They Might Be Giants James K. Polk lyrics

In 1844, the Democrats were split
The three nominees for the presidential candidate
Were Martin Van Buren, a former President and an abolitionist
James Buchanan, a moderate Louis Cass, a general and expansionist

From Nashville came a dark horse riding up
He was James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump

Austere, severe, he held few people dear
His oratory filled his foes with fear
The factions soon agreed he's just the man we need
To bring about victory fulfill our manifest destiny
And annex the land the Mexicans command
And when the vote was cast the winner was


Mister James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump

In four short years he met his every goal
He seized the whole southwest from Mexico
Made sure the tariffs fell
And made the English sell the Oregon territory
He built an independent treasury
Having done all this he sought no second term

But precious few have mourned the passing of
Mister James K. Polk, our eleventh President
Young Hickory, Napoleon of the Stump