Battle Hymn of the Republic is a well-known nineteenth-century song written in a time of tremendous strife in the Unites States. It endures today as a call to service and dedication.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,
He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword,
His truth is marching on!
I have seen Him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps,
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps,
His truth is marching on!
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat,
He is sifting out the souls of men before His judgment seat,
O, be swift, my soul, to answer Him – be jubilant, my feet!
His truth is marching on!
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was borne across the sea
With a glory in His being that transfigures you and me,
As He died to make men holy, let us live* to make men free,
His truth is marching on!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on!
Price: $25.00 US
Preview:
Other arrangements available for twelve handbells.
* Historical Note: Julia Ward Howe’s original phrase here was “die to make men free” – much more fitting in the wartime context for which this hymn was written. You’re welcome to revert the words to the original if it suits your preference. Personally, I find value in understanding the implications of both versions and how they apply to the Christian life, which, according to the Apostle Paul’s writings, is “living for Christ while dying to self”.
Purchasing this score gives you permission to print and maintain the number of copies needed by your ensemble – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
2 comments
Can you do this one as an 8-bell or 12-bell piece? Sure would love to have it.
Author
Hi Janet,
Here it is! You can purchase it as a twelve-bell arrangement using bells C5-G6 or F5-C7.
Larry