Thomas Jefferson’s Campaign Song

These are the lyrics to “Jefferson and Liberty”, a campaign song used by Thomas Jefferson to win the 1800 U.S. presidential election.

Note how far the United States has fallen since 1800.  Jefferson sang “To tyrants never bend the knee”, while Obama willingly bends knee to monarchs in both Saudi Arabia and Japan.

The gloomy night before us flies,
The reign of terror now is o’er;
Its gags, inquisitors, and spies,
Its herds of harpies are no more!

Chorus:
Rejoice! Columbia’s sons, rejoice!
To tyrants never bend the knee;
But join with heart and soul and voice,
For Jefferson and Liberty.

His country’s glory, hope, and stay,
In virtue and in talents tried,
Now rises to assume the sway,
O’er freedom’s temple to preside.

No lordling here, with gorging jaws,
Shall wring from industry the food;
Nor fiery bigot’s holy laws
Lay waste our fields and streets in blood.

Here strangers, from a thousand shores,
Compelled by tyranny to roam,
Shall find, amidst abundant stores,
A nobler and a happier home.

Here art shall lift her laureled head,
Wealth, industry, and peace divine;
And where dark, pathless forests spread,
Rich fields and lofty cities shine.

From Europe’s wants and woes remote,
A friendly waste of waves between,
Here plenty cheers the humblest cot,
And smiles on every village green.

Let foes to freedom dread the name;
But should they touch the sacred tree,
Twice fifty thousand swords would flame
For Jefferson and Liberty.