Notice the new song from last week? Sounded familiar? The tune and chorus were from “The a battle Hymn of the Republic” but new lyrics have been written for renewed perspective.
The lyrics to "Battle Hymn of the Republic" were written in 1861 by Julia Ward Howe, an abolitionist, after she got caught up in a skirmish between union and confederate soldiers in Washington, D.C. Since then, the hymn has been adopted by many Christian leaders, from Billy Graham to Martin Luther King Jr, who quoted it in his final speech before his death in 1968.
In 2019, Syrian music artist Audrey Assad released a rewrite of the lyrics which hold onto the themes of God's justice being done on earth while transforming the anthem to more closely represent the non-violent methods of Christ. Most notably, she replaces the traditional refrain, "God's truth is marching on" with the eschatalogical vision that "Your peace will make us one."
Listen to it here, lyrics below:
Verse 1- Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord You are speaking truth to power, you are laying down our swords Replanting every vineyard til a brand new wine is poured
Your peace will make us one
Refrain - Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Your peace will make us one
Verse 2 - I've seen you in our home fires burning with a quiet light
You are mothering and feeding in the wee hours of the night
Your gentle love is patient, you will never fade or tire
Your peace will make us one
Refrain
Verse 3- In the beauty of the lilies you were born across the sea With a glory in your bosom that is still transfiguring
Dismantling our empires til each one of us is free
Your peace will make us one
Refrain
Lyrics by Audrey Assad
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