Inspiration Album
In 1968 Tammy Wynette recorded her album Inspiration. Her album contained eleven traditional gospel hymns. Inspiration reached No. 19 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. One of the songs that Wynette recorded for her album is the well-known gospel and patriotic song “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Wynette included known traditional songs such as “How Great Thou Art,” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”
“Battle Hymn of the Republic” Versions
“Battle Hymn of the Republic” is one of those songs that has been recorded by many artists. Due to its popularity artist became fond of recording the song. Here are some artists who recorded their own version of the song.
- Joan Baez, 1962
- Johnny Cash, 1969
- Elvis Presley, 1972
- Whitney Houston, 1991
The Songwriter
In 1861, Julia Ward Howe heard the song “John Brown’s Body.” The song is about a man named John Brown who was killed in the song. It was sung by soldiers during the American Civil War. A friend of Howe told her to write a song for the soldiers to sing. The next day when Howe woke up early, she wrote down the words for the song. The tune of the song is the same as the song “John Brown’s Body,” but the words are different. Howe focused on God and Him guiding the men who are going to the battle as the theme of the song.
Julia Ward Howe was an activist. She participated in social movements like ending slavery. Her song “Battle Hymn of the Republic” was written as her expression towards the war and the slavery that was occurring during those times.
The Meaning of the Song
“Battle Hymn of the Republic” is a song about God who watches over His people. He will protect them during times of hardship. Howe wrote this for the soldiers to not give up. She wants them to know that God will protect them and peace will soon be achieved. The song became a light for soldiers during the Civil war.
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battle hymn of the republic, gospel, Tammy Wynette