11. The Fate of Jack Burgoyne

Songs of the Revolution – 11. The Fate of Jack Burgoyne

Lyrics:

When Jack the King’s Commander was going to his duty 

Through all the crowds he smiled and bowed to every bloomin’ beauty

The city run with the feats he’d done in Portugal and Flanders

And all the town thought he’d be crowned the King of Alexanders,

               the King of Alexanders   

To hunt and court he first did go to kiss King George’s hand sirs

And then to speak on state affairs before he left the Lancers

The lower house that was quiet as mouse to hear his grand oration

And all the peers with loudest cheers proclaimed him to the nation

  proclaimed him to the nation

Then off he went to Canada and then Ticonderoga

And leaving those away he goes straightway to Saratoga

With great parade his march he made in keeping with his station

And far and wide his herald did ride to spread his proclamation

               to spread his proclamation

To those who stayed he offers made of pardon on submission

And he did his best the land to rest from all in opposition

But Jack knew not of the fates of war this boasted son of Britain

When mounting his triumphal task with sudden fear was smitten

               with sudden fear was smitten

The sons of freedom gathered round his hostile bands confounded

And when they once did turn their backs they found themselves surrounded

In vain they fought, in vain they fled and Jack did fall from his splendor

to save the rest soon thought it best his forces to surrender

               his forces to surrender

When Jack the King’s Commander goes riding to his duty

Through all the crowds he smiles and bows to every bloomin’ beauty

For the town once run with the feats he’d done in Portugal and Flanders

And once they thought that he’d become the King of Alexanders

the King of Alexanders  

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