The Concord Hymn

This video was filmed at dawn on Monday, April 12, 2021. The footage is coupled with a piano version of "Old Hundred" (aka: All People Who On Earth Do Dwell). The text of "Concord Hymn" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is displayed on screen. "Concord Hymn" was originally sung to the tune of "Old Hundred" on July 4, 1837.

[@carlsmith802]

Only knew the beginning of that poem from the plaque along the bike ride or canoe trip. But we all knew it was incorrect (poetic license and all). Lexington had the "shot heard 'round the world." I think the churchiness of the music diminishes it.

[@MinuteManNPS]

Thank you for your comment and the opportunity to clarify. The phrase "shot heard round the world" is a part of "Concord Hymn," written by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1835. Before he wrote the poem that phrase did not exist, therefore it cannot be incorrect. While it is historically true that the first shots of the war were in Lexington, Emerson's phrase "shot heard round the world" was referring to the ideals of liberty and self determination - not a physical musket shot as is widely believed today. As to the "churchy" music in the video, Concord Hymn was originally written and set to a well-known Puritan Hymn, "Old Hundred." When Concord Hymn was first performed publicly at the dedication of the battle monument at North Bridge in 1836, it was actually sung to that tune - the same tune that is in the video.