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't sing the air         Of "Yankee doodle dandy!"     "Yankee doodle--firm and true--         Yankee doodle dandy,     Yankee doodle, doodle doo!         Yankee doodle dandy!"