For President's Day

I thought I would pass along the song that was sung for our Presidents,
and our unofficial national anthem, up until the 20th Cen., until “The
Star Spangled Banner”.
I remembered it in the movie John Adams. For those that have seen that
movie; remember when he was in the theatre and the actor started singing
and then everyone turned to him in the box and started?
Here it is if you want to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRGd3-SNc4o&feature=related
That was “Hail Columbia”. It came up in one of the books I read, too. So
I decided to look up the history on it.
The anthem’s music was written for Washington’s inauguration by a man
named Philip Phile in 1789, entitled “The President’s March”.
Then in 1798, lyrics were added (during the Adams Administration, hence
the timing in the movie). I thought I’d share the lyrics. I think they
are very moving and interesting, not to mention inspiring, esp. when you
consider the context. Here’s the tune:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyIqvZSuptk&feature=related

Hail Columbia, happy land! Hail, ye heroes, heav’n-born band,
Who fought and bled in freedom’s cause, Who fought and bled in
freedom’s cause, And when the storm of war was gone Enjoy’d the
peace your valor won. Let independence be our boast, Ever mindful
what it cost; Ever grateful for the prize, Let its altar reach the
skies.
*Chorus* Firm, united let us be, Rallying round our liberty,
As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find.
Immortal patriots, rise once more, Defend your rights, defend your
shore! Let no rude foe, with impious hand, Let no rude foe, with
impious hand, Invade the shrine where sacred lies Of toil and
blood, the well-earned prize, While off’ring peace, sincere and just,
In Heaven’s we place a manly trust, That truth and justice will
prevail, And every scheme of bondage fail.
*Chorus* Firm, united let us be, Rallying round our liberty,
As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find.
Behold the chief who now commands, Once more to serve his country
stands. The rock on which the storm will break, The rock on which
the storm will break, But armed in virtue, firm, and true, His
hopes are fixed on Heav’n and you. When hope was sinking in dismay,
When glooms obscured Columbia’s day, His steady mind, from changes
free, Resolved on death or liberty.
*Chorus* Firm, united let us be, Rallying round our liberty,
As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find.
Sound, sound the trump of fame, Let Washington’s great fame
Ring through the world with loud applause, Ring through the world
with loud applause, Let ev’ry clime to freedom dear, Listen with a
joyful ear, With equal skill, with God-like pow’r He governs in
the fearful hour Of horrid war, or guides with ease The happier
time of honest peace.
*Chorus* Firm, united let us be, Rallying round our liberty,
As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find.

Rachel

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