No. 12 · The Presidents
Zachary Taylor
1849-1850
In February of 1850, Taylor met with southern leaders threatening secession who believed the federal government was overstepping its constitutional power and encroaching on their state rights. Taylor threatened back, telling them those persons “taken in rebellion against the Union would be hung... with less reluctance than he had deserters and spies in Mexico.” Before this mass lynching of Americans could occur, Taylor died in office.
Lyrics
Em, C, G, D
in February 1850
ol' zack taylor met with thrifty
southerners who thought the fed had gone much too far
they claimed that their state rights
were chipping away and had taken flight
and they said if our rights go, then go on, so will we
but ol zack taylor had none of that
he raised his voice, and he yelled right back
those of you who go against the union
I'll kill without thinking twice
Like I did to deserters and spies
in the Mexican War, you saw it with your own eyes
oh zack, where's your Kelly?
What made you so angry?
From the book, published 2009 · song & page updated
Without thinking twice