Samuel G. Snelling (1787?–1815)

Tune—“Hearts of Oak”

HARK! the deep sounding cannon, in thunder proclaim

The triumph of freedom and slavery’s shame;

On this morn rose resplendent bless’d Liberty’s sun,

And the children confirm’d what their fathers had done.

What was purchased with blood, with our lives we’ll maintain;

“We always are ready—

Steady, boys, steady—

We’ll fight, and we’ll conquer, again and again.”

The shackles which tyranny forged, as a yoke

For the people, this morn were triumphantly broke;

Let Europe then covet what freemen can boast,

Our theme Independence—and Union our toast.
What was purchased with blood, &c.

While Lexington’s plain every bosom inspires,

Revenge! cries the blood of our murdered sires;

View Bunker’s proud mount! on her crimson-stain’d heights

Sleep the heroes who fought for America’s rights.
What was purchased with blood, &c.

Should New England’s famed sons by a faction be led,

Commotion and carnage our country o’erspread,

Great Washington’s ghost would “indignantly frown,”

And Warren’s bless’d spirit his country disown.
What was purchased with blood, &c.

The demon of Discord may stalk through our land,

Division be threaten’d by Anarchy’s band;

But, firm and undaunted, their arts we defy;

In support of our Union we’ll conquer or die!
What was purchased with blood, &c.

While the sea’s haughty sovereign her standard shall wave,

And each wind wafts the sighs of our manacled brave,

While Columbia’s free shores shall one traitor contain,

Let the sword, when unsheath’d, never slumber again.
What was purchased with blood, &c.

To Madison’s praise sound the clarion of fame:

Unshaken his virtue, unsullied his name;

We dread not the influence of Albion’s tools,

While a Jefferson lives, and a Madison rules!
What was purchased with blood, &c.