"The Battle Hymn Of The Republic"

Despite what you may think, it does NOT qualify in any way as a legitimate hymn.
The author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was the abolitionist and social activist, Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910). The song first appeared, minus the last verse, on the front cover of The Atlantic Monthly for February 1862. That it originally had six verses can be seen by looking at her first draft, which was written on a scrap of Sanitary Commission paper. Christian hymnbooks that contain this song only include verses one, two, four, and five. The words as it was first published are slightly different than her original draft, which is transcribed here.

The tune is from a camp-meeting song with a "Glory Hallelujah" refrain by William Steffe, written about 1856. This tune was in turn used for what became the Union marching song, "John Brown’s Body," the first verse of which begins by repeating three times: "John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave," and ends with: "His soul goes marching on!" Other lines read: "They will hang Jeff. Davis to a sour apple tree!" and "Now, three rousing cheers for the Union."

Next time you go to church, or feel like singing a hymn, think twice before you sing what is in essence, a piece of Yankee propaganda.