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!”
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