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William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

Let Feds, Quids, and Demos—1812

Tune—“Hearts of Oak,” &c.

LET Feds, Quids, and Demos together unite,

For our country, our laws and our altars to fight;

While our tars guard the seaboard, our troops line the shore,

Let our enemies face us, we’ll ask for no more.

Then let us agree

Both on land and on sea,

And always be ready,

Steady—boys, steady.

To fight and to conquer, resolved to be free.

If we to ourselves and each other prove true,

Imperial monsters we soon shall subdue;

And the tyrants of Europe have threaten’d in vain;

For we’ve sworn to be free, and we swear it again.
Then let us agree, &c.

With religion to guide us, with laws we revere,

A code we’ll defend, and a God whom we fear,

Shall the slaves of vile despots with freemen contend,

Who’ve such blessings to fight for, such rights to defend?
Then let us agree, &c.

Let them boast, if they will, of their victories gain’d,

Of their murders committed and plunders obtain’d;

’Twas by gold or by art they these triumphs achieved,

Help’d by traitors they cheated, or fools they deceived.
Then let us agree, &c.

The regent of Britain, or Le Grand Bonaparte,

In league with Old Nick, may exert their black art;

But division we shun, fly at Liberty’s call,

For, “united we stand, but divided we fall.”
Then let us agree, &c.

While France and old England extend their campaigns,

And famine and rapine disorder their plains,

Columbians may smile while their enemies rave,

And view her rich harvests exultingly wave.
Then let us agree, &c.

While the storm of destruction through Europe is hurl’d,

Columbia gives hope to a desolate world;

But if with profusion our barns overflow,

We spare not a grain to an insolent foe.
Then let us agree, &c.

While our hand grasps the sword well prepared for the fight,

On Washington’s glory we dwell with delight;

His spirit our guide, we can feel no alarms;

While for freedom we fight, we’re victorious in arms.
Then let us agree, &c.

Then give for Columbia a loud, hearty cheer;

Here’s a halter for those who would wish tyrants here;

Let us join hearts and hands, boys, and merrily sing,

Here’s freedom to slaves who are ruled by a king.

Hearts of oak are our fleets,

Dauntless heroes our men,

Who hold themselves ready,

Steady—boys, steady.

They once were victorious,

We’ll try it again.