On a Childhood Sunday Song

I have been intrigued by the interesting heritage of a simple traditional Sunday School song I remember singing as a little boy, which is, of course, still sung today worldwide. The refrain is attributed to Clare Herbert Woolston, a favorite lyricist of the German/American Composer, George F. Root (1820-1895), who penned the original music. The title of the song I remember was "Jesus Loves the Little Children." It is a happy little refrain celebrating love for children "red, yellow, black and white" all around the earth. The dichotomy of this song is that the original music to which this sweet lyric is set, actually began as a Civil War marching song, entitled "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp!" ON A CHILDHOOD SUNDAY SONG explores that opposing dichotomy of inspiration. George Frederick Root was a very prolific composer in 19th century America with over 500 pieces of music published. These include songs, cantatas, hymns, instructional works and minstrel arrangements.