Recently I've realized the depth of mockery and resentment in the lyrics - some San Francisco homo decided to lampoon a man whose daughter had died. It's all fun and games until you're burning in hell, doubled over with regret, eaten by the worm of conscience, and not comforted by the memory of your sins.
"This song came on the American scene when Vaudeville first began in Boston, and the Brooklyn Bridge was opened to the public in New York. Westward, free homesteads were still attracting people to make the long trek across the nation. Both words and music were written by Percy Montross. The song got a heavy boost toward popularity when it finally became a favorite with the smart San Francisco art colony. A group of fun and wit-loving sophisticates, they enjoyed the nonsensical appeal and lilting melody of "Clementine."
Quickly the song spread to colleges, and eventually made its way to a fun-loving public who snag its many verses with gusto under the light of kerosene lamps and gaslight. This song has had frequent revivals and is a perennial favorite. It is found in most community song books, in Boy Scout books, and in many college song books. There are any number of recordings available. It is a great "gang" song enjoyed equally by young and old, and will stay with us for a long time to come." ~The American Song Treasury by Theodore Raph
