Everyone has their own favorite patriotic music. Usually the songs people like the most are the ones they grew up hearing at their own schools, churches, family gatherings and other celebrations.
Some of these originated before the Civil War and talk proudly about the South or the North, rather than just celebrating the USA. I grew up in the Deep South and we sang about “Dixie” and “Eating Goober Peas.” In case you didn’t grow up in the South, goober peas are peanuts!
Every region of the US has it’s own songs that are not necessarily patriotic but talk proudly about their state. Pride is at the root of it all and some of the most interesting songs I’ve reviewed talk proudly of dying for their state, region or country!
A song that I did not previously know is “The South Shall Rise up Free” and is a perfect example of the fervor felt by so many patriotic song-writers and poets:
THE SOUTH SHALL RISE UP FREE (1863)
Words by John Hill Hewitt (1801-1890)Melody: “Partant Pour La Syne”
The bugle sounds upon the plain,
Our men are gath’ring fast;
You would not have your friend remain,
And be among the last.
Cheer up, cheer up, my Southern flow’r,
There’s joy for you and me–
While Right is strong and God has pow’r,
The South shall rise up free!
While Right is strong and God has pow’r,
The South shall rise up free!
When by the campfire’s fitful light,
Beneath the starlit sky,
I picture scenes of young delight,
Your form shall hover nigh.
Your smile will cheer the lonely hour,
Your eye my lodestar be,
For well I know while God has pow’r,
The South shall rise up free!
For well I know while God has pow’r,
The South shall rise up free!
When to the field of fight I rush,
And raise my battle shout,
A soldier’s pride each doubt will hush,
Though bullets fly about.
I’ll boldly face the leaden shower,
And trust to Destiny;
For Right is strong and God has power–
The South shall rise up Free!
For Right is strong and God has power–
The South shall rise up Free!
Our Stary Cross flaunts in the air,
And guides each soldier on;
Where’er it shines our braves are there,
Unflinching, every one.
Then cheer up, cheer up!–Southern flower,
There’s joy for you and me;
For Right is strong and God has power–
The South shall rise up Free!
For Right is strong and God has power–
The South shall rise up Free!
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