| William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842. | | | | Columbia’s Favourite Son |
| | From the Pennsylvania Gazette—November 4, 1789
Sung on the occasion of the procession in honour of the President’s (Washington) arrival at Boston, October 26, 1789 |
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GREAT Washington the hero’s come, | |
| Each heart exulting hears the sound, | |
| Thousands to their deliverer throng, | |
| And shout him welcome all around! | |
| Now in full chorus join the song, | 5 |
| And shout aloud, great Washington. | |
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| Then view Columbia’s favourite son, | |
| Her father, saviour, friend, and guide! | |
| There see the immortal Washington! | |
His country’s glory, boast, and pride!
Now in full chorus, &c. | 10 |
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| When the impending storm of war, | |
| Thick clouds and darkness hid our way, | |
| Great Washington, our polar star, | |
Arose; and all was light as day!
Now in full chorus, &c. | |
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| ’Twas on yon plains thy valour rose, | 15 |
| And ran like fire from man to man; | |
| ’Twas here thou humbled Paria’s foes, | |
And chased whole legions to the main!
Now in full chorus, &c. | |
| |
| Through countless dangers, toil, and cares, | |
| Our hero led us safely on— | 20 |
| With matchless skill directs the wars, | |
Till Victory cries—The day’s his own!
Now in full chorus, &c. | |
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| His country saved, the contest o’er, | |
| Sweet peace restored, his toils to crown, | |
| The warrior to his native shore | 25 |
Returns, and tills his fertile ground.
Now in full chorus, &c. | |
| |
| But soon Columbia call’d him forth | |
| Again to save her sinking fame; | |
| To take the helm, and, by his worth, | |
To make her an immortal name!
Now in full chorus, &c. | 30 |
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| Nor yet alone through Paria’s shores, | |
| Has Fame her mighty trumpet blown; | |
| E’en Europe, Afric, Asia, hears, | |
And emulate the deeds he’s done!
Now in full chorus, &c. | | | |
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