"The Battleship of Maine" (listen by clicking on the button up above) reflects the particular wartime mood from the period it was penned. Yellow journalism, conspiracy theories, patriots and warmongers provide the backdrop for a story about a soldier stumbling haphazardly through a war he doesn't seem to understand, telling the listener that the supposed justification for his woes is the sinking of the Maine:
| McKinley called for volunteers, then I got my gun. First Spaniard I saw coming, I dropped my gun and run; It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: At war with that great nation, Spain. When I get back from Spain, I want to honor my name, It was all about that Battleship of Maine.2. The blood was a-running, and I was running, too. I give my feet good exercise, I had nothing else to do. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: 3. When they were a-chasing me, I fell down on my knees. First thing I cast my eyes upon was a great big pot of beans. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: | 4. The beans they was greasy, the meat it was fat. The boys was fighting Spaniards, while I was fighting that. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus:5. What kind of shoes do the Rough Riders wear? Buttons on the side, cost five and a half a pair. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: 6. What kind of shoes do the poor farmers wear? Old brogans, cost a dollar a pair. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: |
