Bunker Hill - Sylvanus Ripley| (attributed)

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"The tune was published by Andrew Law in 1781, without words or attribution of composer; tune is sometimes ascribed to Sylvanus Ripley. The words were first put with the tune in ''The Massachusetts Harmony'' in 1784, with the last line of the words repeated; this was reprinted more than 25 times over the following decades. The tune was slightly rearranged, and new words added, by Joshua Leavitt in ''The Christian Lyre'' in 1831. The poem, of fifteen stanzas, was written by Nathaniel Niles in 1775, and published in a broadside in 1781."

⌛ Period → Classical ◈ Genre / Form → Patriotic music

♯ Key A minor

⁄ Time Signature 4/4

♬ Voicing → SATB

◆ Difficulty

Beginner

↕ Range A2 – E5

¶ Language → English

Measures 18

Texture mixed texture

Parts 4

Instruments SATB

Pages 1

CPDL # 53403

Editor Barry Johnston

Posted 2019-02-26

License Public Domain

♫Pitch Ranges

Tr.

G4 – E5

C4 – G4

E3 – E4

A2 – A3

¶Lyrics / Text

1. Why should vain mortals tremble at the sight of Death and destruction in the field of battle, Where blood and carnage clothe the ground in crimson, Sounding with death-groans? 2. Death will invade us by the means appointed, And we must all bow to the king of terrors; Nor am I anxious, if I am prepared, What shape he comes in. 3. Infinite goodness teaches us submission, Bids us be quiet under all his dealings; Never repining, but forever praising God, our Creator. 4. Well may we praise him: all his ways are perfect: Though a resplendence, infinitely glowing, Dazzles in glory on the sight of mortals, Struck blind by luster. 5. Good is Jehovah in bestowing sunshine, Nor less his goodness in the storm and thunder, Mercies and judgment both proceed from kindness, Infinite kindness.