(He) published the first completely American book of songs, The New-England Psalm-Singer (1771)...
Here is a musician so passionate about the cause for which he is composing that he devotes his "muse" to the task of motivating his compatriots to persevere in the struggle for freedom. His music became a rallying cry to freedom-seeking Americans and helped to sustain them during the eight years of the War for Independence.
The best-known of these popular "rallying" songs is "Chester," in which Billings flaunts the courage and gumption of outmanned and outgunned patriots in standing up to the invading tyrants. This brash melody bursts out like an exuberant army onto the field:
Let tyrants shake their iron rod,
And Slavry clank her galling chains,
We fear them not, we trust in God,
New Englands God for ever reigns.
Subsequent stanzas mock the sophisticated cunning and plots of British generals and their futility against God-inspired patriots. Englands legendary redcoats are no match for freedom-loving Americans persuaded that God fights for them:
When God inspird us for the fight,
Their ranks were broke, their lines were forcd,
Their Ships were Shatterd in our sight,
Or swiftly driven from our Coast.
The Foe comes on with haughty Stride;
Our troops advance with martial noise,
Their Vetrans flee before our Youth,
And Genrals yield to beardless Boys.
Victory can only be certain with God on their side, and Billings calls all Americans to join in songs of praise to Him who directs their just cause and ensures their freedom:
What grateful Offring shall we bring?
What shall we render to the Lord?
Loud Halleluiahs let us Sing,
And praise his name on evry Chord.
Here was popular music written in a form every churchgoing American could readily enter into, speaking boldly about the major social issue of the day and calling patriots to hope in the Lord and fight confidently against their foe. The music is bright and forceful, filled with confidence, even arrogance, and focused ultimately on the glory of God.
...Mrs. JULIE MOORE will be inteviewed on...
.. www.JudicialWatch.org ..
...from 12:23pm - 12:55pm Eastern Time
...from 9:23am - 9:55am Pacific Time
NEVER FORGET
the infowarrior
-archy-/-