American Old Time Song Lyrics: 59 Kelly Youre A Dandy

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 59

KELLY, YOU'RE A DANDY.
By Paul West, in "N. Y. Journal."

When the Uncas entered Havana harbor on her mission to secure the
release of Jones and Thrall, the newspaper correspondents. Lieutenant
Brainard, in command, gave orders to John Kelly, seaman, to hoist the
flag of truce. "Damned If I will!" said Kelly. 'I won't hoist a white
flag on one of Uncle Sam's ships:"

Kelly, you're a dandy, you're the proper size!
You good old son of Erin, you're a Dewey in disguise.
It only was a flag of truce, as well you understood.
But even that you wouldn't hoist-no, damn you if you would:

Chorus.
So. hi, Johnny Kelly,
God save you in the war!
We'll buy you grog till you waterlog
Whenever you come ashore!

You know your business. Johnny: and you know there's but one flag
To fly upon a Yankee ship-no washed-out, milk-white rag.
The only flag of truce for us (we'll flaunt it everywhere)
Is the good old Stars and Stripes, and. John, you see you keep it there!­
-Chorus.