God Save The South was written by George H. Miles during the early part of the Civil War. If ever there was a national anthem for the South, this song would be it. The first song to be published in the Confederacy, it was published in no fewer than nine editions. The first Southern publication was by A.E. Blackmar in New Orleans, followed by printings in Charleston, S.C., Macon and Savannah Ga., and two in Richmond, Va. The song showcases the South's strong sense of identification with Virginian George Washington, who was seen as a rebel by the British Crown during the American colonies revolt against England It echoed the belief of many Southerners that the War Between the States was the second American Revolution. Lyrics: God save the South, God save the South, Her alters and firesides, God save the South! Now that the war is nigh, now that we arm to die, Chanting our battle cry, "Freedom or death!" Chanting our battle cry, "Freedom or death!" God be our shield, at home or afield, Stretch Thine arm over us, strengthen and save, What tho' they're three to one, forward each sire and son, Strike till the war is won, strike to the grave! Strike till the war is won, strike to the grave! God made the right stronger than might, Millions would trample us down in their pride. Lay thou their legions low, roll back the ruthless foe, Let the proud spoiler know God's on our side. Let the proud spoiler know God's on our side. Hark honor's call, summoning all, Summoning all of us onto the strife. Sons of the South awake! Strike till the brand shall break! Strike for dear honor's sake, Freedom and Life! Strike for dear honor's sake, Freedom and Life! Rebels before, our fathers of yore. Rebel's the righteous name Washington bore, Why, then, be ours the same, the name he snatched from shame, Making it first in fame, foremost in war. Making it first in fame, foremost in war. War to the hilt, theirs be the guilt, Who fetter the free man to ransom the slave, Up then, and dismay'd, sheath not the battle blade, Till the last foe is laid low in the grave! Till the last foe is laid low in the grave! God save the South! God save the South! Dry the dim eyes that now follow our path. Still let the light feet rove safe through the orange grove, Still keep the land we love safe from Thy wrath. Still keep the land we love safe from Thy wrath. God save the South, God save the South, Her alters and firesides, God save the South! For the great war is nigh, and we will win or die, Chanting our battle cry, "Freedom or death!" Chanting our battle cry, "Freedom or death!"
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