We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

White House Blues

from Memento Mori EP by Death and the Dancer

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £1 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Telling of the 1901 assignation of US President William McKinley by the anarchist Leon Czolgosz. McKinley was the last veteran of the Union Army to hold office of president. A critic of southern lynching, his election raised great hopes for justice and advancement amongst the African-American communities from whence this song likely originates. Although his presidency did little to advance the cause of civil rights, McKinley’s assassination was evidently seen by those communities as the harbinger of yet harder times to come. Somewhat incongruously, the earliest known reference to this song appears in the personal correspondence of D.H. Laurence, who reportedly performed it for his friends and family.

lyrics

Mr McKinley, he didn't do no wrong,
He went on down to Buffalo, and he didn't stay too long,
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

The people all came running round to see what had been done,
"You have shot the president with your Ivor Johnson gun",
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

Doc came a'running, he'll try and save you yet,
Doc said to McKinley, "cash in your cheques",
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

McKinley he hollered, McKinley he squalled,
Doc said to McKinley, "I cannot find that ball",
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

"Look here you rascal, see what you have done",
"You have shot my husband, and now he's dead and gone",
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

Roosevelt's in the White House, drinking out of a silver cup,
McKinley's in the graveyard, he never will get up,
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

Roosevelt's in the White House, signing off his laws,
McKinley's in the graveyard, he'll never rise no more
Hard times, hard times, hard times.

credits

from Memento Mori EP, released July 20, 2018

license

tags

about

Death and the Dancer image

Death and the Dancer Sheffield, UK

A fast-paced, foot-tapping blend of transatlantic folk music styles, drawing unlikely inspiration from the blood-soaked popular ballad tradition and the chilling ‘Danse Macabre’ imagery of medieval Europe. Come dance away your worldly cares; when Death scrapes the bow, all folk must dance. ... more

contact / help

Contact Death and the Dancer

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Death and the Dancer, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now