Irish soldiers in Mexico in the 1840s. Fleeing famine in Ireland, they join Mexico in the fight against U.S. tyranny. History of rebellion & solidarity. 英検2級以上 TOEIC 450
Louise, same as the previous two comments, thank you for sharing another very important history lesson song and your enlightening explanation. Your “Social Issues in Song” articles have been a precious source for me to learn world history, and today’s song, too.
After reading your article and listening to the song, my computer or YouTube automatically led me to a video clip at:
(When Americans fought for Mexico: St Patrick's Battalion, an episode of “Five Minutes of History” by the History Guy)
So I watched it. I found it a good follow-up mini-lecture to understand the situation. I watched it to the end without realizing that it was a "Ten" Minutes of History, and I felt embarrassed that, not knowing the history behind Saint Patrick’s Day, I have formed a self-made, non-essential image about the Day. I now feel I know just a little bit more about the Day. I’m sure that next time on when I hear the word “Saint Patrick’s Day,” I will recall today’s song and your article. Thank you.
Not to change the subject, the other day my YouTube led me to a short (1 minute) video clip:
Looks like it is a scene from a TV drama. I felt that a very important lessen is condensed in this one minute. I felt that it helped me understand the logic or way of thinking behind what happened or was going on in the world (almost everywhere, between countries/peoples or within).
Lastly and least, I have a least important question about the lyrics.
The third line from the bottom (end) says “In the service of the Mexican-state.” The video says “At the service of ...” Doesn’t matter whether it is IN or AT?
Thank you so much for reading and for leaving comments. It’s wonderful to know that this Substack is useful for people, whether they are learners of English or native speakers.
I, myself, didn’t know anything about the St. Patrick’s Battalion until I started really listening carefully to the music of David Rovics. He has written so many songs on past and present history that it is hard to keep up with all of it. I’ve wanted to cover this song for quite a while, and since St. Patrick’s Day is the 17th, I thought this would be good timing.
Thank you, also, for the two URLs you listed. I learned even more from the first one - the History Guy. Learning is a never-ending endeavor, isn’t it.
The second, short video is excellent. I don’t know what film it is from, but it certainly hits the mark as far as colonialism is concerned, past and present. “We’re doing this for your own good.” How many cultures have heard that before!
Regarding your language question… Rovics does, indeed, sing “at”. I would say “in”. I found a discussion of the diffference here, in case you are interested:
We say, “I am at your service” meaning “Let me know how I can help.” “At the service of the Mexican state” = we are willing to help in any way we can.
“In the service of” means your position is one that is paid or as a kind of job. “In the service of the Mexican state” = we are part of the Mexican Army.
I lived in Ireland for thirteen years Louise as you may have gathered from some of my posts, when we first arrived there were still many older people that were suspicious of us, they wouldn't speak or even say hello... I know it was history talking to them but I did feel so ashamed... the English, like the Americans too, did some terrible things in the name of greed.. ☘️
And the Russians, and the Germans, and the Japanese, and the Greeks, and the Romans, and.......... I want to say it's human nature, but because there are so, so many people throughout history who have marched, and bled, and sacrificed so that others can live in a just world with rights for humans, the environment, and all living creatures, I believe there is another side to this thing called "human nature". This song shows some of those moral people. ☘️
Dear Louise, if we couldn’t hold such a belief close to our hearts it would be a terrifying world - it isn’t easy in this time of greed and wannabe dictators but this world is filled with good people who live with respect not only for their countries and those of others, just like all those you share here. 🙏🏼
I did not know this story, Louise...thank you!
Thanks for sharing this great story, Louise!
Louise, same as the previous two comments, thank you for sharing another very important history lesson song and your enlightening explanation. Your “Social Issues in Song” articles have been a precious source for me to learn world history, and today’s song, too.
After reading your article and listening to the song, my computer or YouTube automatically led me to a video clip at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OkDpD-sUYI&t=45s
(When Americans fought for Mexico: St Patrick's Battalion, an episode of “Five Minutes of History” by the History Guy)
So I watched it. I found it a good follow-up mini-lecture to understand the situation. I watched it to the end without realizing that it was a "Ten" Minutes of History, and I felt embarrassed that, not knowing the history behind Saint Patrick’s Day, I have formed a self-made, non-essential image about the Day. I now feel I know just a little bit more about the Day. I’m sure that next time on when I hear the word “Saint Patrick’s Day,” I will recall today’s song and your article. Thank you.
Not to change the subject, the other day my YouTube led me to a short (1 minute) video clip:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rJmE-u6UPoQ
Looks like it is a scene from a TV drama. I felt that a very important lessen is condensed in this one minute. I felt that it helped me understand the logic or way of thinking behind what happened or was going on in the world (almost everywhere, between countries/peoples or within).
Lastly and least, I have a least important question about the lyrics.
The third line from the bottom (end) says “In the service of the Mexican-state.” The video says “At the service of ...” Doesn’t matter whether it is IN or AT?
We fought them in five major battles
Churobusco was the last
Overwhelmed by the cannons from Boston
We fell after each mortar blast
Most of us died on that hillside
"In" the service of the Mexican state
So far from our occupied homeland
We were heroes and victims of fate
Mitsuru Hiki
Hi Mitsuru,
Thank you so much for reading and for leaving comments. It’s wonderful to know that this Substack is useful for people, whether they are learners of English or native speakers.
I, myself, didn’t know anything about the St. Patrick’s Battalion until I started really listening carefully to the music of David Rovics. He has written so many songs on past and present history that it is hard to keep up with all of it. I’ve wanted to cover this song for quite a while, and since St. Patrick’s Day is the 17th, I thought this would be good timing.
Thank you, also, for the two URLs you listed. I learned even more from the first one - the History Guy. Learning is a never-ending endeavor, isn’t it.
The second, short video is excellent. I don’t know what film it is from, but it certainly hits the mark as far as colonialism is concerned, past and present. “We’re doing this for your own good.” How many cultures have heard that before!
Regarding your language question… Rovics does, indeed, sing “at”. I would say “in”. I found a discussion of the diffference here, in case you are interested:
https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/189678/at-the-service-of-versus-in-the-service-of
We say, “I am at your service” meaning “Let me know how I can help.” “At the service of the Mexican state” = we are willing to help in any way we can.
“In the service of” means your position is one that is paid or as a kind of job. “In the service of the Mexican state” = we are part of the Mexican Army.
There many be other interpretations, though.
I lived in Ireland for thirteen years Louise as you may have gathered from some of my posts, when we first arrived there were still many older people that were suspicious of us, they wouldn't speak or even say hello... I know it was history talking to them but I did feel so ashamed... the English, like the Americans too, did some terrible things in the name of greed.. ☘️
And the Russians, and the Germans, and the Japanese, and the Greeks, and the Romans, and.......... I want to say it's human nature, but because there are so, so many people throughout history who have marched, and bled, and sacrificed so that others can live in a just world with rights for humans, the environment, and all living creatures, I believe there is another side to this thing called "human nature". This song shows some of those moral people. ☘️
Dear Louise, if we couldn’t hold such a belief close to our hearts it would be a terrifying world - it isn’t easy in this time of greed and wannabe dictators but this world is filled with good people who live with respect not only for their countries and those of others, just like all those you share here. 🙏🏼
Wishing you mid week gentleness in your day. xx
Thank you, kind lady, and the same to you and all of your furry and feathery friends. xx