The Scots' marching song was the folk-tune 'Green Grow the Rashes O' and that is why Santa Ana's army and finally the whole of Mexico called the Americans Gringos. And ever more shall be so. And ever more shall be so. And ever more shall be so. I heard the gringo story as being about the U.S.-Mexican war of 1845.
Linguists do sneer about it being folk etymology, however.
But by our next meeting I'll hope to prove true And change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue. Green grow the lilacs reminding me of The ones that I brought you with all of my love, The gates of my country will open for you And change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue. Green grow the lilacs, Your favorite flow'r, So sweetly perfuming - a sad parting hour. Oh send me a message - That you love me too, Let's change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue. Repeat first verse.