3Aug 09
The Song of the American Revolution
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I came across a fascinating song the other day. The author was John Dickinson. Sadly forgotten in modern America, he was considered one the foremost leaders during America’s birth and infantile years as a nation. Representing Pennsylvania, he was part of the Continental Congress which signed the Declaration of Independence (though not a signer himself considering the document as somewhat rash and impetus), he played a prominent role in the writing of the Articles of Confederations, and he also signed the United States Constitution. During the American revolution he was ranked, by the British ministry as one of the worst rebels. His love for true Liberty guided his life and led him into bold efforts to keep it for himself and future generations. This song he wrote, to motivate his fellow patriots, is titled the “liberty song”. Here it is (especially read verse 1, 6, &7):
Verse 1
Come, join Hand in Hand, brave Americans all, And rouse your bold Hearts at fair Liberty‘s Call, No tyrannous Acts shall suppress your just Claim, Or stain with dishonor America’s Name. (Chorus)
Chorus
In Freedom we’re born, & in Freedom we’ll live,
Our Purses are ready, Steady, Friends, Steady,
Not as Slaves but as Freemen our money we’ll give.
Verse 2
Our worthy Forefathers let’s give them a Cheer To Climates unknown did courageously steer; Thro’ Oceans to Deserts for Freedom they came, And dying bequeath’d us their Freedom & Fame. (Chorus)
Verse 3
Their generous Bosoms all Dangers despis’d,
So highly, so wisely, their Birthrights they priz’d ;
We’ll keep what they gavewe will piously keep,
Nor frustrate their Toils on the Land or the Deep. (Chorus)
Verse 4
The Tree their own Hands had to Liberty rear’d, They liv’d to behold growing strong and rever’d; With Transport then cry’d, ‘ now our Wishes we gain, For our Children shall gather the Fruits of our Pain.’ (Chorus)
Verse 5
Swarms of Placemen and Pensioners soon will appear, Like Locusts deforming the Charms of the Year;Suns vainly will rise, Showers vainly descend, If we are to drudge for what others shall spend (Chorus)
Verse 6
Then join Hand in Hand brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;
In so righteous a Cause let us hope to succeed,
For Heaven approves of each generous Deed. (Chorus)
Verse 7 All Ages shall speak with amaze and applause,
Of the courage we’ll shew in support of our laws;
To die we can bear but to serve we disdain
For Shame is to Freemen more dreadful than Pain. (Chorus)
Verse 8
This Bumper I crown for our Sovereign’s Health,
And this for Britannia’s Glory and Wealth;
That Wealth and that Glory immortal may be,
If She is but just and if we are but free. (Chorus)
Let me know your thoughts on the song if you have a moment. Do you consider this song worthy and right to sing or does it hold some not so glorious ideals and claims?
That’s a great poem, and flows so beautifully. What’s better is the meaning of what he said. Verses 3 and 5 especially hit home for me.
“Well keep what they gavewe will piously keep, Nor frustrate their Toils on the Land or the Deep.”
Oh that we may never forgot what they so freely gave!
From verse 6, “By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;”. So is that where this well known phrase came from?
A powerful song that captures well the sentiment, beliefs, and attitudes of our founding fathers. May we ever guard dearly our freedom – not to do what we want, but that which we ought – this is liberty!
Thanks for posting that WilksTeam. I’m not sure. Everything I could understand right off on my quick read-through was inspiring. (With verse 7 it’s obvious that “serve” indicates slavery as opposed to benevolent service.)