The Liberty Song facts for kids
The Liberty Song is a famous song from before the American Revolutionary War. A Founding Father named John Dickinson wrote its words. He was an important person in early American history. The song uses the tune of "Heart of Oak", which is a well-known song of the British Royal Navy.
This song first appeared in two newspapers in Philadelphia on July 7, 1768. These newspapers were called the Pennsylvania Journal and the Pennsylvania Gazette.
History of "The Liberty Song"
This song is one of the first patriotic songs from the thirteen colonies. These colonies later became the United States. It helped people feel proud of their land and their fight for freedom.
One of the most important lines in the song is in its sixth verse. It says, "By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall." This idea means that if people work together, they are strong. But if they are split apart, they will fail. This phrase has been used many times in American history to encourage unity.
"The Liberty Song" might also be a new version of an Irish song called "Here's a Health". It uses a similar tune and has a similar structure in its words.
In 1770, the words of the song were changed. This was because the feelings between England and the colonies were getting worse. The new version was printed in a book called Bickerstaff's almanac. Its new name was "The Massachusetts Song of Liberty."
Original Lyrics and Their Meaning
The lyrics of "The Liberty Song" encouraged colonists to stand up for their rights. They talked about freedom and not letting anyone take away their liberty.
Chorus: In Freedom we're born and in Freedom we'll live. Our purses are ready. Steady, friends, steady; Not as slaves, but as Freemen our money we'll give.
This chorus means that people are born free and want to stay free. They are ready to pay for their freedom, but they will not be forced like slaves. They want to give their money as free people.
Here are some important parts of the original song:
Come, join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
And rouse your bold hearts at fair Liberty's call;
No tyrannous acts shall suppress your just claim,
Or stain with dishonour America's name.
Chorus
This first part asks all Americans to come together. It tells them to be brave and listen to the call of freedom. It says that unfair rules (tyrannous acts) should not stop their fair demands. These rules should not bring shame to America.
Our worthy forefathers, let's give them a cheer,
To climates unknown did courageously steer;
Threw' oceans to deserts for Freedom they came,
And dying, bequeath'd us their freedom and fame
Chorus
This part remembers the early settlers, called "forefathers." It praises them for bravely traveling to new lands. They came across oceans and through deserts to find freedom. They left behind their freedom and good name for future generations.
Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;
In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed,
For heaven approves of each generous deed.
Chorus
This is the famous verse with the line "By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall." It tells Americans to work together. It says that if they unite, they will be strong. But if they are divided, they will fail. It hopes they will succeed in their good cause because it is right.
The 1770 Version
The 1770 version of the song showed stronger feelings against British rule. It was called "The Massachusetts Song of Liberty."
Come swallow your bumpers, ye Tories, and roar,
That the sons of fair freedom are hampered once more;
But know that no cut-throats our spirits can tame,
Nor a host of oppressors shall smother the flame.
Chorus: In Freedom we're born, and, like sons of the brave, Will never surrender, But swear to defend her; And scorn to survive, if unable to save.
This version is more direct. It challenges those who supported the British (called "Tories"). It says that no one can control the spirit of free people. It also says that many unfair rulers ("oppressors") cannot stop the desire for freedom. The chorus states that they will never give up and will always defend freedom. They would rather die than live without it.
