Children, sing for the happiest birth-day
      The dear, dear land ever knew!
Wave out the red-lit white of her banner!
      Wave out the starry blue!

O, the sun of our Jubilee morning
      Never so brightly shone
As now, when it welcomes peace returning
      With rebellion overthrown!

Little ones, 'mid the city's tumult--
      Children of poor and proud,--
Join in the heartfelt mirth, inspiring
      All of the eager crowd!

Children, out in the sweet, fresh country,
      Far from the city gay,--
Forming your own little bright procession
      All in your own wild way.

Sing, O sing, for Columbia's birth-day!
      Shout for Freedom, Peace,
Lifting your hearts to the Lord in heaven
      Who granteth the land's release.

Bring the merry roses, children--
      Ring the merry bells!
Bring to our Independence morning
      all that of gladness tells.

Eyes lit up with the new-born glory--
      Cheeks flushed red with joy--
Joy for the conquering Right that cheers
      Every girl and boy.

Gay little tireless feet run swiftly,
      Sped by the happy heart--
Curls float back on the summer breeze
      Blown from the bright brow apart.

Following after, dear old Bruno,
      Partner of all their play;
Lifts up his brute voice, blindly rejoicing,--
      Seeming as glad as they.

Far and wide, let our country's children,
      Hearts to the mother-heart true,
Shout and sing for the happiest birth-day
      The dear, dear land ever knew!