32 - General Taylor

Words by Traditional
Tune by Traditional

Also known as 'Walk Me Along Johnny' or 'Walk Him Along John', this shanty commemorates the American General Zachary Taylor, who beat the Mexican General Santa Aña at the battle of Molina del Rey (Buena Vista) in February 1847. He later briefly became the 12th President of the United States. Taylor has merged in this song with the legendary figure Alfred Bulltop Stormalong, and receives the ceremonial funeral traditionally given to Stormy.

General Taylor’s dead and gone
Walk him along, John, carry him along
Oh, General Taylor’s dead and gone
Carry him to his burying ground

To me way hey, you Stormy
Walk him along, John, carry him along
To me way hey, you Stormy
Carry him to his burying ground

Oh I wish that I was old Stormy’s son
I’d build him a ship o’ ten thousand tons

To me way hey, you Stormy…

I’d load her down with ale and rum
And every shellback should have some

Oh we dug his grave with a silver spade
His shroud of the softest silk were made

We lowered him down on a golden chain
At every link we shouted his name

Oh, General Taylor fought in the fray
And General Taylor gained the day