James Byrd

Cat. #0004 (MFH #308) - As sung by Wise Jones, Fayetteville, Arkansas on March 25, 1958

VERSE 1
Sons of freedom, listen to me
And ye daughters too, give ear
To a sad and mournful story
As was ever told, shall hear

VERSE 2
Hull, you know, his troops surrendered
And defenseless left the west
Then our forces, quick assembled
The invader to resist

VERSE 3
Among troops that marched to Erie
Were th Kingston Volunteers
Captain Thomas, then commanded
To protect our west frontiers

VERSE 4
Tender were th scenes of parting
Mothers wring their hands and cried
Maidens wept their sway in secret
Fathers strove their tears to hide

VERSE 5
There was one among our number
Tall and gallant was his main
Firm his step, his look undaunted
Scarce a noblier youth was seen

VERSE 6
One sweet kiss, he snatched from Mary
Craved his Mothers prayer, once more
Pressed his Fathers hand, then left them
For Lake Erie's distant shore

VERSE 7
Mary tried to say, farewell James
Waved her hand, but nothing spake
Goodbye Byrd, may Heaven protect you
From th crowd, at parting break

VERSE 8
Soon they came where noble Perry
Had assembled all his fleet
There the gallant Byrd enlisted
Expecting soon the foe to meet

VERSE 9
Where is Byrd, the battle rages
Is he in the strife or no?
Now the battle roars tremendous
Dare he meet the hostile foe?

VERSE 10
See, behold him there with Perry
In the self-same ship they fight
Though his mess-mates fall all 'round him
Nothing can his soul afright

VERSE 11
But, behold a ball has struck him
See the crimson current flow
Leave the deck, exclaimed brave Perry
No, cried Byrd, I will not go

VERSE 12
Here on deck I took my station
Here will Byrd, his colors fly
I'll stand by you gallant Captain
Till we conquer, or we die

VERSE 13
Still he fought, though faint and bleeding
Still the Stars and Stripes arose
Victory having crowned our efforts
All triumphant o'er our foes

VERSE 14
Then did Byrd receive a pension?
Was he to his friends restored?
No, nor never to his bosom
Clasped the maid his heart adorned

VERSE 15
Better if poor Byrd had perished
Midst the battles awful roar
Than to die in shameful fashion
On Lake Erie's distant shore

VERSE 16
Dearest parents, said the letter
This will bring sad news to you
Do not mourn your first beloved
Though this brings his last adieu

VERSE 17
I must suffer for deserting
Off the brig at Niagarie
Read this letter, brothers, sisters
It's the last you'll have from me

VERSE 18
Though, lo, he fought so brave at Erie
Freely bled and nobly dared
Let his courage plead for mercy
Let his noble life be spared

VERSE 19
Sad and gloomy was the morning
Byrd was ordered out to die
Where's the breast, not dead with pity
But for him would heave a sigh

This song is not common to the Ozark region. Wise Jones learned it from Hugh Kinkaid of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Variants