William Billings, the first native-born American composer, wrote "Chester" as a patriotic tune embracing the American disdain for their British overlords and espousing the need for freedom and self-determination. The title, merely reflects a common practice of the time of having hymn tunes named for the location of their composition, rather than for their content. The piece served as a sort of de facto national anthem in the early years of our nationhood.

The original words are supposedly by Billings himself.

Let tyrants shake their iron rod, And Slav'ry clank her galling chains, We fear them not, we trust in God, New England's God forever reigns.

Howe and Burgoyne and Clinton too, With Prescot and Cornwallis join'd, Together plot our Overthrow, In one Infernal league combin'd.

When God inspir'd us for the fight, Their ranks were broke, their lines were forc'd, Their ships were Shatter'd in our sight, Or swiftly driven from our Coast.

The Foe comes on with haughty Stride; Our troops advance with martial noise, Their Vet'rans flee before our Youth, And Gen'rals yield to beardless Boys.

What grateful Off'ring shall we bring? What shall we render to the Lord? Loud Halleluiahs let us Sing, And praise his name on ev'ry Chord.