Click this icon to hear Yankee Doodle if it does not automatically play.
The American defeat at Savannah, Georgia on 29 December, 1778 inspired this ballad to be written. It appeared in Rivington's Royal Gazette in 1779.
It was sung to the tune of Yankee Doodle.
Oscar Brand, in his book, Songs Of '76 gave this tune the title: The Savannah Song.
The Frenchmen came upon the coast, Our great allies, and they did boast,
They soon would bang the British host, Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
D'Estaing he wrote to General Lincoln, And told him that he did not think on
Danger, but in quick step march down. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
So Lincoln came down to Savannah, The French and we all sung hosanna,
We soon will take them every man-a. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
But soon we found ourselves mistaken, And were glad to save our bacon,
Rather than be killed or taken. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
We thought to take the enemy, But we alas! were forced to fly,
We may do better by and by. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
The French, it's true, behav'd quite civil, Yet we wish'd them to the devil,
And hope that good may spring from evil. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
And now that they on board are gone, Have left poor us here all alone,
We've nought to do but sigh and moan. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
The enemy must keep their post, In spite of all the Gallic host,
And Georgia we've for ever lost. Doodle do, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.
Note: The midi file that is linked to this page was sequenced by The Kitchen Musician, whose website is located at: http://members.aol.com/kitchiegal/index.html
