Battle Hymn of the Republic
An American patriotic song written by Julia Ward Howe during the Civil War.
The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is an American patriotic song written by the abolitionist writer Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War. It is sometimes called "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory", especially outside of the United States.
Quick Facts
- Composer
- Julia Ward Howe
- Team association
- Oakland Raiders Era
- Usage context
- Player Introductions; Game Atmosphere
- Status
- Historic Cultural Anthem
Lore & Background
Howe adapted her song from the soldiers' song "John Brown's Body" in November 1861, and sold it for $4 to The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. Her version links the Union cause with God's vengeance at the Day of Judgment. The tune and some lyrics of "John Brown's Body" came from a much older folk hymn called "Say, Brothers will you Meet Us", also known as "Glory Hallelujah", which had been developed in the oral hymn tradition of revivalist camp meetings of the late 1700s.
At a flag-raising ceremony at Fort Warren on May 12, 1861, the song "John Brown's Body" was publicly played perhaps for the first time. Julia Ward Howe heard this song during a public review of troops outside Washington, D.C., on Munson's Hill on the plains of Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia. Howe wrote the verses to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" on the night of November 18, 1861, staying at the Willard Hotel in Washington. The song was first published on the front page of The Atlantic Monthly of February 1862.
Reader's Guide
It does not mention the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum or any Raiders franchise.
Did You Know?
- The song was also published as a broadside in 1863 by the Supervisory Committee for Recruiting Colored Regiments in Philadelphia.
- In 1960, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir won the Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus for their recording of the song.
- The lyrics of the song appear in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s sermons and speeches, including his final sermon "I've Been to the Mountaintop".
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did the Battle Hymn of the Republic play in Raiders history?
It served as an iconic auditory backdrop during the franchise's legendary Oakland era, becoming synonymous with the team's aggressive identity. While not the official fight song, it was frequently played to cultivate an intimidating atmosphere at games.
Who is the composer behind this anthem?
The piece was originally composed by Julia Ward Howe as a Civil War-era anthem long before its adoption in football culture. Its historical roots added weight to its usage within the stadium environment.
Why did Al Davis choose this specific song for player introductions?
Owner Al Davis used the track to signal the start of a battle, uniting supporters in a shared cultural experience that transcended the sport. The music reinforced the intimidating atmosphere he wanted to establish at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Where was this anthem primarily heard by fans?
Supporters most frequently experienced these notes during player introductions at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. It became a defining sound for generations of fans who attended games during that specific period.
Does the song hold official status with the team today?
No, it is classified as a historic cultural anthem rather than the current official fight song. Its significance remains tied specifically to the memories and identity of the Oakland Raiders era.
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