The carabao, or water buffalo, was the "patron saint" of the Military Order of the Carabao, an organization of officers of the army and navy who served in the Philippines during the insurrection. It is the principal beast of burden in the Islands. It is not known for its speed.


THE CARABAO

O Carabao, old Carabao,
Before they e'er could strike a blow
Invading armies must await
Upon thy slow and measured gait.
For who can say that in his hand
Abides the pow'r at thy command?
'Tis in thy mighty force to wield
The fate of armies in the field

Oh! Carabao, Old Carabao,
Great monarch of the road art thou!
Thy value rests in merit plain,
Old toiler through the mud and rain.
Well bearest thou thy lowly part,
No weakness knows thy giant heart;
With thy broad horn a single blow,
Well could'st thou lay thy master low.

Yet all thy strength thou bindest still
To slave and suffer at his will;
And steady, draw the weary load,
Till death o'ertakes thee on the road.
Oh! Carabao, Old Carabao,
Well could we place upon thy brow
A laurel wreath for work well done
In driving storm and scorching sun.

tune: O Tannenbaum

source: American History Songbook, by Jerry Silverman (Mel Bay Publishing)