This well-known tune, originally a folk hymn, has given birth to numerous songs of different nature. These include an early 19th century hymn titled »Canaan's Happy Shore«, an abolitionist song titled »John Brown's Body«, a famous marching song from the American Civil War titled the »Battle Hymn of the Republic«, and, finally, this popular labor union anthem written by Ralph Chaplin for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

Also in Finland, there are different versions of the song, including one of »Solidarity Forever«, in Finnish »Solidaarisuutta aina«. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find its complete lyrics, but below is the refrain in Finnish.

Another Finnish version of the song is titled »Kalle-Kustaan muori«, in English »Kalle-Kustaa's Mother«. This is interesting, because Kalle-Kustaa could refer to two Swedish kings, Carl X Gustav (1654 - 1660) and the present king Carl... (Continues)