DAVID KINCAID - THE LIST OF GENERALS
The List of Generals is a song written by New York music hall performer and songwriter Joe English in 1864. The song was written to praise the commanders in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It is sung to the melody of "Doran's Ass." The song is known for its praise of generals, most of whom were not effective leaders. Most notably it praises George B. McClellan, a popular leader but a poor strategist, and demands he be restored to command of the Union Army. From the live recorded album: David Kincaid and The Brandos perform songs of the Irish Volunteers! Live in Europe! February 2004.
List of Generals praised in the song
• Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler
• Major General George Meade
• Major General William Rosecrans
• Major General Franz Sigel
• Major General John Adams Dix
• Major General Nathaniel P. Banks
• Major General Ambrose Burnside
• Major General William Tecumseh Sherman
• Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher
• Brigadier General Michael Corcoran
• Major General Daniel Sickles
• Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant
• Major General George B. McClellan
English lyrics (done by https://www.youtube.com/user/Ltrain44):
Since first the dirty Southern traitors
this foul Secession War began
When all them treacherous alligators,
commenced the row at Charleston
Columbia's flag--the Star of Freedom--still has ruled on land and sea
Fools may rave, but never heed them--to bate our foes we know the way.
Chorus--Whack, fal de ral, etc.
Volunteers we have by thousands,
generals trusty, true, and brave;
For the union they arouse, and all
would die our flag to save.
Butler down at New Orleans, he kept the rebel host at bay;
Hung them there to draw the reins, he quickly showed he knew the way.
Chorus--Whack, fal de ral, etc.
Gallant Meade, a hero truly, at Gettysburg the foe met he;
And there he gave them Ballyhooly--Oh, how are you, General Lee? Rosecrans, a soldier thorough that's a fact none can gainsay
The rebels met at Murfreesboro,
to rout them there he knew the way.
Chorus--Whack, fal de ral, etc.
A little Sigel, for the Germans, he has bravely stood the test;
Dix and Banks, Burnside and Sherman, all have nobly done their best.
General Meagher has shown his mettle, Corcoran, too, was in the fray;
The foes of Uncle Sam to settle, the Irish boys they know the way
Chorus--Whack, fal de ral, etc.
Then there's General Daniel Sickles,
from the field ne'er stirs a peg,
The foes catastrophe he tickles,
a gallant Dan has lost a leg General Grant he gives them thunder;
at Vicksburg he won the day;
Then to make the foe knock under, at Chattanooga, knew the way.
Chorus--Whack, fal de ral, etc.
For to call the list of fame, I haven't room now in my song;
For, to go through each General's name, 'twould keep me singing all night long.
But of one more I'll will be telling, and who should be restored straightway,
To put and end to this rebellion Little Mac he knows the way.
Chorus--Whack, fal de ral, etc.
