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Document

Freedom Songs from North and South
Edited and introduced by
The competing principles of North and South were not only the preserve of political leaders; they were deeply ingrained in the culture of both regions, as seen in the lyrics of the two “unofficial anthems” of the war: The Bonnie Blue Flag (CSA) and the Battle Cry of Freedom (USA). Here we see competing understandings of liberty and rights emerge as justifications for the war, even among documents that represent the popular culture.

Document

The Bonnie Blue Flag

We are a band of brothers

And native to the soil,

Fighting for the property

We gained by honest toil;

And when our rights were threatened,

The cry rose near and far –

“Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag

That bears a single star!”

 

CHORUS:

Hurrah! Hurrah!

For Southern rights hurrah!

Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag

That bears a single star.

 

As long as the Union

Was faithful to her trust,

Like friends and like brothers

Both kind were we and just;

But now, when Northern treachery

Attempts our rights to mar,

We hoist on high the Bonnie Blue Flag

That bears a single star.

 

CHORUS

. . .

Then here’s to our Confederacy,

Strong are we and brave;

Like patriots of old we’ll fight

Our heritage to save.

And rather than submit to shame,

To die we would prefer;

So cheer for the Bonnie Blue Flag

That bears a single star.

 

CHORUS


The Battle Cry of Freedom

Yes, we’ll rally round the flag, boys,

We’ll rally once again,

Shouting the battle cry of Freedom,

We will rally from the hillside,

We’ll gather from the plain,

Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.

 

CHORUS:

The Union forever,

Hurrah! boys, hurrah!

Down with the traitors,

Up with the stars;

While we rally round the flag, boys,

Rally once again,

Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.

 

. . .

 

We will welcome to our numbers

The loyal, true and brave,

Shouting the battle cry of Freedom;

And although they may be poor,

Not a man shall be a slave,

Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.

CHORUS. . .

Source

Harry McCarthy, “The Bonnie Blue Flag,” sheet music by A. E. Blackmar (New Orleans, 1861); George F. Root, “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” sheet music by Root and Cady (Chicago, 1862).

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