Songs about Los San Patricios?

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,Les Izmore
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 04:07 AM

Here are the lyrics to a song by Mary O'neill and Matt Sullivan from the Wannabe Texans, a San Francisco band from the late 80s. The rest of their music is great also. Well worth seeking out.


San Patricio's Battalion

Captain John O'Reilly was handsome and smiling
But he'd had enough of lyin' for the Yanks
So he took off with his men out of Texas and down in
To old Mexico to be hung by his neck

It weren't the senioritas or lots of cheap tequila
That sent these Irishmen to meet their deaths
It was something in their blood that couldn't stand the shoves
Of injustice on a nation of free men

Saint Patricio's battalion chose to fight their own damn battle
And not fight another dirty US war
They said we're Irishmen who know that Viva Mexico
Is an echo of the cry Free Ireland

Patrick and Enrique disgusted down and bleeding
United and took aim at Uncle Sam
It was a matter of their feeling but the bullets kept on zingin'
And they died there on the burning desert sands

General Winfield Scott with a medal on his heart
Said I'll make these rebels pay unto the end
So up on Chapultapec he hung the rebels by the neck
That's why today old Texas isn't Mex

Saint Patricio's battalion chose to fight their own damn battle
And not fight another dirty US war
They said we're Irishmen who know that Viva Mexico
Is an echo of the cry Free Ireland

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: Ernest
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 02:14 PM

Here`s one from Black 47:

http://www.thereelbook.com/groups/Black47/charts/SanPatricioBrigade.pdf

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,Diarmuid
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:10 AM

Hi, I checked out a couple of songs and some contributions on this subject. There is another song sung by Niamh Parsons which I've heard and is very good but don't have the lyrics (that's what I was searching for). Chorus goes:
"Who were these men, what was their crime,
for which they were ????????????
did they rob or rape, or was their fate
as the poet once related?
These men of Ireland,
the men whom God made mad:
Their wars were never merry,
but oh! their songs were sad."

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,cha
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 02:50 PM

I wrote a song myself about the san patricios here are the lyrics
there is a sample of it too on cdbaby.com the album its on is "songs from an outpost". I wrote the song to the air of the scottish song dainty davey

47 too long a year, men died in chains men died in fear
some were lost under Irish sky and some on Mexico's fields were hung.
The gallows there 14 feet high two score men condemned to die
hung at noon in scorching heat, three hours they waited bound hand and feet.

47 too dark a year, men shook their chains and fell in fear
from Vera Cruz a flag unfurled many men rallied round it.
A Mexican eagle and a Celtic cross under the green flag men were lost
shot down as soldiers, hung as slaves their cruel fate a shallow grave.

Birds wouldn't cross the Pedragal through it General Lee he carved a path
Valencia's army were routed there Churubusco's fate was calling.
The Yankees tumbled through high corn at Churubusco we shot them down
Mexican guns they soon gave out with bayonets we joined the slaughter.

Three times the white flag swung round three times O'Riley pulled it down
when blood ran down into the sound only then did they surrender.
The Mexican eagle and a Celtic cross under the green flag men were lost
Shot down as soldiers, hung as slaves their cruel fate a shallow grave.

The gallows there 14 feet high two score men condemned to die
Hung at noon in scorching heat, three hours they waited bound hand and feet.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,MSYSPIRIT
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 05:59 PM

THE FENIANS DO A GREAT SONG TITLED THE SAN PATRICIOS ON THEIR CD BAND OF ROGUES.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:24 PM

The Chieftains have just issued a record in tribute to the San Patricio Battalion, featuring Ry Cooder. Very good. Here is a YouTube featurette about it, with some extracts.

This should make a few more people aware of the history. (And if you can get Spotify, you can hear all the tracks.)

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: pattyClink
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:19 PM

Good heavens I had no idea there were so many songs about this.
I'm going to quote liner notes off the "Soldiers' Songs" CD by Captain Mackey's Goatskin and String Band (Jimmy Crowley and Martin Cogain)

The Men that God Made Mad
Ron Kavana wished to record the heroism of the Battalon de San Patricio in the Mexican-American war (1846-1848) who defected to the Mexican side and were executed by the American Army. To the United States, the deserters are traitors; but to Mexicans, the "Irish martyrs" are heroes, honored in street names, plaques and St. Patrick's Day celebrations around the country. The battalion's name is written in gold letters in the chamber of Mexico's House of Representatives.

Far, far from Clifden's rocky shore o'er the broad Atlantic sea,
The battalion of St. Patrick tired of harsh brutality
No more abuse or bigotry, their angry cry whole-hearted
Near Matamoros lives were lost, that's when the fighting started

Chorus
Who were those men, what was the crime
For which their lives were wasted,
Did they rob or rape or was their fate
As the poet once related?
Were those great Gaels of Ireland
The men that God made mad?
Their wars were never merry,
But all their songs were sad

Land of the Free meant liberty to the U.S. Army's Irish,
Til James K. Polk he sent 'em south to civilize the Spanish
In a war to extend slavery and unjust exploitation
They'd not repeat what Cromwell did to their own poor Irish nation.

At Angostura Irish blood drenched the sun-baked clay
And Mexico still honours those brave men who died that day
But the worse was yet to come in the hour that was ended
When General Scott hung Irishmen to celebrate with vengeance.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: open mike
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:58 AM

That c.d. was featured on a local folk music wshow here..
incredible...here is an article about Ry Cooder and all..
http://www.sanfernandosun.com/sanfernsun/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5002&Itemid=2

Subject: ADD: The Men that God made Mad
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 03:01 AM

The Men that God made Mad - written by Ron Kavanagh
(Arr. N. Parsons/G. Dunne)
L'Entrada de L'Angustura - written by Graham Dunne

Far far from Clifden's rocky shore o'er the broad Atlantic sea
The Battalion of St. Patrick tired of harsh brutality
No more abuse or bigotry, their angry cry wholehearted
Near Matamoras lives were lost that's when the fighting started

    Chorus:
    Who were those men, what was the crime
    For which their lives were wasted
    Did they rob or rape, or was their fate
    As the poet once related
    Were those great Gaels of Ireland
    The men that God made mad
    Their wars were never merry
    But all their songs were sad

Land of the Free meant liberty to the U.S. Army's Irish
Till James K. Polk he sent them south to civilize the Spanish
In a war to extend slavery and unjust exploitation
They'd not repeat what Cromwell did to their poor Irish Nation

    Chorus:

At L'Angustura, Irish blood drenched the sun-baked clay
And Mexico still honours those brave men who died that day
But the worst was yet to come in the hour that war was ended
When General Scott hung the Irishmen to celebrate with vengeance

    Chorus:

http://www.niamhparsons.com/fylde_track8.html

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 09:34 AM

I read years ago that many Irish soldiers defected after American troops burned down a Catholic church early in the war. This mighty have been in "People's History of the United States". Now I can't find any reference to this event in any of the histories. Has anyone else heard this story.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: pdq
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 10:08 AM

The government based in Mexico City encouraged Irish to emigrate to the Texas territory as early as 1828.

They were often paid something, money or land.

Germans began arriving in numbers in the 1930s, about 40% were Catholic. They came on their own and started some of the cattle ranches that still exist today. Since there was no obvious border anywhere in the Southwest, many Germans wound up in areas that are now in Mexico.

Both joined various groups of pioneers who came from the U.S.

All lived in the middle of a region that had been occupied by numerous native tribes which came to be known as American Indians, or just Indians.

Indians were, by far, the majority race at the time the Bear Flag Republic was established and the Irish, Germans, ex pat Americans, Spanish, and most of the ethnic Mexicans all despised the corrupt and violent government in Mexico city and wanted nothing to do with their rule.

Actually, most of Mexico's states were in revolt against their government at this time.

The government in Mexico City decreed that only Roman Catholicism would be practiced in the Texas territory and that all people, no matter where they were from, must pledge allegiance to the Mexican government.

Penalty for disloyalty to the Mexican government or non-compliance with religious demands: death.

Churches were burned but they were Protestant churches and they were torched by Mexicans.

Irish joined the Mexican Army in the fight to put Texas under Mexican control, however, those who suggest that these were all U.S. army deserters are way off base. Proof, anyone?

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: pdq
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 10:32 AM

Since the California Republic (aka Bear Flag Republic) of 1846 and the Republic of Texas, from 1836-46, were the conerstones to the establishment of the southern border of the United States, it is resonable to think of them at the same time. Ignore typo in above statement.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:37 PM

For your consideration:

San Patricios

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,morrisbrendon
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 04:35 PM

Charlei O'Brien has written and recorded a fine song about this, and his other stuff is also well worth a listen. Here's the relevant page on his site...

Charlie O'Brien

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 04:43 PM

So it was a war of liberation on the part of the USA... As was the entire conquest of the 51 states and expropriation of the people who had been living there previously.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: Folknacious
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 03:34 PM

I'm right this minute reading a massive article about the Chieftains and Ry Cooder "San Patricios" record project in the new April fRoots that came out yesterday. More here

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: mikesamwild
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 07:40 AM

This would link nicely with the thread on songs of the Spanish Civil war


We don't get the sme feeling of support for The Blueshirts who went ot spain ' to support the church' was it because they were fascists not Republicans ( not the modern US party!) as I assume the San Patricios were.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 08:12 AM

I pointed to this on another thread -

http://www.josemalones.com/

and by way of a little light hearted humour wonder if this wonderful sounding place was directly influenced by the events described above:-)

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 10:17 AM

On our new CD, The Conklin Ceili Band's "The Cannonsburg Sessions", we do Tim O'Brien's wonderful song titled "John Riley" and use "Loch Leven Castle" for the breaks between the verses and for the breakdown at the end. The CD is in local release here in Michigan now, and will soon be up on CD Baby and through our website. We are in the midst of a rework on our online stuff. If any of you would like a copy, drop me a PM and we will work out the details.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 09:17 AM

Do you know of Thom Moore's song San Patricios?

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST,A grateful Mexicano
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 01:19 AM

Gracias Batallon de Los San Patricios. Mexico forever grateful!
I read the history of the Irish people & it makes very sad. The Irish fled a homeland controlled by a foreign crown with a different religion just to land in America to serve a president acting like the very same crown they fled; a tyrant who invades other countries & who also oppressed the Catholic people. It's no wonder why so many Irish left the U.S. military to fight on the side of the Mexicans. Once upon a time they said the Irish were dirty pigs. They now say that about Mexicans. They said Irish were violent drunks. They now say that about Mexicans. They said the Irish were wife beaters. They now say that about Mexicans. They say Irish only bring diseases. They now say that about Mexicans. They used to post signs that read: No dogs or Irish allowed. Now they read: No dogs or Mexicans around. To suffer racism is a heavy price to pay in America. However with time we, the Mexicans & Irish, have proved that we are also prominent members of society. I read the history & struggle of the Irish immigrant & I feel like I'm reading the history of the Mexican immigrant. However, recently I've seen many videos of Mexican people celebrating St. Patricks Day in their lil pueblos and it brings a smile to my face. I had no idea how celebrated they are, Los San Patricios. Some time ago, I stumbled upon this history through flipping channels & saw the movie with Thom Berenger, One Mans Hero. Now in this blog, I see how many people, most likely of Irish background, are interestid in this part of history. I'm honored that both our histories provides some bonding between both peoples. I've met Irish people before. However, meeting Irish will now take a whole new meaning. Please promote the history of our peoples by word of mouth or wearing t-shirts, hats, or buttons with the San Patricios emblem. I usually frequent the many Irish pubs in Long Beach California cus I love their beer. I wonder what kinda reaction I will get from wearing such t-shirts. My next vacation spot is definitely Churubusco.

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 11:47 PM

For the wonderful song by the Fenians.

If anybody can catch the words in the last few lines, please let me know. :-)

Subject: RE: Songs about Los San Patricios?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Mar 22 - 01:08 PM

What was the song Jed Marum wrote about Los San Patricios?

Ah, here: https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=61044 - A Flag to Fly - A San Patricio Story (Marum)