"Bonnie Blue Flag"
During the first year of the American Civil War, both sides were confident that they would be able to ensure a victory quickly. Neither the citizens of the North nor of the South had any understanding of how detrimental the war would be on their people, and how long it would be fought for. As divisions between North and South were made, and lines were drawn between the Union and the Confederacy, each side found unity between their respective states through the use of music that was representative of the side they were fighting for. The music of the Civil War was not only a way of uniting citizens in both the North and South, but it was also very important amongst soldiers at war. As Waller et al. (2001) states in their article, “to say that music was important to the soldiers of the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War would be an understatement. To the armies, fighting in that war, songs were as important to their causes as strategies and supplies,” (147).
The song “Bonnie Blue Flag,” was written by Harry Macarthy, a English born entertainer who toured around the south from his home state of Arkansas. The song “Bonnie Blue Flag,” is a marching song that became an important song for the Confederacy. The lyrics of the song name and celebrate each of the eleven states that succeeded from the Union. “Bonnie Blue Flag,” became an anthem for the Confederacy that created a sense of unity in the same way that the Star Spangled Banner does today. Other than the sense of unity it brought to the Confederacy, "Bonnie Blue Flag," had other lasting impacts. Many people of the South started naming their newborn daughters 'Bonnie' after the song became so popular. The song also was used as a tool of building camaraderie among soldiers. One can imagine soldiers sitting around a campfire while away at war, singing this song in cheerful spirits to celebrate their cause. It is easy to see how the chant of "Hurrah, Hurrah, for Southern rights Hurrah," would stir up feelings of pride and enthusiasm for creating a new nation in the Confederacy among soldiers and citizens.
The song “Bonnie Blue Flag,” was written by Harry Macarthy, a English born entertainer who toured around the south from his home state of Arkansas. The song “Bonnie Blue Flag,” is a marching song that became an important song for the Confederacy. The lyrics of the song name and celebrate each of the eleven states that succeeded from the Union. “Bonnie Blue Flag,” became an anthem for the Confederacy that created a sense of unity in the same way that the Star Spangled Banner does today. Other than the sense of unity it brought to the Confederacy, "Bonnie Blue Flag," had other lasting impacts. Many people of the South started naming their newborn daughters 'Bonnie' after the song became so popular. The song also was used as a tool of building camaraderie among soldiers. One can imagine soldiers sitting around a campfire while away at war, singing this song in cheerful spirits to celebrate their cause. It is easy to see how the chant of "Hurrah, Hurrah, for Southern rights Hurrah," would stir up feelings of pride and enthusiasm for creating a new nation in the Confederacy among soldiers and citizens.
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
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 a single star.--CHORUS
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 statesman are; Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star.--CHORUS
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.--CHORUS
Then cheer, boys, cheer; Raise the joyous shout, For Arkansas and North Carolina Now have both gone out; And let another rousing cheer For Tennessee be given, The single star of the Bonnie Blue Flag Has grown to be eleven.--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
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
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 a single star.--CHORUS
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 statesman are; Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star.--CHORUS
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.--CHORUS
Then cheer, boys, cheer; Raise the joyous shout, For Arkansas and North Carolina Now have both gone out; And let another rousing cheer For Tennessee be given, The single star of the Bonnie Blue Flag Has grown to be eleven.--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