The Bold Canadian facts for kids
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"The Bold Canadian" was a special song for Canadians. It came out during the War of 1812. The song celebrated a big win: taking over Detroit in what was then called Michigan Territory.
History of "The Bold Canadian" Song
People think a soldier named Cornelius Flummerfelt wrote "The Bold Canadian." He was a private in the Third York Militia. He might have written the song while marching to Detroit or on his way back to York, Upper Canada (which is now Toronto). The song helped get more Canadian soldiers to join the fight during the war.
Even though the song was made in late 1812, it wasn't printed until 1907. The Niagara Historical Society printed a part of it in a small book about Isaac Brock. Before 1907, people learned the song by hearing it and singing it. This meant that different versions of the song appeared over time.
The full song wasn't printed until 1927. The Ontario Historical Society published two different versions then. In 1960, a third version was printed. All three versions had different parts and different orders of those parts.
Even without being printed, the song stayed popular in Canada for a long time. It was well-known throughout the 1800s. An American song, "The Hunters of Kentucky", was similar but lost its popularity much sooner.
Original Song 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.
Another Version of the Lyrics
Here is a slightly different version of the song:
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.
