Glory Glory Alleluia!

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Glory Glory Alleluia! is a traditional marching song of the Porongurup Rangers, often regarded as the unofficial anthem of the organisation.

History

Although the precise origin of the song is unclear, it is said to have been composed in the 2050s by a Sergeant Yasuro Tanaka. It initially spread slowly through the force, but became extremely popular during the Pirate War, partially due to the third verse mentioning the Desert, the ocean and freedom. The lyrics were first included in the Rangers Handbook in 2070, and have been included in every edition since.

The song has also found application outside of the Rangers. The Christian bent of the lyrics has made it popular for religious purposes, and it is often performed at funerals. The tune is widely used for other compositions, and is a favourite with satirists and writers of doggerel.

Lyrics (Official Rangers Version)

The official lyrics published in the Rangers Handbook are based on the pre-war Battle Hymn of the Republic. Despite the obvious Christian overtones present in the song, the Handbook notes that it should be regarded as 'inspirational' rather than religious, and that personnel are free to interpret the lyrics in any way they see fit.

My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord

He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored

He is bringing down the lightning with his terrible swift sword

Glory glory alleluia, the truth is marching on

(Chorus)

Glory glory, glory Alleluia!

Glory glory, glory Allay-lu,

Glory glory, glory Alleluia!

Glory, glory, the truth is marching on

I have seen it in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps

I have heard it in the footfalls where a thousand soldiers tramp

I have seen it in the darkness as a brightly shining lamp

Glory glory alleluia, the truth is marching on

Chorus

From the edges of the desert, to the margins of the sea

Cross the barren fields of wreckage and the former world's debris

Let us spread the hand of justice, let us fight to set men free

Glory glory alleluia, the truth is marching on

Chorus

Alternate Lyrics

While the official version of the lyrics published in the Rangers Handbook have three verses, dozens more have been composed over the years - many of them unprintable. One of the most common (and cleanest) is to replace I have seen it in the darkness as a brightly shining lamp with I have smelt it in the sideboard which is prone to rising damp.