John Brown's Body
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- For the reggae musical group, see John Brown's Body (band).
"John Brown's Body" is a famous Union marching song of the American Civil War. It was a tribute to the abolitionist acts of John Brown.
The tune, probably written by William Steffe in 1855–56, was later used for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". These lyrics are from the Library of Congress: [1]
Tune: Brothers, will you meet me.
John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave;
John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave;
John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave;
His soul's marching on!
Chorus:
Glory, halle—hallelujah! Glory, halle—hallelujah!
Glory, halle—hallelujah! his soul's 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's marching on!
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back!
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back!
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back!
His soul's marching on!
His pet lambs will meet him on the way;
His pet lambs will meet him on the way;
His pet lambs will meet him on the way;
They go marching on!
They will hang Jeff. Davis to a sour apple tree!
They will hang Jeff. Davis to a sour apple tree!
They will hang Jeff. Davis to a sour apple tree!
As they march along!
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union;
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union;
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union;
As we are marching on!
There is also revisionist evidence that this song was originally created by a group of Union soldiers (with verses different than this), mocking their commander who shared the name "John Brown", as presented by Sarah Vowell on This American Life. [2]
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