Hail Columbia!

Here we sing Hail Columbia, an early patriotic song. The tune, The President's March, was first performed at the inauguration of President George Washington in 1789. The words were written to it by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. It generally took the place of Chester as a song that was played at formal events. We have played it at opening and closing ceremonies at War of 1812 events.

Note, we are not a singing group, but a fife and drum corps. We play it better on fife and drum, but we like to see the songs in their other contexts as well. This arrangement is from the Missouri Harmony (first published in 1820).

Here are the words (only the first verse and chorus were in the Missouri Harmony):

1. Hail Columbia, happy land!

Hail, ye heroes, heav'n-born band,

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,

And when the storm of war was gone

Enjoy'd the peace your valor won.

Let independence be your boast,

Ever mindful what it cost;

Ever grateful for the prize,

Let its altar reach the skies.

Chorus: Firm, united let us be,

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

2. Immortal patriots, rise once more,

Defend your rights, defend your shore!

Let no rude foe, with impious hand,

Let no rude foe, with impious hand,

Invade the shrine where sacred lies

Of toil and blood, the well-earned prize,

While off'ring peace, sincere and just,

In Heaven's we place a manly trust,

That truth and justice will prevail,

And every scheme of bondage fail.

-Peter B.

 Memor!