8/28/2004

McClellan poetry: Maryland themes, cont.

SATURDAY I mentioned last week my failure to find the Union words for "Maryland, My Maryland," a Rebel song closely associated with Lee's 1862 Maryland invasion. More looking, however, has produced this site, which has unattributed federal-versioned lyrics. I've also found words here.

The song plays off the grubbiness remarked on by the citizens of Frederick and various loyal folk in Lee's army's path. How close in time, then, can these words be to the invasion itself?

Regret the lack of documentation; take this for its entertainment value.

My Maryland (Union Version)
by Anonymous

The Rebel feet are on our shore,
Maryland, my Maryland!
I smell 'em half a mile or more,
Maryland, my Maryland!
Their shockless hordes are at my door,
Their drunken generals on my floor,
What now can sweeten Baltimore?
Maryland, my Maryland!

Hark to our noses' dire appeal,
Maryland, my Maryland!
Oh unwashed Rebs to you we kneel!
Maryland, my Maryland!
If you can't purchase soap, oh steal
That precious article-I feel
Like scratching from the head to heel
Maryland, my Maryland!

You're covered thick with mud and dust,
Maryland, my Maryland!
As though you'd been upon a bust,
Maryland, my Maryland!
Remember, it is scarcely just,
To have a filthy fellow thrust
Before us, till he's been scrubbed fust,
Maryland, my Maryland!

I see no blush upon thy cheek,
Maryland, my Maryland!
It's not been washed for many a week,
Maryland, my Maryland!
To get thee clean-'tis truth I speak-
Would dirty every stream and creek,
From Potomac to Chesapeake,
Maryland, my Maryland!