Old John Brown's body lies a mould'ring in the grave,

 

 

JOHN BROWN'S BODY


Old John Brown's body lies a mould'ring in the grave,
Because he fought for Freedom and the stricken Negro slave;
Old John Brown's body lies a mould'ring in the grave,
But his soul is marching on.

_Chorus_

Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
His soul is marching on.

He was a noble martyr, was Old John Brown the true;
His little patriot band into a noble army grew;
He was a noble martyr, was Old John Brown the true,
And his soul is marching on.

'Twas not till John Brown lost his life, arose in all its might,
The army of the Union men that won the fearful fight;
But tho' the glad event, oh! it never met his sight,
Still his soul is marching on.

John Brown is now a soldier in that heavenly land above,
Where live the happy spirits in their harmony and love,
John Brown is now a soldier in that heavenly land above,
And his soul is marching on.


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• "John Brown's Body" is a product of, and speaks to, the 'popular vote,' achieving its status through widespread embrace. The source material emphasizes how true ballads originate from the people and are elevated to their esteemed position through popular acclaim. This aligns with the widespread adoption of "John Brown's Body" as an anthem of the Union during the Civil War, demonstrating its power to resonate with and inspire a nation in turmoil.
• The song's simple, memorable structure mirrors the classic ballad form, contributing to its enduring popularity. The source praises the unpretentious, timeless quality of true ballads, highlighting their ability to transcend time. "John Brown's Body" shares this directness and simplicity, making it easily remembered and sung, ultimately contributing to its enduring legacy.
• Like many ballads, "John Brown's Body" speaks to a specific time and place, but its themes of martyrdom and fighting for freedom have universal resonance. Although the source focuses on the historical context of ballads, it also acknowledges their ability to capture universal human experiences. While "John Brown's Body" is rooted in a particular historical moment, its themes of sacrifice and the pursuit of liberty extend beyond the Civil War, making it a timeless and enduring piece of American folklore.

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