War Songs (1861–1864)

BY NORTHERN POETS

A. "JOHN BROWN’S BODY"

(ANONYMOUS)

JOHN BROWN’S body lies a-mould’ring in the grave, John Brown’s body lies a-mould’ring in the grave, John Brown’s body lies a-mould’ring in the grave, His soul is marching on!

Chorus.—Glory! Glory Hallelujah! Glory I Glory Hallelujah! Glory! Glory Hallelujah! His soul is marching on.

He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord! He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord!

He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord! His soul is marching on.—Chorus.

John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back. His soul is marching on.—Chorus.

His pet lambs will meet him on the way, And they’ll go marching on.—Chorus.

They’ll hang Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree, As they go marching on.—Chorus.

Now for the Union let’s give three rousing cheers, As we go marching on. Hip, hip, hip, hip, Hurrah!

From reprints in (edited by Frank Moore, New York, 1864), 78; (edited by George Cary Eggleston, New York, etc., [1889], II, 160, 271, 275.