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| Three distinct broadsides were printed in the early and mid 19th century to celebrate the British victory of the War of 1812. The ballad was printed as Shanon and Chesapeake and Battle of the Shannon and Chesapeake. These can be found at the Bodleian Library. It was also known on American sailing ships.
On June 1, 1813, Captain Broke of the British frigate Shannon challenged Captain Lawrence of the American ship Chesapeake to combat. The battle could be seen from Boston harbor and a large crowd gathered to watch. In a short time the British were victorious and boarded the Chesapeake. Third Lieutenant William Cox was blamed for the loss of the ship because he left his post to carry Captain Lawrence, who was mortally wounded, below. Cox was court-martialed, and cashiered from the Navy. In 1952 Congress passed a bill nullifying the court-martial decision.* Captain Lawrence is said to have spoken the famous words, "Don't give up the ship." before he died. |
O the Chesapeake so bold Out of Boston she was towed To take an English frigate Neat and handy, O; And the people in the port, They came to see the sport, Whilst the music played up Yankee doodle dandy, O. Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Now the British frigate's name, 0 that for the purpose came To cool the Yankees' courage Neat and handy, 0, Was the Shannon, Captain Broke, With his men all hearts of oak, Who for fighting was allowed to be The dandy, 0. Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Just before the fight began, Said the Yankees with much fun: We'll tow her into Boston Neat and handy, 0; And then afterwards we'll dine With our sweethearts and our wives, And we'll dance the jig called Yankee doodle dandy, 0. Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Now the fight had scarce begun When they flinch-ed from the guns, Which they thought that they would fight So neat and handy, 0; Then brave Broke he drew his sword, crying: Now my lads we'll board And we'll stop them playing Yankee doodle dandy, 0. Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! They no sooner heard the word Than they quickly jumped on board, And haul-ed down the ensign Neat and handy, 0. Notwithstanding all their brag, Soon the glorious British flag At the Yankee's mizen-peak it looked The dandy, 0. Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Here's a health, my boys, to you, With your courage stout and true. Who fought the Chesapeake So neat and handy, 0; And may it ever prove That in fighting as in love That the true British sailor Is the dandy, 0. Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! Hi! Yankee doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy! |
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| From A Selection of Some some Less Known Folk Songs, Vol. 2 and American Balladry from British Broadsides See Bibliography for full information. |
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