The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #118077   Message #4221206
Posted By: Lighter
19-Apr-25 - 10:08 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Micks Sticks - Boyne Water/Boiling Water
Subject: RE: Origins: Micks Sticks - Boyne Water/Boiling Water
Galveston Daily News (June 20, 1905):

"'Three thousand Micks threw down their picks at the battle of Boyne Water.' Thirteen soldiers of the First Cavalry, more or less Irish, were singing this song at the top of their voices."

Cf. U.S. Marine song from 1918 or earlier:

"Ten thousand gobs laid down their swabs
To lick one sick Marine...."