Hail Columbia

Melody - "Washington March" also known as "President's March", 1789, attributed to Philip Phile

Joseph F. Hopkinson, 1798

Hail Columbia, happy land!
Hail, ye heroes, heav'n-born band,
|: 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 our 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, :|
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.
Chorus:

3. Sound sound the trump of fame!
Let Washington's great name
|: Ring thro' the world with loud applause; :|
Let ev'ry clime to freedom dear
Listen with a joyful ear.
With equal skill, with God-like pow'r,
He governs in the fearful hour
Of horrid war; or guides with ease
The happier times of honest peace.
Chorus:

4. Behold the chief who now commands,
Once more to serve his country stands.
|: The rock on which the storm will break, :|
But armed in virtue, firm, and true,
His hopes are fixed on Heav'n and you.
When hope was sinking in dismay,
When glooms obscured Columbia's day,
His steady mind, from changes free,
Resolved on death or liberty.
Chorus:

The music of this song, originally known as the Washington March, is generally attributed to Philip Phile. It was written in 1789 as an inaugural march for George Washington. The words were written nine years later by Joseph Hopkinson for a special occasion. At the time, England and France were at war and Americans were being divided by their sympathies for one or the other of these countries. In this song no allusion is made to either of the countries but its purpose was to keep Americans unified. This sentiment has won a place among our national songs. - From the Golden Book of Favorite Songs, 1915.

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