Inspired by their family upbringing, personal motivation, and religious belief, the members of the 19th-century Hutchinson Family Singers played a vital role in an era of interracial social action. They crafted brilliant lyrics set atop well-known tunes and spread the antislavery message across the northern United States and England. Critics and fans said many things about the Hutchinsons, and they earned public praise (as well as scorn) at a level comparable to any renowned public figure then or now. Yet everyone agreed that the singers were dead set on stopping the enslavement of black men and women in the American South.
In 1860, John Hutchinson campaigned enthusiastically for
Abraham Lincoln, publishing a book of campaign songs, "Hutchinson's
Republican Songster," which featured the song “Lincoln and
Liberty.”
Lyrics: John Hutchinson
Tune: “Old Rosin the Bow”
Arrangement: Dan Chouinard
The Rose Ensemble, Jordan Sramek, Founder/Artistic Director
Singers: Kim Sueoka, Elizabeth Windnagel (soprano); Alyssa Anderson, Natalie Nowytski (mezzo-soprano); Andrew Kane, Jordan Sramek (tenor); Mark Dietrich, Jake Endres (bass)
Instrumentalists: Dan Chouinard (organ), Ginna Watson (fiddle), David Burk (guitar), Josh Schwalbach (bass)
LYRICS
Hurrah for the choice of the nation, our chieftain so brave and so true
We'll go for the great reformation, for Lincoln and liberty too.
We'll go for the son of Kentucky, the hero of hoosierdom through
The pride of the “Suckers” so lucky, for Lincoln and Liberty too.
Then up with the banner so glorious, the star-spangled red, white and blue
We'll fight 'till our banner's victorious, for Lincoln and liberty too.
Come all you true friends of the nation, attend to humanity's call
Come aid in the slaves' liberation, and roll on the liberty ball.
We'll finish the temple of freedom, and make it capacious within
That all who seek shelter may find it, whatever the hue of their skin.
Then up with the banner so glorious, the star-spangled red, white and blue
We'll fight 'till our banner's victorious, for Lincoln and liberty too.
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