Bonnie Blue Flag

As performed by the 2nd South Carolina String Band

In High Cotton: Favorite Campfire Songs of the Civil War

Website: http://civilwarband.com/

A symbol of secession, the “Bonnie Blue Flag” was an unofficial flag of the Confederate States of America.  It was especially popular during the war’s early years.  The song by the same name combined lyrics written in 1861 by Harry McCarthy with the tune “The Irish Jaunting Car.”

We are a band of brothers and native to the soil


Fighting for our liberty, with treasure, blood and toil


And when our rights were threatened, the cry rose near and far


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star!

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

As long as the Union was faithful to her trust


Like friends and like brethren, kind we were, 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.

Hurrah!  Hurrah! 


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

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.

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

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 rare


Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

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Now 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 high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

Then cheer, boys, cheer, and 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.

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

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, cheer for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

Hurrah!  Hurrah!


For Southern rights, hurrah!


Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.