Colored heroes seek your standard,
Know you not the foemen's near,
Know you not how they'll enslave you,
You and yours, who are so dear.
Gather then, combine for freedom,
Fight for that and bravely die,
Only cowards turn their faces.
Cowards they, who turn and fly.
Colored heroes, hark, your masters
Have combined and are as one,
They have sworn they will enslave you,
Will you now the battle shun?
Gather then, combine for freedom,
Wealth would claim you 'till you die,
Only cowards turn their faces,
Cowards they, who turn and fly.
Colored heroes, get your armor,
Each be worthy of the name,
Better far than be a coward,
You be numbered with the slain.
Gather then, combine for freedom,
They would crush you till you die,
Only cowards turn their faces,
Cowards they, who turn and fly.
Colored heroes, hark the bugle.
O'er the land sounds the alarm,
Bravely charge the foemen's trenches,
On each breast there is a charm.
Gather then, combine for freedom,
Predjudice will have to die,
'Tis but cowards turn their faces,
Cowards they, who turn and fly.