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Pension for a Soldier

by McShane & Shaw

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Steven Cooper
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suziukes
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marciaehinger
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about

Pension for a Soldier written by Chris McShane based on a letter written by Michael McShane after the American Civil War. The track also features a traditional tune ' Waiting for the Federals'.

lyrics

Pension for a Soldier
Words & Music by Chris McShane
Copyright Chris McShane Music

Intro
Verse 1

Dear sir I write with great respect with reference to my claim

I was born and raised in Donegal then to these shores I came

back in 1857 there was not much choice for me

Than to leave my home and cross the foam to the land of liberty

So I settled in New Harmony. Became a working man

With good friends gathered round me. We farmed and worked the land

Then in 64 in the bloody war. I was called to join the fray.

In the 10th Indiana cavalry as a trooper in company K

Chorus 1

A pension for a soldier is all I ask you see

A pension for a soldier who fought to set men free

Verse 2
At Spring Hill near Franklin I was struck by a rebel round
My horse reared up and tore away as my body hit the ground
The rebs soon took us prisoner.
Marched us broken down the track.
On a trail that caused great hardship and the bayonet to my back.

Two wounds I took to the shoulder blade that pain me even still
For five long months I suffered there in that hell called Andersonville
So many died from the disentary by the hundred every day
And the scurvy caused me o loose my teeth
My gums to rot away

Chorus 2
A pension for a soldier is all I ask you see
A pension for a soldier who fought to set men free

Instrumental

Chorus 3

In April 1865 my freedom was secured
After hard times and great suffering and all that we’d endured
They sent me home to freedom with a chance to start again.
But the war had racked my body and mind with a constant daily pain.
So please kind sir consider me and the hardships I’ve been through
And grant to me this pension. This soldier fought for you.

Chorus 4

Chorus 5 Accapella

credits

released November 1, 2023
Performed by McShane & Shaw with special guests Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir and virtuoso bodhrán player Ciarán Boyle.

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McShane & Shaw Sheffield, UK

"Wickedly funny, superbly talented, heart-warming and with a feel-good factor you wish you could bottle up and take home."
Ralph Shaw and Chris McShane are multi instrumentalists from Yorkshire who have honed their craft everywhere from Barnsley to British Columbia. Watch and be delighted by virtuoso music, tight harmonies, family friendly comedy and funny songs. ... more

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