“Root, Hog, or Die (Confederate Version)”

Description

Various cracks about the incompetence or cowardice of the Yankees, ending by saying "We'll make the Dutch (or Old Abe, or any other tempting target) root hog or die." Also praises the confederate armies in extravagant terms

Notes

Randolph's version of this song is very specific to Missouri; see his notes.

Belden's version, at first glance, has almost nothing in common with Randolph's brief and mixed-up version. But both are from the Ozarks, and both involve the Missouri campaigns of Nathaniel Lyon and the Battle of Wilson's Creek. If they aren't the same piece, they are communal efforts on the same theme. Close enough.

Brown's short text is another matter; it seems more generically Confederate, and refers to Fort Sumter. But it's too short to file separately.

For the complex background to the Battle of Wilson's Creek, see the notes to songs in the cross-references, notably "The Jolly Union Boys" and "Joe Stiner." - RBW

Historical references

• Aug 10, 1861 - Battle of Wilson's Creek

Cross references

• cf. "Root, Hog, or Die" [Laws B21] and references there
• cf. "The Jolly Union Boys" and references there (concerning Battle of Wilson's Creek)

References

1. Belden, pp. 361-362, "Root, Abe, or Die" (1 text)
2. Randolph 248, "Root Hog or Die" (1 text, with an element of "The Bonnie Blue Flag" mixed in)
3. BrownIII 372, "Root Hog or Die" (1 short text, perhaps mixed)
4. DT, ROOTHOG2*
5. Roud #7829
6. BI, R248