Franklin Pierce (A Life) Lyrics

In Hillsborough, 1804, on the 23rd of November

The Pierce's welcomed baby Franklin as their newest member

Grew up, went to Bowdoin College, then, he studied law

'27, lawyer, but to politics, he was drawn

He was a rep in his state, then the government for a time

Senator for five years, in '42, Franklin resigned

It was in '34, though, that he wed his sweetheart, Jane

They had three children, all died young which compounded their strain

He returned to his law practice, then was called to lead

In the Mexican-American War as a general, his deed

Hero to the masses, now, in '52, he ran

Reluctantly as president and won as the Top Man

Franklin Pierce, number 14 among the presidents

He could not heal division 'tween the states and government

He tried acquiring Cuba, with Japan, he signed a treaty

But he passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, promoting slavery

He lost favor and re-election, neither side, appeased

He and his wife left Washington and traveled overseas

In '61, Franklin publicly criticized Lincoln

Which worsened his reputation since Abe served with distinction

He lost his wife in '63, and then, he took up farming

A heavy drinker, illness came, his condition, alarming

It was October 8th of '69 when Franklin died

Alone, in his home in Concord, then was laid by Jane's side

His legacy was that his actions led to Civil War

His support for the South meant peace he could not restore