By Marcus Bruce Christian

BEAT UPON THE DRUMS OF MENELIK

And tell black warriors to go out and win.

O Beat upon the drums of Menelik

O beat upon the drums of lion's skin

O let the giant drums be ever quick

In calling blackmen out to fight and win.

Take them to the highest mountain peak

Then let them thunder with a lion's roar

And the two million warriors these words speak:

"THE WHITE INVADER KNOCKS AT YOUR DOOR!"

Send out your war cry o'er each peak and vale

Cry out the story of your country's wrong,

Let every drum reverberate the tale

And in succession carry it along.

Black Drummers, scream defiance to the sky

As did Makonnen in Adowa's day!

O let the giant drums be ever quick

In calling black men out to fight and win.

Throb out, "This is our land and here we die

And thus with life defend it -- come what may!"

Black Drummers, scream defiance to the sky

As did Makonnen in Adowa's day!

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