“Sound the Battle Cry” was written by William Fisk Sherman (1826-1888) and published in Bright Jewels (1869). This energetic arrangement reflects the rousing call to action of the lyrics:

Rouse, then, soldiers, rally round the banner,
Ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud, Hosanna!
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.

These short variations are a lively upbeat rendition on the tune “Truro.” The tune “Truro” first appeared in Psalmodia Evangelica, a two-volume collection of psalm and hymn tunes published in 1789. The tune is named for the city in Cornwall, England with its striking Anglican cathedral. This arrangement is based on these words:

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates,