunker Hill of old
Likewise at like Erie twas there you cried so bold
Remember too at Yorktown twas there we made you sigh
Then beware of a-Yankee muscle Johnny Bull mind your eye"

Now all of you brank Yankees that have fame and fortune made
Look upon this lofty eagle and never be afraid
May the Union stand forever and our flag be unfurled
While the Star Spangled Banner floats proudly over the world

References:

• "Johnny Bull," typewritten lyrics owned by Margaret MacArthur, archived at the Vermont Folklife Center.

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