John Brown's Body (song)

For works with similar titles, see John Brown's Body.

Versions of
John Brown's Body (19th century)

"John Brown's Body" (originally known as "John Brown's Song") is a famous Union marching song of the American Civil War. It was for many years generally assumed to have been created as a tribute to the abolitionist acts of John Brown, a claim now disputed by some historians. The song was found offensive by Major General George B. McClellan while he was in command of the Army of the Potomac, and he tried to ban it, to little effect (Sears, Stephen, Landscape Turned Red).

"John Brown's Body" is sung to the tune originally used for "Say, Brothers, Will You Meet Us", a camp song attributed to William Steffe. Julia Ward Howe wrote the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as a set of alternate lyrics in 1861.

1876209John Brown's Body

Versions of John Brown's Body include:

"The John Brown Song or Glory Hallelujah", 1861
"John Brown's Body" (unsourced)

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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