WE'RE MARCHING TO ZION

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1707

1. Origins of the Lyrics (1707)


The words come from the hymn “Come, We That Love the Lord”, written by Isaac Watts (1674–1748), often called the Father of English Hymnody.


Author: Isaac Watts


Year: 1707


Original publication: Hymns and Spiritual Songs


Biblical inspiration: Psalm 122 and Hebrews 12:22


Watts wrote the hymn to encourage joyful, unified worship and to emphasize the Christian journey toward Zion, symbolizing:


Heaven


The Kingdom of God


Spiritual unity and hope


The famous refrain “We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion” does not appear in Watts’s original version.


2. The Tune and Refrain (1867)


The familiar melody and refrain were added much later.


Composer: Robert Lowry (1826–1899), an American Baptist minister and gospel music composer


Tune name: Marching to Zion


Year composed: 1867


Lowry adapted Watts’s hymn to fit the lively, march-like gospel style popular in 19th-century American revival meetings. He added the repeated refrain, which made the hymn more energetic and easier for congregations to sing.


3. Meaning and Themes


The hymn emphasizes:


Christian fellowship (“Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God”)


Spiritual pilgrimage (life as a journey toward heaven)


Joyful anticipation of eternal life


Unity of believers marching together


Zion is portrayed not as a distant place of fear, but as a beautiful and joyful destination.


4. Historical Use and Influence


Widely sung in revival meetings, camp meetings, and Sunday services


Popular across denominations, especially Protestant churches


Frequently associated with themes of hope, perseverance, and communal faith


Its marching rhythm made it suitable for processions and outdoor worship


5. Legacy


Today, We’re Marching to Zion remains a staple in hymnals worldwide. Its enduring popularity comes from the powerful combination of:


Watts’s rich theology


Lowry’s memorable, uplifting melody


Together, they transformed a reflective 18th-century hymn into a joyful anthem of faith and movement.

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