Lyrics to "Bonnie Blue Flag"
Initially, there were only two verses. However, over time lyrics were added to incorporate all the states that had seceded. While many southerners regarded "Dixie" as their anthem, they regarded "Bonnie Blue Flag" as their marching song. Unfortuantly, the popularity of the song waned when late in the war McCarthy abandoned the Confederate cause and left for Philadelphia. This might be why "Dixie" has stood the test of time over the "Bonnie Blue Flag." Also, the song has controversial lyrics. It records the order of the first five states to secede to be: South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. A modern, realiable source -- "The Civil War Day by Day" -- indicates Mississipi was second (9 January 1861), then Florida (10 January 1861), followed by Alabama (11 January 1861), and then Georgia (19 January 1861).
We are a band of brothers, and native to the soil
Fighting for our liberty, with treasure, blood, and toil,
And when our rights were threatened, the cry rose near and far
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears the 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 bretheren, kind we were 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]
First, gallant South Carolina nobly made the stand,
Then came Alabama, who took her by the hand
Next, quickly Mississippi, Georgia and Florida
All raised on high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears the single star
[chorus]
Ye men of valor gather round the Banner of the Right,
Texas and Louisiana, join us in the fight
Davis, our loved President, and Stephens, statemen rare
Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears the single star
And here's to brave Virginia! the Old Dominion State
With the young Confederacy at length has linked her fate
Impelled by her example, now other State prepare
To hoist on high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star
[chorus]
Then cheer boys, raise the joyous shout
For Arkansas and North Carolina now have both gone out
And let another rousing cheer for Tenneessee be given
The single star of the Bonnie Blue Flag has grown to be eleven
[chorus]
Then here's to our Confederacy, strong we are 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 the single star
[chorus]
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