Work Text:
John Brown's body lies a-moldering in the grave
While weep the sons of bondage, who he ventured all to save
And 'cause he gave his life while struggling for those enslaved
His soul is marching on!
Rise, rise sons of freedom!
Rise, rise sons of freedom!
Rise, rise sons of freedom!
His spirit calls to you!
John Brown was a hero, undaunted, true, and brave
And sweet Kansas knew his valor when he fought her rights to save
And now though the grass grows green above his grave
His soul is marching on!
[Chorus]
He captured Harper's Ferry with his nineteen men so true
He frightened old Virginia 'till she trembled through and through
They hung him for a traitor, they themselves the traitor crew
But his soul is marching on
[Chorus]
The stars above in Heaven are looking kindly down
On the shining tools of Justice that were once borne by John Brown
Let Heaven ring with anthems, and with Peace his soul now crown
His soul is marching on!
[Chorus]
John Brown's vengeance rises a-chromèd from his grave
The stars above in Heaven herald justice for this age
His body's dust 'n' ashes, but his Battlemech will rage
For his soul came marching back!
[Chorus]
He rises in his fury, his gunswords hum to life
On left whirs holy Freedom, to slavers it is strife
His right bears great Forgiveness, it was blessèd by his wife
For his soul is marching on!
[Chorus]
Tremble now O slavers, who worship traitors fell
You've but cut away his weakness, while he took a stroll through Hell
He will Free you from your treason, Forgive you with a knell
For his soul is marching on!
[Chorus]