Lyric; meaning of Lion's paw/claw

Subject: Lyric; meaning of Loin's paw/claw
From: Willa
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 05:30 PM

Can anyone clarify whether 'the lion's paw/claw' refers to Canada? I've found the words in a couple of slavery-related songs (Slave's song' and I'm on my way to Canada')

Subject: RE: Lyric; meaning of Loin's paw/claw
From: Azizi
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 06:53 PM

Willa, I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with "the lion's paw" or "the lion's claw" as a coded reference to Canada used by enslaved African Americans.

It might be helpful if you could post the lyrics to at least one of the songs that you are referring to or at least share the verse or verses from those songs that includes the phrase "the lion's paw {claw}.

Subject: RE: Lyric; meaning of Loin's paw/claw
From: LadyJean
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 01:14 AM

To shake the lion's paw, was Underground Railroad code for going to Canada. They were shaking hands, (paws) with the British Lion, in that Canada was still a British colony.
Sitting Bull and his Lakota called Canada Grandmother Country referring of course to Queen Victoria.
My great grandfather's store in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania, was a station on the underground railroad. Farmers brought raw wool to barter for sugar, coffe, and other staples. Runaway slaves hid in the wool. God! what a way to travel! hidden in a pile of smelly, greasy raw wool.

Subject: RE: Lyric; meaning of Lion's paw/claw
From: Willa
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:56 PM

Thanks, LadyJean- that's just the answer I was looking for.Fascinating to hear of your family's connection with the UR.

Azizi one extract was from 'I'm on my Way to Canada'-
The hounds are baying on my track, Old master comes behind,
Resolved that he will bring me back, Before I cross the line;
I'm now embarked for yonder shore, There a man's a man by law;
The iron horse will bear me o'er, To shake the lion's paw.

The meaning seemed obvious, but it's good to have confirmation.
Good old Mudcat; how I've missed it the last few days!

Subject: RE: Lyric; meaning of Lion's paw/claw
From: EBarnacle
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 03:40 PM

A slight variant, "under the lion's paw," sometimes occurs and means under the protection of British/Canadian law.

Subject: RE: Lyric; meaning of Lion's paw/claw
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 04:03 PM

Good info! Thanks!!

Subject: RE: Lyric; meaning of Lion's paw/claw
From: Willa
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:58 AM

Thanks, Ebarnacle. I found a similar phrase in The Slave's Song' (Free beneath the lion's claw, and he growls if you come near the shore)