"Give Us a Flag"
This song was first sung by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, which was made up of free African Americans, including Frederick Douglas during the Civil War. The lyrics of the song, which list the word ‘Fremont,’ in the beginning refer to the General John Charles Fremont, who was commander of the army in the West during the War. Fremont issued a proclamation in 1861 that essentially freed slaves in Missouri. (Source 11)
The song “Give Us a Flag,” draws attention to the sometimes neglected fact that African Americans played a huge part in the war, and contributed significantly to the armed forces. The lyrics of the song remind us of the importance of the outcome of the war for African Americans. It was a chance for potential freedom from the enslaved lifestyle they had been living in and an opportunity to truly be a part of a reborn nation, as citizens, not just as property. It is logical to think that after being enslaved by the colonists, even those of the Union prior to any abolitionist movements, that African Americans would not feel loyal to the United States as their nation, as they had never truly been treated like citizens. The desperate cry of asking to "Give Us a Flag," highlights the hopes that African Americans had of eventually becoming a part of a nation that they could truly feel loyal to with a flag that they could wave with patriotism.
The song “Give Us a Flag,” draws attention to the sometimes neglected fact that African Americans played a huge part in the war, and contributed significantly to the armed forces. The lyrics of the song remind us of the importance of the outcome of the war for African Americans. It was a chance for potential freedom from the enslaved lifestyle they had been living in and an opportunity to truly be a part of a reborn nation, as citizens, not just as property. It is logical to think that after being enslaved by the colonists, even those of the Union prior to any abolitionist movements, that African Americans would not feel loyal to the United States as their nation, as they had never truly been treated like citizens. The desperate cry of asking to "Give Us a Flag," highlights the hopes that African Americans had of eventually becoming a part of a nation that they could truly feel loyal to with a flag that they could wave with patriotism.
Oh, Frémont he told them when the war it first begun, How to save the Union and the way it should be done. But Kentucky swore so hard and Old Abe he had his fears, Till ev'ry hope was lost but the colored volunteers.
CHORUS: Oh, give us a flag, All free without a slave; We'll fight to defend it as our fathers did so brave; The gallant Comp'ny "A", Will make the rebels dance, And we'll stand by the Union if we only have a chance.
McClellan went to Richmond with two hundred thousand brave; He said, "Keep back the niggers" and the Union he would save; Little Mac he had his way, still the Union is in tears, Now they call for the help of the colored volunteers.
CHORUS
Old Jeff says he'll hang us if we dare to meet him armed, A very big thing , but we are not at all alarmed; For he first has got to catch us before the way is clear, And that is "what's the matter" with the colored volunteer.
CHORUS
So rally, boys, rally, let us never mind the past; We had a hard road to travel, but our day is coming fast; For God is for the right, and we have no need to fear, The Union must be saved by the colored volunteer.
CHORUS Then here is to the 54th, which has been nobly tried, They were willing, they were ready, with their bayonets by their side, Colonel Shaw led them on and he had no cause to fear, About the courage of the colored volunteer.
CHORUS
CHORUS: Oh, give us a flag, All free without a slave; We'll fight to defend it as our fathers did so brave; The gallant Comp'ny "A", Will make the rebels dance, And we'll stand by the Union if we only have a chance.
McClellan went to Richmond with two hundred thousand brave; He said, "Keep back the niggers" and the Union he would save; Little Mac he had his way, still the Union is in tears, Now they call for the help of the colored volunteers.
CHORUS
Old Jeff says he'll hang us if we dare to meet him armed, A very big thing , but we are not at all alarmed; For he first has got to catch us before the way is clear, And that is "what's the matter" with the colored volunteer.
CHORUS
So rally, boys, rally, let us never mind the past; We had a hard road to travel, but our day is coming fast; For God is for the right, and we have no need to fear, The Union must be saved by the colored volunteer.
CHORUS Then here is to the 54th, which has been nobly tried, They were willing, they were ready, with their bayonets by their side, Colonel Shaw led them on and he had no cause to fear, About the courage of the colored volunteer.
CHORUS