Gordon Bennett, not an exclamation but a real person
Born in New York but enjoying a European education
Named after his father who had been born a Scotsman
An immigrant to America who became a newspaperman
An accomplished New York journalist for many years
Founding the Herald instituting many modern ideas
Known as Gordon to distinguish him from his father
A good journalist but he liked the good life rather
But he took over the Herald and his father's throne
He sent Stanley to Africa to seek out Dr Livingstone
He was never afraid to back a dangerous expedition
Even De Long's ill-fated trip to the arctic region
Gordon was at one time engaged to Miss Caroline May
But he committed a most dreadful faux pas one-day
Arriving at her parents mansion both drunk and late
In front of her he proceeded to urinate in the grate
Bennett was unceremoniously ejected and sent away
Well the engagement was broken off needless to say
He lived mainly in Paris after the fireplace incident
But still running the Herald by cable as president
Bennett was fond of sports, especially of yachting
But also of balloon, aeroplane and motor racing
Sponsoring many international events of the day
Some of the many trophies are still raced for today
Gordon Bennett was a bit of a daredevil of his day
He was known to be a playboy in an eccentric way
According to one particular well reported yarn
Bennett flew his aeroplane through an open barn
One surprised onlooker was supposed to have said
'Gordon Bennett' and hence the phrase was spread
Many names are remembered after the individual dies
He's still better known as an exclamation of surprise
Gordon Bennett is one of the many euphemisms used
In order to prevent the word "God" being misused.
A colorful character whose daring exploits were famed
Would we remember had he been differently named?
