The Origin of Yankee Doodle.

Once in a time old Johnny Bull

Flew in a raging fury,

And swore that Jonathan should have

No trials, sir, by jury;

That no elections should be held

Across the briny waters:

“And now,” said he, “I'll tax the tea

Of all his sons and daughters.”

Then down he sate in burly state,

And blustered like a grandee,

And in derision made a tune

Called “Yankee doodle dandy.”

“Yankee doodle” — these are the facts —

“Yankee doodle dandy;

My son of wax, your tea I'll tax —

You — Yankee doodle dandy!”

John sent the tea from o'er the sea

With heavy duties rated;

But whether hyson or bohea,

I never heard it stated.

Then Jonathan to pout began —

He laid a strong embargo —

“I'll drink no tea, by Jove!” — so he

Threw overboard the cargo.

Next Johnny sent an armament,

Big looks and words to bandy,

Whose martial band, when near the land,

Played — “Yankee doodle dandy.”

“Yankee doodle — keep it up!

Yankee doodle dandy!

I'll poison with a tax your cup —

You — Yankee doodle dandy!”

A long war then they had, in which

John was at last defeated;

And “Yankee doodle” was the march

To which his troops retreated.

Young Jonathan, to see them fly,

Could not restrain his laughter:

“That tune,” said he, “suits to a T,

I'll sing it ever after!”

Old Johnny's face, to his disgrace,

Was flushed with beer and brandy,

E'en while he swore to sing no more

This — “Yankee doodle dandy.”

Yankee doodle — ho! ha! he!

Yankee doodle dandy —

We kept the tune, but not the tea,

Yankee doodle dandy!

I've told you now the origin

Of this most lively ditty,

Which Johnny Bull pronounces “dull

And silly!” — what a pity!

With “Hail Columbia!” it is sung,

In chorus full and hearty —

On land and main we breathe the strain,

John made for his tea-party.

No matter how we rhyme the words,

The music speaks them handy,

And where's the fair can n't sing the air

Of “Yankee doodle dandy!”

“Yankee doodle — firm and true —

Yankee doodle dandy,

Yankee doodle, doodle doo!

Yankee doodle dandy!”