Air: Rosin the Beau
From the Tippecanoe Songbook (1840)
Though Harrison was from a wealthy family, his campaign portrayed Van Buren as out of touch.
You can't make a song to Van Buren, Because his long name will not do; There's nothing about him allurin', As there is about Tippecanoe!
He never was seen in a battle, Where bullet and cannon shot flew; His nerves would be shocked with the rattle Of a contest like Tippecanoe!
While Harrison march'd to the border--- Sly Van staid at home as you know, Afraid of the smell of gun-powder-- Then hurrah for Old Tippecanoe!
Little Matt was too tender a dandy, To shoulder a musket and go Where Harrison battled so handy, As he did when at Tippecanoe;
But snug in his pretty silk stockings, And dressed in his broadcloth all new, He roasted his shins in a parlour-- Not fighting like Tippecanoe.
And now with his gold spoons and dishes, He lives like a king with his crew; He'll feast on the loaves and the fishes, Till we put in Old Tippecanoe. |