Running Wild - Ballad of William Kidd Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was William Kidd and when was he born?

   William Kidd, also known as Captain Kidd, was a Scottish privateer born around 1654, likely in Dundee, although the song mentions Greenock as a birthplace. He became infamous for piracy, despite starting as a commissioned privateer protecting English interests.

2. What led to Captain Kidd's downfall?

   Kidd's downfall was due to a combination of political shifts in England and accusations of piracy after capturing the Quedagh Merchant. He was arrested upon returning to Boston and eventually found guilty in London, due in part to false testimonies from patrons seeking to protect themselves.

3. What is the 'Adventure' mentioned in the song?

   The 'Adventure' refers to the Adventure Galley, a ship commissioned for Kidd with royal approval to hunt pirates. The ship was equipped for speed and firepower but faced challenges, including crew mutinies and legal troubles for Kidd.

4. How does the song describe the fate of William Kidd?

   The song portrays William Kidd as a victim of betrayal by noblemen who sacrificed him to protect their own interests. It suggests that their false testimonies led to Kidd's execution, portraying his trial as an act of judicial murder driven by political motives.

5. What event triggered Kidd's classified status as a pirate?

   Kidd's capture of the Quedagh Merchant, a French-flagged ship with valuable cargo, marked him as a pirate in England. This decision didn't align with Kidd's commissions but was influenced by political changes and pressures within England at the time.