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

Hey for Yankee Sons

HEARTS that love the free—

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!

Quick as lightning streak,

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!

Breathes a heart so base!

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.

Wreathe a laurel crown

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.

Then join the freemen throng,

And let the toast be ever;

“Our country, right or wrong,

Forever and forever.”