Songs about Laura Secord

Subject: Laura Ingels Saul Secord
From: J.McMullen
Date: 25 Mar 99 - 06:58 PM

I heard this ditty at the owen sound folk festival in 1996 and have been tring to find the lyrics to it. I can only remember part of the chorus it goes something like," But Laura Ingels Saul Secord she braved ... to warn Colnel Fitzgibbon Thanks

Subject: RE: Laura Ingels Saul Secord
From: Jerry Friedman
Date: 25 Mar 99 - 11:11 PM

For more useless information: according to the late great Robertson Davies, Laura Secord was a Canadian candy-maker and cultural icon. He may have been exaggerating about the icon part.

Subject: Laura Ingersoll Secord
From: John Mayberry
Date: 30 Mar 99 - 11:35 AM

Laura Secord is not only the name of a Canadian brand of chocolates, but also a Canadian cultural icon. In the War of 1812 she overheard some American officers who had commandeered her farm planning an attack on the British. After a grueling, perilous journey cross-country she succeeded in warning the British commander, Fitzgibbon, and saved the day. There's more about the story (well-known and loved by Canadians-one of the few stories treasured for the come-uppance of Americans) at:

http://www.heritageproject.ca/media/minutes/expanded/lsecor.htm

The Canadian group which performed it at the Owen Sound Folk Festival was undoubtedly Tanglefoot, who wrote the song. Their website is:

http://www.kawartha.com/tanglefoot/

Cheers, John Mayberry, Toronto

Subject: Lyr Add: LAURA SECORD'S JOURNEY (Marion Parsons)
From: Marion
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 10:50 AM

Hi folks. I've just written a song about Laura Secord, and now I'd like to see what else has been written about her - I'm sure there must be several. I'll copy in the one other I know of below.

Brief background: She was a Canadian hero of the War of 1812. American officers were billeted at her house in Queenston and she overheard them discussing imminent plans to attack the British outpost at Beaver Dams. As her husband was injured from an earlier battle, she made the trip herself to warn of this attack; it consisted of a day's hike of twenty miles, going through the rough country instead of the road, and braving various difficulties and dangers. Because the British received the information, they won the battle the following day.

LAURA SECORD'S JOURNEY - Marion Parsons, 2006

The men of Upper Canada have gone to join the fight
The redcoats and the redmen tried to hold the Queenston Heights
Sir Brock, our daring hero, fell like wild goose from the sky
And my own James was carried home with iron in his thigh
But though the Yankees occupy the whole Niagara shore
The secret I am carrying could win or lose this war.

Chorus:
Oh, grasses, hush your rustling, stand ye up behind my step
Fallen logs, oh bridge me over; sunlight, stay a while yet
Oh, jaybird, pray don't mock me, oh, squirrel, do not scold
Let me pass in silence by: my secret must be told.

The colonel in his insolence, he called our home their inn
And made so free with our good wine, the wine made free with him
"We move tomorrow morn," he said, "To capture Beaver Dams
With ten blue coats for every red, 'twill fall into our hands."
With steady chin and smiling eye I hid my thought from view:
A slender chance of victory, if message could get through!

My goodman could not hope to go, his ruined leg he cursed
"They'll shoot you for a spy", he said, "if wolves don't get you first
There's bog and cliff to bar your way, there's sentries on the road"
I kissed his dear and troubled face. "Oh Jimmy, let me go!
You did your duty for this land: I'll play the part I must
So give the children all my love, and give the Lord your trust."

And through the miles of undergrowth, the creek has shown the way
In fear of making sign or sound that could my path betray
The swamp has claimed my slippers and the brambles torn my dress
The dark will soon be falling and I dare not take a rest
And when my courage falters in the hunger and the heat
I think of all the loyal homes that hang upon my feet.

Subject: Lyr Add: SECORD'S WARNING (J Grant, S Ritchie)
From: Marion
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 10:52 AM

SECORD'S WARNING
Lyrics and Music: Joe Grant and Steve Ritchie (Tanglefoot)


Come all you brave young soldier lads
With your strong and manly bearing
I'll tell you a tale of a woman bold and her deed of honest daring
Laura Secord was American-born in the state of Massachusetts
But she made her home in Canada and proved so faithful to us

Chorus
There's American guns and 500 men
So the warning must be given
And Laura Ingersoll Secord was the stalwart heart
Who braved the heat and the flies and the swamp
To warn Colonel Fitzgibbon

There's soldiers pounding at the door
And they come from across the border
American officers march inside
It's food and drink they've ordered
In comfort they have dined and drunk
Their own success they've toasted
But they pay no heed to the woman who hears their plan so idly boasted

Chorus

Oh, James I've overheard it all
A surprise attack they're making
Fitzgibbon they intend to smash
His men for prisoners taking
And James a warning never you'll take with your wounded knee and shoulder
I myself must carry it past the sentries and the soldiers

Chorus

It's an all-day tramp to the British camp
By way of Shipman's Corners
There're snakes and flies and sweat in her eyes
There is no respite for her
She's lost her shoes in the muck of the bog
Her feet are torn and blistered
But there's many a soldier lad to be spared if the message be delivered

Chorus

So all you Yankee soldier lads who dare to cross our border
Thinking to save us from ourselves
Usurping British order
There's women and men Canadians all
Of every rank and station
To stand on guard and keep us free
From Yankee domination

Chorus

Subject: RE: Songs about Laura Secord
From: SharonA
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 06:48 PM

Wups... I was going to mention the Tanglefoot song but you beat me to it, Marion!

Subject: RE: Songs about Laura Secord
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:23 PM

One of the stories that doesnt seem to have had a lot of prominence in UK Marion !! Thanks !

Subject: RE: Songs about Laura Secord
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 03:58 AM

I love the Tanglefoot version too!