Charles Ives — General William Booth Enters Into Heaven

Booth led boldly with his big bass drum (Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?) The Saints smiled gravely and they said, “He's come.” (Washed in the blood of the Lamb, the blood of the Lamb.) Walking lepers followed rank on rank Lurching bravos from the ditches dank Drabs from the alleyways, drug fiends pale Minds still passion ridden, soul flowers frail: Vermin eaten saints with moldy breath Unwashed legions with the ways of Death (Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?) Ev’ry slum had sent its half a score The round world over (Booth had groaned for more) Ev'ry banner that the wide world flies Bloomed with glory and transcendent dyes Big voiced lasses made their banjoes bang Tranced, fanatical they shrieked and sang; “Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” Hallelujah, Lord! It was queer to see Bull necked convicts with that land make free Loons with trumpets blown a blare, blare, blare On, on, upward thro' the golden air! (Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?) Jesus came from out the court house door Stretched his hands above the passing poor Booth saw not, but led his queer ones Round and round… Yet! in an instant all that blear review Marched on spotless, clad in raiment new The lame were straightened, withered limbs uncurled And blind eyes opened on a new, sweet world (Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?)