There's a Good Time Coming was a popular poem written by Charles Mackay

Charles Mackay

Charles Mackay was a Scottish poet, journalist, and song writer.-Life:Charles Mackay was born in Perth, Scotland. His father was by turns a naval officer and a foot soldier; his mother died shortly after his birth. Charles was educated at the Caledonian Asylum, London, and at Brussels, but spent...

 and set to music by Henry Russell

Henry Russell (musician)

Henry Russell was an English pianist, baritone singer and composer, born into a distinguished Jewish family.-Biography:...

 and was one of that composer of popular music's best-known works in the middle of the nineteenth century.

There's a good time coming, boys, a good time coming:

We may not live to see the day, but Earth shall glisten in the ray of the good time coming:

Cannonballs may aid the truth, But thought's a weapon stronger:

We'll win our battle with its aid;- Wait a little longer.

Independent testimony quoted by John Dodds

John Dodds

John Dodds is an Australian former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. He competed on the Grand Prix circuit from 1966 to 1978. His best finish was a third place behind Dieter Braun and Teuvo Länsivuori in the 1973 250cc world championship...

 indicates that the song was popular with new immigrants to the United States; it was recorded as being sung on the emigrant ships as they approached New York Harbour.

The pen shall supersede the sword,

And right not might, shall be the lord

In the good time coming;

Worth, not truth, shall rule mankind,

And be acknowledged stronger...