From the recordings The Battle Hymn Of The Republic and Quiet Reflections
Lyrics
Written by Julia Ward Howe in the Willard Hotel in Washington D. C. in November of 1861 as a hymn. It was first published in Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. It used the melody from the abolitionist song “John Brown’s Body.” Since the Civil War, it has become a popular patriotic song as well. This song has a very powerful melody and lyrics. I heard this sung by my grandmother when I was a young boy. I can still hear her singing it.