He's gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord! (_thrice_.) His soul is marching on!
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back! (_thrice_.) His soul is marching on!
His pet lambs will meet him on the way; (_thrice_.) As they go marching on!
They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree! (_thrice_.) As they march along!
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! (_thrice_.) As we are marching on!
Glory; halle--hallelujah! Glory, halle--hallelujah! Glory, halle--hallelujah! Hip, hip, hip, hip, hurrah!
Another army song that became almost as popular in England as in this country is "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." It was written and composed by Mr. Patrick S. Gilmore, leader of the celebrated Gilmore's Band. The words do not amount to much, but the tune is of that rollicking order which is very catching. Without doubt the author built up the words of this song to suit the air, on the same principle that in Georgia they build a chimney first and erect the house against it. This rattling war song has kept its hold on the ears of the people to the present time. Mr. Gilmore afterward composed an ambitious national hymn which has never attained the popularity of his war song.
When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! hurrah! We'll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah! hurrah! The men will cheer, the hays will shout, The ladies they will all turn out, And we'll all feel gay, When Johnny comes marching home.
The men will cheer, the boys will shout, The ladies they will all turn out, And we'll all feel gay, When Johnny comes marching home.
The old church-bell will peal with joy, Hurrah! hurrah! To welcome home our darling boy, Hurrah! hurrah! { 137} The village lads and lasses say, With roses they will strew the way; And we'll all feel gay, When Johnny comes marching home.
Get ready for the jubilee, Hurrah! hurrah! We'll give the hero three times three, Hurrah! hurrah! The laurel wreath is ready now To place upon his loyal brow; And we'll all feel gay, When Johnny comes marching home.
Let love and friendship on that day, Hurrah! hurrah! Their choicest treasures then display, Hurrah! hurrah! And let each one perform some part, To fill with joy the warrior's heart; And we'll all feel gay, When Johnny comes marching home.