Chester (Video)

Here we sing a song named Chester. Chester was used somewhat of a "national anthem" (although they would not have used the word "national") as it was played at least in the Continental army for opening and closing ceremonies and official functions. For many fifers and drummers this is one of the first songs learned on those instruments. It's neat to sometimes see the musical and historical context of the tunes we play on fife and drum. This musical arrangement is typical from that time period and is taken from the Sacred Harp. In the video, we sing the first verse, but here are all the words:

Chester
by William Billings

Let tyrants shake their iron rods,
And Slav'ry clank her galling chains.
We fear them not, we trust in God.
New Columbia's God forever reigns.

Howe and Burgoyne and Clinton, too,
With Prescott and Cornwallis joined,
Together plot our overthrow,
In one infernal league combined.

When God inspired us for the fight,
Their ranks were broke, their lines were forced,
Their ships were shattered in our sight,
Or swiftly driven from our coast.

The foe comes on with haughty stride,
Our troops advance with martial noise;
Their vet'rans flee before our youth,
And gen'rals yield to beardless boys.

What grateful off'ring shall we bring,
What shall we render to the Lord?
Loud hallelujahs let us sing,
And praise his name on ev'ry chord!