“The Wars of America”
Description
"I have two sons and a son-in-law, Fightin' in the wars of America. But I don't know if I'll see them more Or whether they'll visit old Ireland's shore." The singer seeks the boys; at last one comes home -- but crippled from the wars
Notes
Roud links this to "Mrs. McGrath." The plot similarity is obvious, but the songs themselves appear distinct to me. In Lomax's version, the conflict appears to have been the French and Indian Wars, and the soldier is named Terry. Perhaps the name "Ted" in Creighton's version was influenced by "Mrs. McGrath?" - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye" (plot)
- cf. "By the Hush" (plot)
- cf. "Mrs. McGrath" (plot)
References
- Lomax-FSNA 17, "The Wars of America" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Creighton-SNewBrunswick 75, "My Son Ted" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Roud #678
- BI, LoF017