William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Battle of New OrleansSamuel Woodworth (17841842)
Tune—“Anacreon in Heaven”
A
When the toils of our sires had achieved independence;
Was brighten’d, when Jackson her banners unfurl’d,
To protect the dear boon for their grateful descendants,
When the conquerors of Spain
Cross’d the boisterous main,
Boldly threat’ning to rivet our fetters again;
But a happy New Year for Columbia begun,
When our Jackson secured what our Washington won.
When the pure flame of freedom was vividly burning,
While its lights from their optics indignantly shone,
The fatigues and the dangers of war nobly spurning;
Bade the bright banner wave
O’er the heads of the brave,
To light them to glory—the foe to his grave.
Then a happy New Year for Columbia begun,
For our Jackson secured what our Washington won.
As the giant of Gath met the youth he derided,
A veteran phalanx, of measureless length,
Whose arms had the fortunes of monarchs decided.
In martial array,
They advance to the fray,
While freemen impatiently chide their delay;
Then a happy New Year for Columbia begun,
And our Jackson secured what our Washington won.
As they wait for the onset with courage unaltered.
But “Booty and Beauty,” or plunder and lust,
Was the watch word that rallied the foe when he falter’d.
While his doubling drums play,
And his war-trumpets bray,
And his proud banners wave, as he moves to the fray.
Then a happy New Year for Columbia begun,
And our Jackson secured what our Washington won.
And they meted the foe such a stern retribution,
That thousands were doom’d to a premature grave,
While their comrades in arms fled the field in confusion;
And our heroes may claim
Living chaplets of fame,
While we honour the chief who directed their aim.
When a happy New Year for Columbia begun,
And our Jackson secured what our Washington won.