Southern Battle Cry of Freedom
It was not uncommon for one side to take the other side's song and change the lyrics. Sometimes the change made fun of the enemy or, as in this case, the change was simply to be able to use the same great song for themselves.
The Confederate Rebels could not resist this spirited tune. Southern composer, Hermann L. Schreiner modified the melody to fit new words written by lyricist, William H. Barnes.
THE SOUTHERN BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM
1. 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!
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!
2. Our gallant boys have marched to the rolling of the drums.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
The leaders in charge cry out, “Come, boys, come!”
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!--
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!
3. They have laid down their lives on the bloody battle field.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Their motto is resistance --“To tyrants we’ll not yield!”
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!--
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!
4.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!--
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!
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Here is another version: