Battle Hymn of the Treasury
Having learned the ungodly origins of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” a couple years ago, I haven’t been able to sing it ever since. But I think I found a way to redeem the tune to which it is written. Here is my version of the Battle Hymn, only this time I have tried to turn the polemical aim on our culture of greed and entitlement:
Battle Hymn of the Treasury
Mine eyes have seen the glory of what richer men afford;
I will dip my hand with fervor where their hard earned wealth is stored;
We will call upon the tax man to unleash his awful sword;
Their bankroll dwindles on!
Glory! Glory! To the Treasury! Glory! Glory! To the Treasury!
Glory! Glory! To the Treasury! Their bankroll dwindles on!
I have seen the glow of power in the socialistic camps
They have built themselves an altar to their Presidential champ
For his glow will light our country by eight hundred billion lamps
His bailout marches on.
Glory! Glory! To the Treasury! Glory! Glory! To the Treasury!
Glory! Glory! To the Treasury! His bailout marches on.
I have read the gospel story of how borrowing can heal;
“Under auspices of selflessness our motives we’ll conceal.
We’ll sleep okay at night as long as we don’t call it ’steal’”
Delusion marches on.
Glory! Glory! To the Treasury! Glory! Glory! To the Treasury!
Glory! Glory! To the Treasury! Delusion marches on.
Wikipedia wasn’t much help with the origins of the hymn. Lots of information but nothing that would keep me from singing it. So what’s the deal?
The original song was written by the wife of a Northern unitarian minister after visiting a Union army camp that was preparing to do battle with the Confederate Army. She conceives of the union army as a symbol of Christ bringing judgment on the South. While the South was far from innocent in its cultural pursuits, it was far more “Christian” in its character and cultural pursuits than the invading North. It is this type of self-righteous hypocrisy that makes it impossible for me to ever sing the original hymn. If I can draw an analogy, it would be like singing the praises of the Roman Catholic persecutors under Bloody Mary’s reign who were busy burning Puritans at the stake.
You’ve articulated a careful and reflective perspective on this issue, and you’re right. We ought not to sing the hymn. Thanks so much, boat14va. Well done….
Thank you for the encouragement. Feel free to come back and visit anytime. I don’t get as much opportunity to post stuff on my blog as I want, but I try to get one or two posts in every month.