List, to the roar of distant cannon;
Hear the pealing of the bell,
See the youth! All seem inspired
With true patriotism. All is well.
But how vast to me the contrast
'Twixt today and years agone,
When the roaring of the cannon
Seemed to say, “the battle's on."
There were years of toil and bloody conflict,
Ere our forefathers dared to say,
"Sing and shout, be patriotic,
For this is Independence Day."
Bound down with fetters strong as iron,
By Great Britain 's cruel hand;
E'en their welfare was not questioned,
A king then ruled our own fair land.
But there slumbered many genii,
In the bosom of our race,
Soon to wake to vast achievements,
Each to take his honored place.
And as time brought new requirements,
Those awakened genii seemed to say,
"Let's be loyal to home" and country,
We must have Independence Day."
With what zeal those banded pilgrims
Labored late and early too;
They seemed imbued with pluck and wisdom,
Just seemed to know what they could do.
In unity alone is strength;
How wonderfully true!
They pledged themselves, this little band,
Each would to all be true.
And then Great Britain trembled.
And well she might I say,
For those very pledges meant to them,
Their "Independence Day."
Then as the glorious Fourth returns,
When the years go rushing by,
May the air be filled with loud huzzas;
Let the echo reach the sky.
And teach the youth to love our flag,
Though it has more stars today.
Than when it floated o'er their hail
Their first Independence Day.