II
John Brown
(To be sung by a leader and chorus, the leader singing the body of the poem, while the chorus interrupts with the question.)
I’ve been to Palestine.WHAT DID YOU SEE IN PALESTINE?I saw the ark of Noah—It was made of pitch and pine.I saw old Father NoahAsleep beneath his vine.I saw Shem, Ham and JaphetStanding in a line.I saw the tower of BabelIn the gorgeous sunrise shine—By a weeping willow treeBeside the Dead Sea.
I’ve been to Palestine.WHAT DID YOU SEE IN PALESTINE?I saw abominationsAnd Gadarene swine.I saw the sinful CanaanitesUpon the shewbread dine,And spoil the temple vesselsAnd drink the temple wine.I saw Lot’s wife, a pillar of saltStanding in the brine—By a weeping willow treeBeside the Dead Sea.
I’ve been to Palestine.WHAT DID YOU SEE IN PALESTINE?Cedars on Mount Lebanon,Gold in Ophir’s mine,And a wicked generationSeeking for a signAnd Baal’s howling worshippersTheir god with leaves entwine.And …I saw the war-horse rampingAnd shake his forelock fine—By a weeping willow treeBeside the Dead Sea.
I’ve been to Palestine.WHAT DID YOU SEE IN PALESTINE?Old John Brown.Old John Brown.I saw his gracious wifeDressed in a homespun gown.I saw his seven sonsBefore his feet bow down.And he marched with his seven sons,His wagons and goods and guns,To his campfire by the sea,By the waves of Galilee.
I’ve been to Palestine.WHAT DID YOU SEE IN PALESTINE?I saw the harp and psalt’ryPlayed for Old John Brown.I heard the ram’s horn blow,Blow for Old John Brown.I saw the Bulls of Bashan—They cheered for Old John Brown.I saw the big Behemoth—He cheered for Old John Brown.I saw the big Leviathan—He cheered for Old John Brown.I saw the Angel GabrielGreat power to him assign.I saw him fight the CanaanitesAnd set God’s Israel free.I saw him when the war was doneIn his rustic chair recline—By his campfire by the sea,By the waves of Galilee.
I’ve been to Palestine.WHAT DID YOU SEE IN PALESTINE?Old John Brown.Old John Brown.And there he sitsTo judge the world.His hunting-dogsAt his feet are curled.His eyes half-closed,But John Brown seesThe ends of the earth,The Day of Doom.And his shot-gun liesAcross his knees—Old John Brown,Old John Brown.