dots-menu
×

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

Liberty

MEN of every size and station,

Every age and occupation,

Foes to party—friends to reason,

Taste the fruit that’s now in season.

Taste the fruit—revere the tree

Which nature plants, called LIBERTY.

While we view in peace the treasure,

Transport glows, and heavenly pleasure;

Raptures great the heart possessing,

Patriots feast upon the blessing,

Taste the fruit—revere the tree

Which nature plants, called LIBERTY.

But, alas! while we are viewing—

Others, different tracts pursuing,

Life, and health, and peace devouring,

Come, their brows with envy lowering,

Rob the fruit—despoil the tree

Which Nature plants, called LIBERTY.

Shall we, then, with aspects painful,

Taste of every thing disdainful?

Say, shall meanness e’er excite us?

Or must strength and courage right us?

Till we rear again the tree

Which Nature plants, called LIBERTY.

Hear not men with idle stories,

Or the dangerous tales of tories:

See—your native rights invaded;

Shall your towns be cannonaded?

Save, O save, the glorious tree!

Preserve your birth-right—LIBERTY.