Click this icon to hear Bunker Hill if it does not automatically play.
The lyrics for the song, Bunker Hill was written by Nathaniel Niles. The music was written by Andrew Law. Niles' original title for the song was The American Hero.
The song was embraced by the soldiers after the Battle of Bunker Hill, and gave the song its more popular name.
Why should vain mortals tremble at the sight of Death and destruction in the field of battle,
Where blood and carnage clothe the ground in crimson, Sounding with death-groans?
O, then, exult that God forever reigneth; Clouds which, around him, hinder our perception,
Bind us the stronger to exalt his name, and Shout louder praises.
Then to the wisdom of my Lord and Master I will commit all that I have or wish for,
Sweetly as babes' sleep will I give my life up, When called to yield it.
Now, Mars, I dare thee, clad in smoky pillars, Bursting from bomb-shells, roaring from the cannon,
Rattling in grape-shot like a storm of hailstones, Torturing ether.
Life, for my Country and the Cause of Freedom, Is but a trifle for a worm to part with;
And if preserved, and if preserved in so great a Contest, Life is redoubled.
From the dire caverns, made by ghostly miners, Let the explosion, dreadful as volcanoes,
Heave the broad town, with all its wealth and people, Quick to destruction.
Still shall the banner of the King of Heaven Never advance where I am afraid to follow:
While that precedes me, with an open bosom, War, I defy thee.
Death will invade us by the means appointed, And we must all bow to the king of terrors;
Nor am I anxious, if I am prepared, What shape he Comes in.
Infinite Goodness teaches us submission, Bids us be quiet, under all his dealings;
Never repining, but forever praising God, our Creator.
Well might we praise him: all his ways are perfect: Though a resplendence, infinitely glowing,
Dazzles in glory on the sight of mortals, Struck blind by lustre.
Good is Jehovah in bestowing sunshine, Nor less his goodness in the storm and thunder,
Mercies and judgement both proceed from kindness, Infinite kindness.
Note: The midi file that is linked to this page was sequenced by Lesley Nelson, whose website is located at: http://www.contemplator.com/intro.html
