In the summer of 1798, England and France were at war. President Washington wanted to maintain neutrality as the best course for the young, weak nation. But there were strong advocates for England, as the representatives of good government. Others, equally passionate, felt that the French deserved American support, as a country that had just thrown off its king, as America had also recently done. Hail Columbia was pro-American. It was praised, and sung, by all: those who favored Britain, those who favored France, and those who wanted neutrality between them.
Joseph Hopkinson wrote the words to support a friend who felt that, if he could sing a new patriotic song, it would increase attendance at his concerts. Whether it accomplished that mission is unknown. Hopkinson was the son of Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In addition to writing Hail Columbia, Joseph Hopkinson served two terms in the House of Representatives and argued several landmark legal cases as a prominent lawyer.
Hail Columbia was written to a tune called The President's March. Various people have been suggested as the author, but the most likely seems to be Philip Phyle. Little is known of his life, beyond the fact that he was a violinist based in Philadelphia.
Portrait of Joseph Hopkinson
Hail! Ye heroes heaven born band.
Who fought and bled in freedom's cause
Who fought and bled in freedom's cause
And when the storm of war was gone
Enjoyed the peace your valor won.
Let its altar reach the skies.
Peace and safety we shall find.
Immortal Patriots, rise once more
Defend your rights, defend your shore,
Let no rede foe with impious hand
Let no rede foe with impious hand
Invade the shrine where sacred lies
The toil and blood , the well-earned prize.
While offering peace sincere and just
In heaven we place a manly trust
That truth and Justice will prevail
And every scheme of bondage fail
Firm, united let us be
Rallying round our Liberty
As a band of brothers joined
Peace and safety we shall find.
Sound, sound the trump of fame,
Let Washington's great name
Ring through the world with loud applause;
Ring through the world with loud applause;
Let every clime to Freedom dear
Listen with a joyful ear.
With equal skill, with godlike power
He governs in the fearful hour
Of horrid war, or guides with ease
The happier times of honest peace.
Firm, united let us be
Rallying round our Liberty
As a band of brothers joined
Peace and safety we shall find.
Behold the Chief who now commands
Once more to serve his Country stands;
The rock on which the storm will beat,
The rock on which the storm will beat,
But armed in virtue firm and true
His hopes are fixed on heaven and you.
When hope was sinking in dismay
When glooms obscured Columbia's day
His steady mind from changes free
Resolved on Death or Liberty.
Firm, united let us be
Rallying round our Liberty
As a band of brothers joined
Peace and safety we shall find.