MUSIC AND CONFLICT:
FROM PATRIOTISM TO PROTEST
Civil War Full Song Lyrics
(as referenced on the Civil War page)
The Battle Cry of Freedom
(Union Version)
by George Frederick Root
Oh, 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
The Union forever
Hurrah boys hurrah
Down with the traitor, up with the star
While we rally round the flag boys
Rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
We are springing to the call
Of our brothers gone before
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
And we’ll fill the vacant ranks
With a million freemen more
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
The Union forever
Hurrah boys hurrah
Down with the traitor, up with the star
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 one shall be a slave
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
The Union forever
Hurrah boys hurrah
Down with the traitor, up with the star
While we rally round the flag boys
Rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
So we’re springing to the call
From the east and from the west
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
And we’ll hurl the rebel crew
From the land we love the best
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
The Union forever
Hurrah boys hurrah
Down with the traitor, up with the star
While we rally round the flag boys
Rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freedom
The Battle Cry of Freedom
(Confederate Version)
by Tom Rousch
Our flag is proudly floating on the land and on the main,
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Beneath it oft we’ve conquered, and we’ll conquer oft again!
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
(Chorus)
Our Dixie forever! She’s never at a loss!
Down with the eagle and up with the cross!
We’ll rally ’round the bonny flag, we’ll rally once again,
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Our gallant boys have marched to the rolling of the drums.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
And the leaders in charge cry out, “Come, boys, come!”
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!–
Chorus
They have laid down their lives on the bloody battle field.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Their motto is resistance — “To the tyrants never yield!”
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!–
Chorus
While our boys have responded and to the fields have gone.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Our noble women also have aided them at home.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!–