The poem describes a hymn sung by the oppressed and downtrodden, expressing their longing for freedom and justice. It portrays the struggles of the working class and the poor, who are forced to live in poverty and hardship. The hymn is a call to action, urging people to rise up against their oppressors and fight for their rights.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry