Lyrics ca. 1865

Freedom's Marching On!
By Theodore J Eckerson, U.S.A.

A ray of glory’s breaking through the crimson cloud of War,
While man is proudly fighting for the right on fields of gore, --
I hear the fetters breaking to be riveted no more.
For FREEDOM’S marching on!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
For FREEDOM’S marching on!

O, brothers do not falter, for the struggle’s nearly past, –
Wave high the UNION hammer, it has weathered many a blast, --
The serpent of SECESSION bears the fatal wound at last.
And FREEDOM’S marching on!

Glory, etc.

O, sisters, do not weary, for your sons and brothers true,
Mid scenes of blood and slaughter point out their wounds to you, --
And women’s hearts and hands have still their angel-work to do.
While FREEDOM’S marching on!

Glory, etc.

A ray of glory’s breaking, -- and there’s terror in its gleam, --
It flashes forth in brightness to destroy the traitor’s dream, --
In vain he shuts his ears to drown the eagle’s vengeful scream.
For FREEDOM’S marching on!

Glory, etc.

The guns that broke the slumber of old Sumter’s gallant band,
And roused the Sons of Union from each hamlet in the land,
Shall echo and re-echo while the hoary mountains stand.
For FREEDOM’S marching on!

Glory, etc.

The bones that in Virginia bleach ‘round many a bush and tree, --
The blood that cries to Heaven from the fields of Tennessee,
Shall consecrate the soil anew, as Freedom’s guarantee.
For FREEDOM’S marching on!

Glory, etc.

Oregon Farmer Job Presses, Portland.