Lyrics ca. 1861

John Brown's Body Lesson
Photograph of John Brown

 John Brown's ORIGINAL Marching Song 

TUNE. -- Brothers will you meet me. 

John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave;
John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave;
John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave!
His soul’s marching on!

CHORUS.

Glory, halle – hallelujah!  Glory, halle – hallelujah!
Glory, halle – hallelujah!  his soul’s marching on!

He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord!
He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord!
He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord!
His soul’s marching on!

John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back!
John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back!
John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back!
His soul’s marching on!

His pet lambs will meet him on the way;
His pet lambs will meet him on the way;
His pet lambs will meet him on the way;
They go marching on!

They will hang Jeff. Davis to a tree!
They will hang Jeff. Davis to a tree!
They will hang Jeff. Davis to a tree!
As they march along!

Now, three rousing cheers for the Union;
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union;
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union;
As we are marching on!

Johnson, Song Publisher, Stationer & Printer, No. 7
N. Tenth St., 3 doors above Market, Phila.