This ballad became one of the first political campaign songs of the Jacksonian era during the formation of the Second Party System, used by the followers of Andrew Jackson in the 1828 campaign, with words composed by Samuel Woodworth to the tune of "The Unfortunate Miss Bailey."

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

We are a hardy, free-born race, Each man to fear a stranger, Whate'er the game we join in chase, Despising toil and danger. And if a daring foe annoys, Whate'er his strength or forces, We'll show them that Kentucky boys Are alligators-horses.

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

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

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

Chorus

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