If there was a song the Confederate soldier loved as much as Dixie, it was the Bonnie Blue Flag. Sung to the folk melody, "The Irish Jaunting Car", it lays out the order in which the southern states seceded along with the grievances that caused their departure. The song was premiered by lyricist Harry Macarthy, during a concert in Jackson, Miss, in 1861. Lyrics: 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!" 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. Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! First gallant South Carolina Nobly made the stand, Then came Alabama, We took her by the hand. Next quickly Mississippi, Georgia and Florida All raised on high the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star. Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! Ye men of valor, gather round The banner of the right; Texas and fair Louisiana Join us in the fight. Davis, our loved President, And Stephens statesmen are; Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star. Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! And here's to old Virginia - The Old Dominion State - Who with the young Confederacy At length has linked her fate; Impelled by her example, Now other states prepare To hoist on high the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star. Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star!
Copyright © 2008 Civil War Continues; All Rights Reserved
