Boatman Jim
Air: Swanee River
Up by Ohio's northern waters,
Boatman Jim was born ;
There, 'mid Cuyahoga's sons and daughters,
He blew his bugle horn.
In the field by plough and shop behold
him,
Wielding labor's tools.
Till his gifts of learning high enrolled
him,
Master in the schools.
CHORUS.
At his barge's helm a steerer,
Led by coming fate,
Every moment drawing near and
nearer
To the old Ship of State.
When Treason's bloody sword would
sunder
Our Union's band,
Mid the storm of fire and raging thunder
Marched he in command;
"Mid sabre clash and musket rattle,
He bore the foemen down,
And returned he from the bloody battle,
Covered with renown.
CHORUS.
Soldier, statesman, grown yet dearer,
Led by coming fate,
Every moment drawing near and
nearer -
To the old Ship of State.
Now by the People's voice commanded,
A leader of the free,
Around his colors we are strongly banded,
Sure of victory !
Hosts on hosts will bravely rally to us,
Eager for the fray,
And while patriot sires above review us,
We'll win the glorious day. -
CHORUS.
On the sky the sign is glorious,
Drawn by coming fate;
GARFIELD and ARTHUR are victorious,
On board the Ship of State.