The Bold Canadian

The Bold Canadian was a patriotic song for Canadians that originated during the War of 1812. It celebrated the conquering of Detroit in Michigan Territory.

History
It is believed that The Bold Canadian was written by a private from the Third York Militia's First Flank Company named Cornelius Flummerfelt, who wrote the lines while marching in the Detroit campaign, or on the way back to York. The song was used to further increase the numbers of Canadian militia to fight during the war.

Although composed in late 1812, the first publication of the song was not until 1907, when the Niagara Historical Society printed part of the song in a pamphlet about Isaac Brock. Until 1907, the song was passed down in oral traditions; therefore, different versions of the song came to be. Full versions of the song were not published until 1927 when the Ontario Historical Society published two different versions of the song. In 1960, a third version was published; all three varied, with different stanzas and order of stanzas.

Although unpublished, the song remained popular in Canada throughout the nineteenth century, while a comparable American song, The Hunters of Kentucky, lost its popularity by the end of the Jacksonian Era.

Lyrics
"Come all you brave Canadians I'd have you lend an ear Unto a simple ditty That will your spirits cheer, Concerning an engagement We had at Sandwich town― The courage of those Yankee boys So bravely we pulled down. Their purpose to invade us Was to kill and to destroy To distress our wives and children And cause us much annoy.  Our countrymen were filled With sorrow, grief and woe To think that they would fall By an unnatural foe.  At length our bold commander Sir Isaac Brock by name Took shipping at Niagara And unto York he came.  He said: “My valiant heroes, Will you go along with me To fight those Yankee boys In the west of Canady.”  “O yes,” we all replied, “We'll go along with you Our knapsacks on our back And make no more ado.”  Our fire-locks then we shouldered And straight we marched away With firm determination To shew them British play.  Yes our fire-locks we shouldered Forward our course to steer To meet and fight the invader With neither dread nor fear. At Sandwich we arrived Each man with his supply With bold determination To conquer or to die. Our general sent a flag And thus to them did say: “Surrender now your garrison Or I'll fire on you this day.” Our troops then marched over Our artillery we did land And marched straight upon their town Like an undaunted band. They refused to surrender They chose to stand their ground We opened then our guns And gave them fire all around. The Yankee boys began to fear And their blood to run cold To see us marching forward So courageous and bold. Their general sent a flag of truce For quarter then they call: “Hold your hand, brave British boys, I fear you'll slay us all.” “Our town is at your command Our garrison likewise.” They brought their arms and grounded them Right down before our eyes. And they were all made prisoners On board of ship they went And from the town of Sandwich To Quebec they were sent. We guarded them from Sandwich Safe down unto Fort George And them within the town of York So safely we did lodge. And we're arrived at home Each man without a wound And the fame of this great conquest Will through the province sound. Success unto the volunteers Who thus their rights maintain Lifewise their bold commander Sir Isaac Brock by name. And being all united This is the song we'll sing Success unto Great Britain And may God Save the King."

Alternative lyrics
"Come all ye bold Canadians, I'd have you lend an ear Unto a short ditty Which will your spirits cheer,

Concerning an engagement We had at Detroit town, The pride of those Yankee boys So bravely we took down.

The Yankees did invade us, To kill and to destroy, And to distress our country, Our peace for to annoy,

Our countrymen were filled With sorrow, grief and woe, To think that they should fall By such an unnatural foe.

Come all ye bold Canadians, Enlisted in the cause, To defend your country, And to maintain your laws;

Being all united, This is the song we'll sing: Success onto Great Britain And God save the King."

Geoff Berner's "Come All Ye Bold Canadians (Song of the War of 1812)" lyrics
In 2011 Canadian folk-singer Geoff Berner recorded, "Come All Ye Bold Canadians (Song of the War of 1812)," as part of Henry Adam Svec's recording project, Folk Songs of Canada Now.

"The perfidious rebels snuck across our border by the score. They raped the nuns on tables, threw the babies to the floor. (What cads!) But invincible General Brock was ready when he heard the call. He drove them back and now we'll chase them over hedge and wall. So come all ye bold Canadians and gird your trusty might. We'll make the American libertines regret they picked a fight.  For order and good government we'll fight for what is right. Come all ye bold Canadians and gird your trusty might.  Around the world Canadians are feared as soldiers bold. Loyal and obedient, we'll kill and die when told. (Yes sir!)  Liberty is not for me, I know my rightful place. Upon my knees before our king, who God enthroned with grace.  So come all ye bold Canadians and gird your trusty might. We'll make the American libertines regret they picked a fight.  For order and good government we'll fight for what is right. Come all ye bold Canadians and gird your trusty might. No matter where they run and hide we'll chase them down like dogs. We'll burn the hated White House down with kerosene and logs. (Chop the logs!) A godless slave of liberty deserves just what he gets. Their livestock and their unborn brats will feel our bayonets. So come all ye bold Canadians and gird your trusty might. We'll make the American libertines regret they picked a fight. For order and good government we'll fight for what is right. Come all ye bold Canadians and gird your trusty might."