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134 JOHNNY TROY
The first part of this song is somewhat similar to "Jack Donahoo," for texts of which see Hudson, JAFL, XXXIX, 135-136; Lomax, pp. 64-65; and Mackenzie, pp. 306-308. For a text, "Johnny Troy," rather similar to this Michigan version see Henry, JAFL, XLV, 37-39.
The present text was obtained from Miss Mildred Pahl, a student in Michigan State Normal College, Ypsilanu. She had heard the song sung by her mother, who, in turn, had learned it from her father after his return from California some time in the sixties; he had heard it sung by the miners. Reprinted from Gardner, JAFL, XXVII, 91-92.
1 Come all ye daring bushrangers And outlaws of the land, Who scorn to live in slavery Or wear a convict's band.
2 Come, listen to my story, To that most solemn lay,
Of those most mournful days, The days of Johnny Troy.
3 Troy was born in Dublin, That city of great fame, Brought up by honest parents; The world knows the same.
4 For the robbing of a widow He was sent o'er the main,
For seven, long years to New South Wales To wear a convict's chain.
5 There were Troy, Bill Harrington, Tim Jackson, and Jack Dun, Four of the bravest heroes
Who ever handled gun.
6 Said Troy to Bill Harrington, "Load every man his piece;
For this very night I intend to fight Against the horse police." |
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