We hardly knew ye

Posted by R. Berg on August 16, 2003

In Reply to: We hardly knew ye posted by Andrew C on August 16, 2003

: This more a question of origins than of meaning.

: "(deceased person), we hardly knew ye"

: I've seen it all over the place, but the only reference that comes to mind was on a Simpsons where Troy McClure does his riff: "You may remember me from such films as 'Andre the Giant: We Hardly Knew Ye'...".

: Of course this same phrase pops up frequently in jest, but can anyone find where this first became popularized? Or at the very least a reference pre-dating Simpsons?

It comes from an old Irish antiwar song, "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye." Click on link below (or www.instantknowledgenews.com/ johnny.htm ).

• "Johnny" lyrics & audio

• When Johnny Comes Marching Home GPP 16/August/03
  • Johnny Got His Gun Henry 16/August/03