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Sullivan’s Island 7s & 8s

By Aldo Thomas Ceresa

Key
A major
Type
Folk hymn
Time signature
6
4
Composed
2012
Text
Charlotte Elizabeth Tonna, c.1825

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Description

This tune was first sung in Sullivan's Island, SC in May, 2012. It appears in The Trumpet, Vol. 3, No. 3 (2013), and was sung at the 2012 New York City Composium in September, 2012. It was also sung by The Art Mob in their Spring, 2013 concerts.


Text

Soldier, go—but not to claim
Mould'ring spoils of earth-born treasure;
Not to build a vaunting name,
Nor to dwell in tents of pleasure.

Dream not that the way is smooth,
Hope not that the thorns are roses;
Turn no wishful eye of youth,
Where the sunny beam reposes:

Soldier, rest—the war is done;
Lo! the hosts of hell are flying!
'Twas thy Lord the battle won;
Jesus vanquish'd them by dying.

Pass the stream—before thee lies
All the conquer'd land of glory:
Hark! what songs of rapture rise
To proclaim the victor's story.