When Hobson saw his country’s need,
Demanded human sacrifice,
He asked that he might do the deed,
And give his life to pay the price.
CHORUS.
Three cheers now, boys, for liberty,
Three cheers again in louder voice,
For Hobson and his victory,
And for the flag of Hobson’s choice.
He knew the course that he must take
Would lead him to the mouth of hell,
And boldly for his country’s sake,
He braved the storm of shot and shell.
He knew that mines beset the place,
Where he must go to sink his ship,
And death would meet him face to face,
Ere he had time to make the trip.
He knew his ship was weak and frail,
And could not stand the Spanish fire;
But all the signs that he would fail,
Served but to raise his courage higher.
He knew that bombs embraced his boat,
And one good shot would send her high,
But lose or win, and sink or float,
He was ready to do and die.
Advised to hoist the flag of Spain,
And thus deceive his watchful foe,
He could not bear his name to stain,
And quickly gave a manly “No.”
“The stars and stripes, I love the name,”
(Thus spake the grand heroic voice.)
“Whether I fall, or rise to fame,
My country’s flag shall be my choice.”
His mother’s home might soon be sold,
But surely this can never be,
His life should take the place of gold,
When given for humanity.