The Bodleian Library classifies this song as having the Peterloo Massacre as one of its themes, although the reference is rather obscure: Johnson Ballads fol. 240a:

THE YEOMAN’S SONG.

1. When first I joined the patriot band,
And trimm'd my Yeoman's jacket,
A foreign foe defied the land,
And menac'd to attack it.

CHORUS. Then right and left, and threes about,
We'll boldly meet the danger,
Says I, “I’ll see this business out,
“As Volunteer or Ranger.”

2. By flood and field for many a day,
No welfare e’er was keener,
Till Bony fairly ran away,
To pout at St. Helena.

CHORUS: With right and left, and threes about,
We boldly met the danger,
Says I, “I’ve seen this business out,
“As Volunteer or Ranger.”

3. Once more I mount at duty's call,
(My horse in good condition,)
I will not see old England fall
A martyr to sedition.

CHORUS: Then right and left, and threes about,
We’ll boldly meet the danger,
Says I, “I’ll see this business out,
“As Volunteer or Ranger.”

4. Shall Cobler Preston^[1] mend our cause
Or Watson^[2] purge the nation?
Shall Brewer Hunt^[3] pollute the laws
With noxious fermentation?

CHORUS. No-right and left, and threes about,
We’ll boldly meet the danger,
“I vow to see this business out,
“As Volunteer or Ranger.”

5. I will not grudge my wife her tea,
In spite of all these wise men;
Good ale has still some charms for me,
“Tho' gauged by the excisemen.”

CHORUS. No—right and left, and threes about,
We'll cheerly meet the danger,
Says I, “I’ll see this business out,
“As Volunteer or Ranger.”

6. I’ll keep the way my father trod,
The way that I was born in,
My King, my Country, and my God
I’ll love for all their scorning.

CHORUS. Then right and left, and threes about,
We’ll boldly meet the danger,
Says I, “I’ll see this business out,
“As Volunteer or Ranger.”

Newcastle. Printed by Edw. Walker.

* * *

1. Probably the author of this book. I have failed to find a concise article about him.

2. Probably James Watson

3. Probably Henry Hunt