Throughout the 19th century, disagreements over slavery arose between the free states of the North and the slave-holding states of the South. The nation was divided and a strong anti-slavery movement was building. One of the major points of contention was the issue of whether or not slavery would be permitted in the new Western states entering the Union. Compromises were attempted, but when the South seceded from the United States and opened fire on Fort Sumter, a war between the states could not be averted.
The Civil War, as with the American Revolution and the War of 1812, produced new songs that celebrated victories, taunted enemies, inspired soldiers, attempted to sway public opinion, and provided solace. They were often based on traditional folk melodies. “Southern Soldier” is one such song that was popular among Confederate soldiers. It expresses their point of view and determination to fight and die for their cause.
Lyrics
I’ll place my knapsack on my back
My rifle on my shoulder
I’ll march away to the firing line
And kill that Yankee soldier
And kill that Yankee soldier
I’ll march away to the firing line
And kill that Yankee soldier
I’ll bid farewell to my wife and child
Farewell to my aged mother
And go and join in the bloody strife
Till this cruel war is over
Till this cruel war is over
I’ll go and join in the bloody strife
Till this cruel war is over
If I am shot on the battlefield
And I should not recover
Oh, who will protect my wife and child
And care for my aged mother
And care for my aged mother
Oh, who will protect my wife and child
And care for my aged mother
And if our Southern cause is lost
And Southern rights denied us
We’ll be ground beneath the tyrant’s heel
For our demands of justice
For our demands of justice
We’ll be ground beneath the tyrant’s heel
For our demands of justice
Before the South shall bow her head
Before the tyrants harm us
I’ll give my all to the Southern cause
And die in the Southern army
And die in the Southern army
I’ll give my all to the Southern cause
And die in the Southern army
If I must die for my home and land
My spirit will not falter
Oh, here’s my heart and here’s my hand
Upon my country’s altar
Upon my country’s altar
Oh, here’s my heart and here’s my hand
Upon my country’s altar
Then Heaven be with us in the strife
Be with the Southern soldier
We’ll drive the mercenary horde
Beyond our Southern border
Beyond our Southern border
We’ll drive the mercenary horde
Beyond our Southern border