The Bonnie Blue Flag

I first heard this song on a record by Tennessee Ernie Ford, called, Civil War Songs of the South.   Not to show favoritism, he also did a record called, Civil War Songs of the North.

This was one of the first Southern anthems of the
Civil War, and while Dixie is often viewed as
synonymous with the South during the Civil War,
it was around before the war began.  This song,
however, was a direct product of the war.

While it is rather laced with controversey, it is 
still a historical song.  (Not to mention, it's
got a catchy tune, and someone requested it.)

6  5   5 5    5  -5 -5
We are a band of brothers,

-5  6 6    5  4   -4
And native to the soil,

7   7    -7  7   -6 6  6
Fighting for our Li-berty,

4    -4  4     4     -3  4
With treasure, blood and toil.

6   5    5   5      5    -5   -5
And when our rights were threatened,

-5  6   6    5    4   -4
The cry rose near and far,

6  7   -7  7   -6 -6  6    5
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag,

4    -4    4 4  -3  4
That bears a single star!


CHORUS

6  7     6  7
Hurrah!  Hurrah!

6   -6 -6    -6      -6 6
For Southern rights, hurrah!

6  7   -7  7   -6 -6  6    5
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag,

4    -4    4 4  -3  4
That bears a single star.

As long as the Union,
Was faithful to her trust,
Like friends and brethren,
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,
And 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 statesmen are.
Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag,
That bears a single star.

CHORUS

And here's to brave Virginia,
The Old Dominion State.
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 here's to our Confederacy,
Strong we are 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

Then cheer, boys, cheer,
Raise a 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!