William Billings was the greatest of the Yankee tunesmiths to spring up in the Boston area during the 18th century. Most of them were composers by avocation, pursuing more respectable trades like tanner, blacksmith and horse breeder.
Billings’ “Chester” became one of the firebrands of the American Revolution. Like most of the anthems composed during the era, it has little to do with the town of its name. Instead, it rails against the tyranny of British occupation and trumpets the inevitability of American victory.
This might be my favorite verse:
“The Foe comes on with haughty Stride;
Our troops advance with martial noise,
Their Vet’rans flee before our Youth,
And Gen’rals yield to beardless Boys.”
A happy (and safe) Independence Day to you!