The History Behind the Song
The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is an American patriotic hymn that was written by Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War. The song was first published in The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862 and quickly became a popular anthem of the Union Army. The tune of the song was taken from the song “John Brown’s Body,” which was a popular marching song during the Civil War.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” are a powerful tribute to the ideals of the Union Army during the Civil War. The first verse begins:
“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword,His truth is marching on.”
The second verse continues with a powerful message of hope:
“I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps,His day is marching on.”
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics to “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” were written as a tribute to the Union Army and its fight to preserve the United States during the Civil War. The song describes the coming of the Lord and the trampling of the grapes of wrath, which is a reference to the Biblical story of the wrath of God. The song also refers to the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps, which is a reference to the Union Army’s encampments during the war.
The Legacy of the Song
The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” has become one of the most beloved patriotic hymns in American history. The song has been performed by countless artists and has been used in many different contexts, from presidential inaugurations to civil rights rallies. The song remains a powerful symbol of American unity and patriotism.
Conclusion
The lyrics to “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” are a powerful tribute to the ideals of the Union Army during the Civil War. The song has become a beloved patriotic hymn and remains a powerful symbol of American unity and patriotism. Whether sung in church, at a political rally, or during a sporting event, the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” continues to inspire and uplift Americans of all backgrounds.
