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In the mid-nineteenth century, some abolitionist societies used songs to inspire their members during meetings. These were often set to familiar music. William Lloyd Garrison's "Song of the Abolitionist," for instance, was sung to the tune of "Auld Lange Syne."
1.
I am an Abolitionist!
I glory in the name;
Though now by slavery's minions hissed,
And covered o'er with shame;
It is a spell of light and power,
The watch-word of the free
Who spurns it in the trial-hour,
A craven soul is he.
2.
I am an Abolitionist!
Then urge me not to pause,
For joyfully do I enlist
In Freedom's sacred cause;
A nobler strife the world ne'er saw,
Th'enslaved to disenthral;
I am a soldier for the war,
Whatever may befall.
3.
I am an Abolitionist!
Oppression's deadly foe;
In God's great strength will I resist,
And lay the monster low;
In God's great name do I demand,
To all be freedom given,
That peace and joy may fill the land,
And songs go up to heaven.
4.
I am an Abolitionist!
No threats shall awe my soul;
No perils cause me to desist,
No bribes my acts control;
A freeman will I live and die,
In sunshine and in shade,
And raise my voice for liberty,
Of nought on earth afraid.
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