The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Updated explained

"The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Updated" (otherwise known as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic (Brought Down to Date)") was written in 1900^[1] by Mark Twain, as a parody of American imperialism, in the wake of the Philippine–American War. It is written in the same tune and cadence as the original "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe. The poem remained unpublished in Twain's lifetime and did not appear in print until 1958.^[2]

A recording was made by the Chad Mitchell Trio as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic Brought Down to Date". The lyrics were slightly modified and the verse about prostitution excised, and the first four lines from the Marines' Hymn sung over one of the choruses.

Footnote

The footnote in the lyrics contained the following text:

"* NOTE: In Manila the Government has placed a certain industry under the protection of our flag. (M.T.)"

See also

• List of anti-war songs
• Battle Hymn of the Republic

External links

• Sacred Texts website
• Origins of a Civil War Song

Notes and References

1. Book: Gjerde. edited by Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman, Edward J. Blum, Jon. Major problems in American history : documents and essays / edited by Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman, Edward J. Blum, Jon Gjerde.. 2012. Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Boston, MA. 978-0495915133. 3rd.
2. Twain, Mark. Collected Tales, Sketches, Speeches, & Essays 1891-1910. Louis J. Budd, ed. New York: Library of America, 1992, p. 1006.