Fiddler's Green

[Navy6064]

Fiddler's Green


For those unfamiliar with the legend, Fiddler's Green is the Cavalry equivalent of Valhalla, probably originating during the Indian Wars of the Early 1800's when troopers would shoot themselves to prevent being scalped while still alive.

Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good, old-time canteen,
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler's Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell,
The Infantry are seen,
Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and
Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddler's Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene,
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he empties his canteen,
And so rides back to drink again
With Friends at Fiddler's Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to take your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddler's Green.