William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Hey for Yankee SonsH
Hands that dare defend them,
Our laws and liberty
Invoke us to befriend them;
Join the freemen throng,
And let our bold endeavour,
Our country’s rights prolong
Forever and forever!
Hey for Yankee sons,
Each his own defender!
His rights to haughty ones
He never will surrender!
Free as flowing river,
Should our country speak,
A freeman’s blood we’ll give her!
But for blood-bought rights,
More than “gold” must offer;
A freeman when he fights,
Of all, but Fame’s a scoffer!
Hey for Yankee sons,
Each his own defender!
His rights to haughty ones
He never will surrender!
Lives a soul so sordid;
Who would dare disgrace
The glory we have hoarded!
Far from Freedom’s shrine
Bear the slave forever!
Columbia! son of thine
Thenceforth be he never!
But our Yankee sons,
Each his own defender,
Ne’er to haughty ones
Will his rights surrender.
For their meed of glory;
Sons of bright renown,
Meetest emblem for thee!
Slaves their golden chain
May clasp while it is galling:
But Freemen’s hearts disdain
A shackle so enthralling!
But our Yankee sons,
Each his own defender,
His rights to haughty ones
He never will surrender.
And let the toast be ever;
“Our country, right or wrong,
Forever and forever.”