This southern song was written in the spring of 1861 by Harry Macarthy, a variety entertainer and comedian, to the traditional melody of The Irish Jaunting Car. The song became popular in the Confederate South during the Civil War, published first in New Orleans by Blackmar Brothers, then in 11 editions with different lyrics. When Ben Butler occupied New Orleans in May 1862 with his Union troops, he arrested A. E. Blackmar, destroyed all copies of the sheet music, and decreed a fine of $25 for anyone who sang or played or whistled the tune. In 2002, Ted Turner featured the song in his Gettysburg prequel film, Gods and Generals.
1861 Song Sheet by A.E. Blackmar & Bro. of New Orleans, from LC
1861 Song Sheet
We are a band of brothers, natives of the soil,
Fighting for our property we gained by honest toil;
But when our rights were threatened the cry rose near and far,
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star,
CHORUS.
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 Brothers we were kind and just;
But when Northern treachery attempts our rights to mar,
We hoist on high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
Hurrah, &c.
First gallant South Carolina who nobly made a stand,
Then came Alabama who 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, &c.
Ye men of valor gather round the banner of our right,
Texas and fair Louisiana will join us in the fight;
Davis is our loved President, and Stephens statesman rare,
Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
Hurrah, &c.
Then here's to brave Virginia, the Old Dominion State,
Who with the young Confederacy at length has linked her fate;
Impelled by her example let other States prepare,
So cheer up for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
Hurrah, &c.
Then here's to our Confederacy, so 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 up for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
Hurrah, &c.
Then cheer up boys, cheer, and raise a joyous shout,
Arkansas and North Carolina have both gone out;
Then another rousing cheer for Tennessee be given,
The single star of the Bonnie Blue Flag has grown to be eleven.
Hurrah, &c.
Here's to good old Maryland, although she is not out,
She's first to meet the enemy and turn them face about;
She'll join our young Confederacy, that's spreading near and far,
And link her fate with the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears eleven stars.
CHORUS,
Hurrah! Hurrah! for Southern Rights hurrah!
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
