Hail, Columbia Totally Explained

Everything about Hail Columbia totally explained

"Hail, Columbia" was the unofficial national anthem of the United States until its replacement in 1931 by the officially mandated "Star-Spangled Banner". It was originally composed by Philip Phile in 1789 for the inauguration of George Washington, titled "The President's March", arranged with lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. It was used by the USA as a national anthem for most of the 19th Century, but lost popularity after World War I. It is now the entrance march for the Vice President in a similar fashion as "Hail to the Chief" is for the President. When played in honor of the Vice-President, the song is always preceded by four ruffles and flourishes. In addition, the song has been used as a slow march during military ceremonies, often while the band counter-marches. This song isn't to be confused with Columbia, Gem of the Ocean.

Lyrics

ť Hail Columbia, happy land!

   Hail, ye heroes, heav'n-born band, ť Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,

   Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, ť And when the storm of war was gone

   Enjoy'd the peace your valor won. ť Let independence be our boast,

   Ever mindful what it cost; ť Ever grateful for the prize,

   Let its altar reach the skies. ť Chorus

   Firm, united let us be, ť Rallying round our liberty,

   As a band of brothers joined, ť Peace and safety we'll find.

ť Immortal patriots, rise once more,

   Defend your rights, defend your shore! ť Let no rude foe, with impious hand,

   Let no rude foe, with impious hand, ť Invade the shrine where sacred lies

   Of toil and blood, the well-earned prize, ť While off'ring peace, sincere and just,

   In Heaven's we place a manly trust, ť That truth and justice will prevail,

   And every scheme of bondage fail. ť Chorus

   Firm, united let us be, ť Rallying round our liberty,

   As a band of brothers joined, ť Peace and safety we'll find.

ť Behold the chief who now commands,

   Once more to serve his country stands. ť The rock on which the storm will break,

   The rock on which the storm will break, ť But armed in virtue, firm, and true,

   His hopes are fixed on Heav'n and you. ť When hope was sinking in dismay,

   When glooms obscured Columbia's day, ť His steady mind, from changes free,

   Resolved on death or liberty. ť Chorus

   Firm, united let us be, ť Rallying round our liberty,

   As a band of brothers joined, ť Peace and safety we'll find.

ť Sound, sound the trump of fame,

   Let Washington's great fame ť Ring through the world with loud applause,

   Ring through the world with loud applause, ť Let ev'ry clime to freedom dear,

   Listen with a joyful ear, ť With equal skill, with God-like pow'r

   He governs in the fearful hour ť Of horrid war, or guides with ease

   The happier time of honest peace. ť Chorus

   Firm, united let us be, ť Rallying round our liberty,

   As a band of brothers joined, ť Peace and safety we'll find.

Use in popular culture

It appears several times in the score of The Birth of a Nation, including as released by Kino on Video.
In the 1999 cannibal-themed horror film Ravenous, one of the opening themes is a rendition of "Hail, Columbia".
In the HBO Mini-Series John Adams, Hail Columbia is sung in Part 6 ("Unnecessary War").

Sources

NationalAnthems.info

Music and lyrics files

Johns Hopkins University, Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music

Original music sheet

Library of Congress, Patriotic Melodies

ArticleFurther Information

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