Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

Once More, Fellow-Freemen

ONCE more, fellow-freemen, we’ve met on the day

Which reminds us of times that have long pass’d away;

That recalls all the deeds that our fathers have done

For freedom, by wisdom and bravery won.

Attune, then, your voices, the song raise on high,

And chant in full chorus the Fourth of July.

When Tyranny stalk’d in full might o’er the land,

And Liberty, tottering, scarcely could stand,

Each patriot in arms swiftly flew to her aid,

And prevented the fall of the beauteous maid.

In shouts we’ll proclaim it aloud to the sky,

And chant in full chorus the Fourth of July.

See Jefferson’s pen independence declare:

Meanwhile to support it our forefathers swear;

And Washington, prompt at his country’s call,

Unsheathed the fell falchion and urged the dread ball.

Then through the wide world let the glad tidings fly,

Whilst we chant in full chorus the Fourth of July.

Lo! Freedom achieved by the feats of our sires,

Each warrior in peace to his home then retires;

He in arts, as in arms, strives his foes to excel,

And beneath his own “fig tree” in safety can dwell.

Let the air loud resound with the rapturous cry,

While we chant in full chorus the Fourth of July.

Cursed be the mad wretch that shall dare to destroy

Our rights which from heaven’s high God we enjoy;

And blasted their schemes, whosoever shall strive

The compact of union asunder to rive.

Our arms shall the arts of all tyrants defy,

And we’ll force them to reverence the Fourth of July.

All hail, then, the day of our national birth!

Let the sound reach the most distant regions of earth;

Proclaim to all nations how happy we be,

That the people shall govern, and ever be free!

Our foes we’ll confound with the o’erwhelming cry,

And chant in full chorus the Fourth of July.