UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811- 2402

John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Michael J. Leary
Treasurer
601 Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 617-663-4490

Date of fiscal year end:	May 31
Date of reporting period:	May 31, 2009

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the proposed requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund

By: /s/ Keith F. Hartstein

Keith F. Hartstein

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: July 15, 2009

By: /s/ Charles A. Rizzo

Charles A. Rizzo

Chief Financial Officer

Date: July 15, 2009