Dewey's Victory at Manila - May 1, 1896

Commordore George Dewey
(1837-1917)

Prepare for the battle for the bugles are calling,
Was the voice of our hero that sailed o'er the deep
For today Spain shall drink from this dark cup of sadiness
That steals o'er the breath 'ere her mortals do sleep

Our Nation of peach lived devoted
To glory, a home for all foreigners from every clime
Freedom of speech, worship worships the theory
Will live though all ages immortal in time.

But the dead from the Maine that sleeps in the ocean
Now sounds in my ear like a funeral knell
Let the sword of my Country be stained in the goary
As proudly his flagship leaped o'er the swell.

Whilst a deck beam shall bear me
To float on these waters not a moment
Of refuge will ever be seen
But to cheer on my men through the echo of battle

And drain the last shell from a full magazine
Behold you slavers of the deep
Were summoned here to battle
Prepare for death the red flash leap

Bring on your Spanish metal
That lovely breeze in the eastern seas
Spread starry stripes of blue
Our patriot boys beneath the flag

Close to the cannons drew
Out came Spains ships of ancient form
But Dewey smiled in the silent scorn
And signalled from the commanding tower

His gunners threw that fatal shower
That sounded loud far o'er the Maine
And shook the crown through the halls of Spain
The Spanish fleet was red with fire

But Dewey circled 'round the choir
Loud cannonade that distant roar
It fairly shook the Island shore
Amidst the shot and flying spray

The battle raged across the Bay
The Dons were wild and mad with rage
A shattered crown a losing sage

Out came a fighter of torpedo fame
But Dewey served her gust the same
For the Olimph guns her timers tore
And that torpedo boat was seen no more

Amidst the smoke were cannons roar
The burning flames began to soar
And filled the air with fiery clouds
That lighted o'er the immortal shrouds

Where the last right of many a brave
There mingled with the ocean wave
Old Glory's flag's immortal fame
Waved o'er the squadons battle fame

And to every charge the Olympia came
And tore her foes asunder
It was the hottest morning's dew
Long centuries will remember

That fading spark of Spains decay
Are buried in Manila's Bay
Once famous ships for thus history tell
Lies rotten in the ocean swell

Old flashy pirates, dukes of Spain
All made up the funeral train
When the Spanish guns did cease to fire
Our conquerer and his ships retire

But piped aloud for muster roll
None missing, not a mortal soul
Each one was there his name to tell
For none had in the battle fell

Then raise from earth a lofty tower
Defiance against wind and shower
In sweet memorial of that May day
That Dewey stormed Manila Bay