Independence - Billings, William

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"Published in ''The Singing-Master's Assistant'', 1778, pp. 91-99. Words by Billings. ''Independence'' is a patriotic sacred anthem; it is well to remember what life in Boston was like in 1778. There is a resemblance in the words to parts of Johann Sebastian Bach's early cantata, ''Gott is mein König'' (God is my King, BWV 71) of 1708; the music is very different. It is doubtful that Billings knew of it."

⌛ Period → Classical ◈ Genre → Anthems

♯ Key D major

⁄ Time Signature 2/2

♬ Voicing → SATB

◆ Difficulty

Beginner

↕ Range D2 – A5

¶ Language → English

Measures 175

Texture mixed texture

Parts 4

Instruments A cappella

Pages 9

CPDL # 34767

Editor Barry Johnston

Posted 2015-03-11

License Public Domain

♫Pitch Ranges

Treble

A4 – A5

Counter

D4 – B4

Tenor

A3 – B4

Bass

D2 – D4

¶Lyrics / Text

The states, O Lord, with songs of praise Shall in Thy strength rejoice. And blest with Thy salvation raise To heav'n their cheerful voice. To the King they shall sing, Hallelujah. Thy goodness and Thy tender care Have all our fears destroyed. A covenant of peace Thou made with us Confirmed by Thy word, A covenant Thou made with us And sealed it with Thy blood. To the King they shall sing, Hallelujah. And all the continent shall sing, Down with this earthly king. No king but God. To the King they shall sing, Hallelujah. And the continent shall sing, God is our rightful King. And the continent shall sing, God is our gracious King. To the King they shall sing, Hallelujah. Let us sing to the King, Hallelujah. God is the King. Amen. The Lord is His name. Amen. May His blessing descend, world without end, On every part of the continent. May harmony and peace Begin an never cease And may the strength increase Of the continent. May American wilds be filled with His smiles, And may the natives bow to our royal King. May Rome, France, and Spain And all the world proclaim The glory and the fame Of our royal King. God is the King. Amen. The Lord is His name. Amen. Loud, loudly sing that God is the King. May His reign be glorious, America victorious, And may the earth acknowledge That God is the King. Amen.