Good Friend Lincoln

The party said, "Folks, we wonder what are you thinkin'
‘Cuz you’re not supportin’ our Good Friend Lincoln"

Back in eighteen-sixty-four there was a race
Where old Abe Lincoln was pleadin’ his case
His mission was clear…on this he swore
Planned on winnin' that Civil War

But there was much dissention, some had just had enough
“We need a new President” all the critics did huff
Let John C. Fremont be our nominee
“Please just end this war”…was their plea…

At a convention held in Cleveland Town
Old Fremont got the nod…was presented the crown
“He’s a sure-fire bet…our plight he’ll fix”
Though he had lost in fifty-six

Well, Abe and his pals were thinkin’ quick
A new party “handle” was the trick
“National Union” was the name
Getting re-elected was the game

Soon they were planning out a nifty campaign
A threat to the “Union” they would feign
They said, "The United States will stand!"
And, “The fires of freedom must be fanned”

Well, the ticket was weak and it needed a cure
‘Cuz the VP was a trifle obscure
His character weak…never destined for fame
And Hannibal Hamlin was his name

What’s that you say ?…never heard of him ?
Well, don’t feel too bad…you are not so dim
The quiet men are remembered by none
So…next came Johnson…number one

Now, Andy was a hawkish Democrat
And he favored more aggressive combat
He said, "Those insurgents must pay!"
Sort of like…Dick Cheney today

The war was ragin’…causalities high
Abe supporters in short supply
But the tide soon turned on General Lee
Sherman was marching to the sea

Then, the papers were singing their praise
Of the “National Union Party” displays
Abe stayed real quiet…pensive and dire
Willie had died two years prior

The Republicans knew…they faced a divide
Many knew they must take a side
They said, "John C… man you’ve still got time to save face"
And soon Fremont consented and left the race

Well then the whole country started a’ votin’
And Andy and Abe just started a’ gloatin’
A drink for the “Party”…their glasses were clinkin'
The folks elected our Good Friend Lincoln!

Well…you all know now…that he went to a play
“Sic Semper Tyrannis” his assassin did say
But I wonder, is my perspective just sinkin'
History repeats…just ask… Good ... Friend ... Lincoln

IB