“Benny Havens”
Description
The exploits of Benny (Benjie) Havens at West Point. After some time as a cadet and soldier, he turns to selling whiskey to his comrades. Chorus: "Oh! Benny Havens's, oh! Oh! Benny Havens's, oh! We'll sing our reminiscences of Benny Havens's, oh!"
Notes
Benny Havens reportedly served in the American military in the War of 1812, then opened a small store near the "cadet hospital." By 1832, he was selling liquor, and was forced off the military reservation as a result. He proceeded to re-open just off the grounds, and established quite a clientele among the officers-to-be. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "The Wearing of the Green (I)" (tune)
References
- Randolph 232, "Benjy Havens" (1 text, 1 tune, both fragmentary)
- Lomax-ABFS, pp. 540-543, "Benny Havens, Oh!" (1 text)
- Darling-NAS, pp. 344-345, "Benny Havens, Oh!" (1 text)
- DT, BENHAVEN*
- Roud #7707
- BI, R232