"The Piggies and the Gander"
"Piggies and the Gander" (1917) is a cute story about three little piggies who encounter a "surly" gander who won't let them pass...until their mother comes and puts the gander in his place! Many Bands of Mercy songs used popular songs about animals, possibly refocusing on humane lessons to the animals in their meetings. Or maybe they just used them for fun at meetings! Our choir certainly enjoyed this song. It is interesting, however, that this song came out in the 1917 volume , with images throughout about WWI, soldiers and animals (horses especially) on the frontlines of the conflict. It is possible that children living during war needed something light to sing. It is also possible that there was some un/intentional parallels between the Germans and the gander. Words by Kate Ashley and music arranged by F. E. M (probably a woman composer).
Score: Band of Mercy journal, October 1917 issue.
Illustration: Band of Mercy cover, February 1889.
Choir: 2025 Band of Mercy, Richmond IN