Slavery is a Hard Foe to Battle

Slavery is a Hard Foe to Battle

(sung to Jordan is a Hard Road to Travel)

I looked to the South and I looked to the West,

And I saw old slavery a comin’.

With four Northern doughfaces hitched up in front,

Driving freedom to the other side of Jordan.

Chorus:

Then take off coats and roll up sleeves,

Slavery is a hard foe to battle.

Then take off coats and roll up sleeves,

Oh, Slavery is a hard foe to battle, I believe.

Slavery and freedom they both had a fight,

And the whole North came up behind ‘em.

Hit slavery with a few knocks with a free ballot box,

Sent it staggering to the other side of Jordan.

(Chorus)

If I was in the Legislature of these United States,

I settle this great question accordin’.

I’d let every slave go free over land and over sea,

And let them have a little hope this side of Jordan.

(Chorus)

The South have their school where the masters learn to rule,

And they lord it over the free states accordin’.

But sure they better quit e’re they raise the yankee grit,

And we tumble them over the other side of Jordan.

(Chorus)

But the day is drawing nigh when slavery must die,

And every one must do his part accordin’.

Then let us unite to give every man his right,

And we’ll get our pay the other side of Jordan.

(Chorus)

Source title: Slavery is a Hard Foe to Battle

Repository: Library of Congress. Music Division.

Date: 1855

Digital ID: sm1855 751680