Some weeks ago in a thread I don't refind Jim McLean has mentioned this song. I recollect (and hope I'm not far off) that this was a contemporary poem about John McLean and that Jim has written a tune for it, so now it is a song.

I have the song on tape, I like it a lot and that's why I post it. It is my transcription so here might be errors left. I'd appreciate corrections.

The John McLean March can be read as a sequl to the song below, for the song below describes the time when McLean was in prison and the John McLean March describes his coming home from Peterhead prison.

If you want to read a bit more, you'll find a fine compilation of informations at the respective page in Susanne's Folksong Notizen

Wolfgang

JOHN MCLEAN

1. When you've passed your declarations and you feel you've done your bit
and you think there's nothing more that you can do
why not act and in your actions emulate the grit
of the man in Peterhead who acts for you.
(last line repeated in each verse)

2. He is grateful for your money he appreciates your cheers
your sympathy is ample for his needs
but there are more important things than resolutions, casual tears
why not give just a sample, say, of deeds.

3. 'Twas for you he gathered knowledge, sacrificed his very youth
he worked for you until his head was grey.
They are killing him by inches just because he thought the truth
And having thought it had the guts to say.

4. For the truth's a kind of virtue that the ruling classes fear,
by the foulest means to crush it they have tried.
For truth the stones of hate were hurled at prophet and at seer
(this line now seems to be missing in my transcription; I'll come back)

5. He will pay you back in plenty it's you who stand again
his lion heart is yours if he is spared.
So, workers, for your own sakes, liberate McLean,
you could do it, aye, tomorrow, if you dared.

6. Will you suffer his destruction on the tyrants' battleground
will you let the cursed wrong defeat the right.
He is one against an army are you going to see him downed,
are you going to let him die without a fight.

7. He will pay you back in plenty it's you who stand again
for his lion heart is yours if he is spared.
Then workers, for your own sakes, liberate McLean,
you could do it, aye, tomorrow, if you dared.