Lyrics:
Whilst in these icebound boats we stand
The current makes toward enemy land
A lead ball death or an ice water tomb
Awaits us in this snow-blind gloom
‘Twas in his dreams our General schemes
That without God’s grace remains but a dream
To make surprise on Christmas Day
While the foe in drunken stupor lay
For after defeat so hard to shun
Our leader’s options are now but one
‘tis only he gives our password thus
“Victory or Death” for all of us
On Christmas Day in ’76 our ragged troops with bayonets fixed
for Trenton marched away
Oh the Delaware sea, the boats below, the light obscured by hail and snow
But no sign of dismay my lads, no sign of dismay
Our object was the Hessian band that dared invade fair freedom’s land
and bordered in that place
Brave Washington he led us on his banner raised in storm and sun
Had never known disgrace my lads, never known disgrace
In silent march we passed the night, each soldier anxious for the fight
the river we did cross
Green on the left at six began, our right was led by Sullivan
Never a moment lost my lads, never a moment lost
Their pickets stormed, alarm was spread, rebels risen from the dead
Are marching into town
Some scampered here, some scampered there, and some for action did prepare
but soon their arms laid down my lads, soon their arms laid down
Now brothers of the patriot bands had seen deliverance from the hands
of arbitrary sway
And as our life is but a span let’s touch the tankards while we can
in memory of that day my lads, in memory of that day