My wife came across a bit of sheet music for a 1900 patriotic ditty titled "Johnny Canuck's The Lad". It includes a sketch of a Canadiana soldier holding a smoking rifle and whose uniform includes a stetson hat, long puttees, and a US Army surplus bandolier.
The words go:
The month was bright October, the year was ninety-nine, when Jack Canuck first left his home and joined the British line.
He knew he was wanted; never asked the reason why. But took his gun and on the run, bid all his friends good-bye--
'Twas just a few weeks later, when Johnny trod the veldt, and though there was not much of him, he made that "little" felt.
He knew just what was wanted, and resolved to do or die, He took his gun and on the run, he made the Burghers fly.
Our Johnny asked no favours. but tried to keep in front, and every time the scrimmage came why? Johnny bore the brunt.
John Bull looked on in wonder, all amazed at Johnny's pluck. Then raised his hat and cried aloud God bless you Jack Canuck.
Chorus:
Oh! Johnny Canuck's the lad: __ the finest was e'er seen:__ He's like a flash; For nerve and dash His equal there ne'er has been. He does not boast or brag:__ In war he does not lag:__ But he strikes right when-ever a foe is seen.
Hardly a golden oldie; it seems to have been published by a piano merchant, JL Orme of Ottawa and Brockville. Words and music by HH Godfrey.
The words go:
The month was bright October, the year was ninety-nine, when Jack Canuck first left his home and joined the British line.
He knew he was wanted; never asked the reason why. But took his gun and on the run, bid all his friends good-bye--
'Twas just a few weeks later, when Johnny trod the veldt, and though there was not much of him, he made that "little" felt.
He knew just what was wanted, and resolved to do or die, He took his gun and on the run, he made the Burghers fly.
Our Johnny asked no favours. but tried to keep in front, and every time the scrimmage came why? Johnny bore the brunt.
John Bull looked on in wonder, all amazed at Johnny's pluck. Then raised his hat and cried aloud God bless you Jack Canuck.
Chorus:
Oh! Johnny Canuck's the lad: __ the finest was e'er seen:__ He's like a flash; For nerve and dash His equal there ne'er has been. He does not boast or brag:__ In war he does not lag:__ But he strikes right when-ever a foe is seen.
Hardly a golden oldie; it seems to have been published by a piano merchant, JL Orme of Ottawa and Brockville. Words and music by HH Godfrey.