Battle Hymn of the Republic
BYU Combined Choirs and Orchestra Lyrics
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He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored
He has loosed the fateful lightening of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on (gloria)
Glory, glory, hallelujah (gloria)
Glory, glory, hallelujah (gloria, gloria)
Glory, glory, hallelujah (gloria)
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
I can read His righteous sentence in the dim and flaring lamps
His day is marching on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
As He died to make men holy let us live to make men free
While God is marching on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on, amen, amen
The Battle Hymn of the Republic is a patriotic song that is associated with the American Civil War. The lyrics are full of religious imagery and pay homage to the power of God in the events of war. The verses speak of God's wrath and his powerful sword, which is a symbol of his justice. Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and impending doom, as the war is seen as a way of purifying the nation and bringing it closer to God's will.
The first verse speaks of the coming of the Lord, who is seen as a powerful force that will sweep through and cleanse the land. The second verse describes the camps where soldiers are gathered, and the sense of reverence and worship that they feel towards God. The third verse is more reflective, and speaks of the beauty of Christ and the sacrifice that he made for the freedom of all men.
The refrain that follows each verse is "Glory, glory, hallelujah", which is a phrase of praise and thanksgiving. It is a way of acknowledging God's power and glory, and expressing gratitude for all that he has done. The final line, "His truth is marching on", is a way of saying that God's will is being carried out through the events of the war, and that his cause will ultimately triumph.
Line by Line Meaning
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
I have witnessed the arrival of the Lord's splendor
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored
He is metaphorically destroying those who have sinned
He has loosed the fateful lightening of His terrible swift sword
He has brought upon those who have sinned a devastating punishment
His truth is marching on (gloria)
His gospel continues to prevail
Glory, glory, hallelujah (gloria)
Praise and honor to the Lord
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps
I have seen the Lord in the flickering light of many campfires
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
They have constructed a place of worship for the Lord in the damp of night
I can read His righteous sentence in the dim and flaring lamps
Through the dimly lit lamps, I can sense the Lord's judgment
His day is marching on
His journey continues
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
Christ's birth was a thing of beauty, beyond the vast sea
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
Through His glorious spirit, He transforms every one of us
As He died to make men holy let us live to make men free
Just as He died to make us holy, we should live to liberate others
While God is marching on
As the Lord continues His journey
His truth is marching on
The Lord's teachings continue to spread
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Praise and honor to the Lord
His truth is marching on, amen, amen
The Lord's truth prevails, now and forever, amen
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Julia Ward Howe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind