Jefferson And Liberty

Words & Music:

Traditional Irish Tune/American Lyric Variation

 

This song refers to the contentious election of 1800 & the peopleÕs feelings for President-Elect Thomas Jefferson.  Many people felt that laws passed during President Adams' administration, particularly the Alien & Sedition Acts, had infringed on their constitutional rights.  These people looked to Jefferson as a symbol of freedom from oppressive government. Jefferson was elected in what has been called the "Revolution of 1800."

 

Em                                             D

The gloomy night before us flies, the reign of terror now is o'er;

    Em                                         B7             Em

Its gags, inquisitors, and spies, its herds of harpies are no more!

 

CHORUS:

Em                        G                                   D

Rejoice! Columbia's sons, rejoice!  To tyrants never bend the knee!

     Em        D                 G            Am           B7   Em

But, join with heart and soul and voice, for Jefferson and Liberty!

 

No lordling here, with gorging jaws shall wring from industry the food;

Nor fiery bigot's holy laws lay waste our fields and streets in blood.

 

CHORUS:

 

Here strangers, from a thousand shores compelled by tyranny to roam,

Shall find, amidst abundant stores a nobler and a happier home.

 

CHORUS:

 

Here art shall lift her laureled head, wealth, industry, and peace divine;

And where dark, pathless forests spread, rich fields and lofty cities shine.

 

CHORUS:

 

His country's glory, hope, and stay, in virtue and in talents tried,

Now rises to assume the sway, o'er freedom's temple to preside.

 

CHORUS:

 

From Europe's wants and woes remote, a friendly waste of waves between,

Here plenty cheers the humblest cot, and smiles on every village green.

 

CHORUS:

 

Here free as air, expanded space, to every soul and sect shall be

That sacred privilege of our race the worship of the Deity.

 

CHORUS:

 

Let foes to freedom dread the name; but should they touch the sacred tree,

Twice fifty thousand swords would flame for Jefferson and Liberty.

 

CHORUS:

 

From Georgia to Lake Champlain, from seas to Mississippi's shore,

Ye sons of freedom loud proclaim the reign of terror is no more.

 

CHORUS:

 

 





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