These words were written by Samuel Woodworth and set to the tune The Unfortunate Miss Bailey. The tune became the campaign song for Andrew Jackson's presidency and was popular throughout his two terms in office.

Over 7,000 men from Kentucky served in the War of 1812. Approximately one-forth of Jackson's command at the Battle of New Orleans consisted of Kentucky riflemen.

Ye gentlemen and ladies fair,
Who grace this famous city,
Just listen if you've time to spare
While I rehearse a ditty,
And for the opportunity
Conceive yourself quite lucky,
For 'tis not often here you see
A hunter from Kentucky.

Chorus
Oh, Kentucky, The hunters of Kentucky
Oh, Kentucky, The hunters of Kentucky

You've heard, I s'pose, how New Orleans
Is famed for wealth and beauty,
There's girls of ev'ry hue it seems,
From snowy white to sooty;
So Pakenham he made his brags,
If he in fight was lucky,
He'd have their girls and cotton bags,
In spite of old Kentucky.

Chorus

But Jackson, he was wide awake,
And was not scared of trifles;
For well he knew what aim we take
With our Kentucky rifles;
He led us down to Cypress swamp,
The ground was low and mucky;
There stood John Bull in pomp,
And here was old Kentucky.

Chorus

A bank was rais'd to hide our breast,
Not that we thought of dying,
But then was always like to rest,
Unless the game is flying;
Behind stood our little force
None wished it to be greater,
For ev'ry man was half a horse,
And half and alligator.

Chorus

They found, at last, 'twas vain to fight,
Where lead was all the booty,
And so they wisely took to flight,
And left us all our beauty.
And now, if danger e'er annoys,
Remember what our trade is,
Just send for us Kentucky boys,
And we'll protect ye, ladies.

Chorus