Gaspee Days CommitteeHistory Files

BalladoftheGaspeeAffairBallad of the Gaspee Affair

45 RPM record (3:44)
Written by and Recorded by Robert Archetto
Heritage Roads Music, 1975

Download .mp3   (1.5 Mb)

On June the ninth of '72
As history made its way
Freedom gave a mighty cry
On Narragansett Bay.
The die was cast, the stage was set.
Before the light of dawn
The waters of Rhode Island
Saw independence born.

The Gaspee was as feared a ship
That ever sailed the bay.
The guns reflected England's curse
That taxed colonial trade.
She'd search and seize American ships
Her will was their command
But John Bull and the Union Jack
She held freedom in her hand.

Hannah, the Gaspee's closing in upon your tail
Hannah, you'd better get some wind into your sails.

The Hannah was a colonial ship
Carrying colonial trade
June the ninth, she turned her bow
Into Narragansett Bay.
"There's the Gaspee!", cried the first mate.
"She's turned to pull aside."
The wind blew freedom's course that day
The Gaspee was denied.

So the Gaspee took the chase in hand
She'd played this game before.
Guns were manned and ready
She was closing on her score.
As the two ships sailed past Namquid Point
There came a crushing sound.
The tide had crippled England's curse
The Gaspee ran aground.

Hannah, the Gaspee's closing in upon your tail
Hannah, you'd better get some wind into your sails.

When the Hannah docked--news spread fast
Not a word was passed 'til late.
A hundred men and boys set out
To seal the Gaspee's fate.
The first blow for freedom struck
Flames reached to grab the sky.
The Gaspee lay a burning witch
A tyrant left to die.

Hannah, the Gaspee's closing in upon your tail
Hannah, you'd better get some wind into your sails.

Hannah, the Gaspee's closing in upon your tail
Hannah, you'd better get some wind into your sails.

Flip Side Lyrics: Something is Calling Me  (2:45)
Written by and Recorded by Robert Archetto. Heritage Roads Music, 1975
Download .mp3  (1.1 Mb)
Something is calling me
I know it's freedom
Freedom is calling me
In a while I'm leaving.
Have to fight for a better way
A better way of living
Have to fight a bitter fight
It's my time for giving.

Freedom is a precious thing
So don't be crying
You know it's the gift I'll leave
If it comes to dying.
If I live or if I die
It doesn't really matter
For a country you can call your own
It's worth my going after.

I'm angry that I have to go
More than a little scared
I know you'll understand
Keep me in your prayers.
Have to fight for a better way
A better way of living
Have to fight a bitter fight
It's my time for giving.
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Rev. 7/2008    BalladoftheGaspeeAffair.htm