Cover of the 1861 sheet music for "The Bonnie Blue Flag"
"The Bonnie Blue Flag", also known as "We Are a Band of Brothers", is an 1861 marching song associated with the Confederate States of America. The words were written by Ulster-born entertainer Harry McCarthy, with the melody taken from the song "The Irish Jaunting Car". The song's title refers to the unofficial first Flag of the Confederacy, the "Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star" of the chorus.
The Bonnie Blue Flag, referred to in the song.
The Bonnie Blue Flag has a unique Southern Heritage of its own both in origin and symbolism. It all started in September 1810 in the Republic of West Florida, which included parts of the present day states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. At this time the Republic of West Florida was flying a flag which used a single, white, five pointed star on a field of blue which symbolized fellowship. During this time the US government was encouraging the American landowners in this republic too rebel against Spain who had control over this frontier area, thus making it a symbol of rebelling. Well, we all know what happened to this republic on the frontier, much like another republic a few years later that took up the lone star and won her own independence, the Republic of Texas.
In February of 1861, several southern states that had seceded from the Union met in Montgomery, Alabama and formed the Confederate States of America. That day Jefferson Davis was elected President and at the convention a large flag with a single white star on a field of blue was raised as both a symbol of fellowship amongst the seceding states and rebellion against the Union. Upon the unfurling of this flag a preceding officer waved it with the exclamation, "The Bonnie Blue," which was followed by a shout from the other delegates and citizens in the audience of "Hurrah, for the Bonnie Blue Flag". In the audience, Harry McCarthy, a traveling showman, who was so inspired by the thrilling moment that he wrote the rousing song "The Bonnie Blue Flag." Soon an official flag (the Stars and Bars) was adopted for the Confederacy however the Bonnie Blue, though never officially adopted, remained popular throughout and after the war because of the song. The stirring marching song was extremely popular in the South, rivaling "Dixie" as the unofficial Confederate anthem. Union General Benjamin "Beast" Butler, in Federal occupied New Orleans, outlawed playing the music or singing the song. Eleven varied editions of the song had been printed before the end of the war.
The Bonnie Blue Flag was popular among the Confederate veterans after the war. There are countless articles listed in the old issues of "The Confederate Veteran", of United Confederate Veteran camps being presented with the flag by townspeople, etc. Many Sons fly the Bonnie Blue today just as our ancestors did -- a symbol of fellowship to family, friend, and acquaintances and a symbol of rebellion to those who choose to deny us of our proud heritage.
"The Bonnie Blue Flag" holds special significance to the Texas brigade. The song was premiered by lyricist Harry Macarthy during a concert in Jackson, Mississippi, in the spring of 1861 and performed again in September of that same year at the New Orleans Academy of Music for the First Texas Volunteer Infantry regiment mustering in celebration.
The New Orleans music publishing house of A.E. Blackmar issued six editions of "The Bonnie Blue Flag" between 1861 and 1864 along with three additional arrangements. The tune was so popular that Union General Benjamin Butler was said to have arrested and fined Blackmar for daring to publish it.
The bonnie blue flag was often carried by Texas troops and has held a special place in the heart of Texans.
General Longstreet writes in his memoirs: "My mind was relieved by information that my resignation was accepted, to take effect on the 1st of June 1861. In our travel next day we crossed the line into the State of Texas. From the gloomy forebodings of old friends, it seemed at El Paso that we had entered into a different world. All was enthusiasm and excitement, and songs of "Dixie and the South" were borne upon the balmy air. But the Texas girl did not ascend to a state of incandescent charm until the sound of the first notes of " The Bonny Blue Flag" reached her ear. Then her feet rose in gleeful springs, her limbs danced, her hands patted, her eyes glowed, her lips moved, though she did not care to speak, or listen to any one. She seemed lifted in the air, thrilled and afloat, holding to the " Single Star" in joyful hope of Southern rights."
Lyrics controversy
The first verse of the song goes:
- We are a band of brothers and native to the soil,
- Fighting for the property we gained by honest toil;
- And when our rights were threatened, the cry rose near and far,
- Hurrah! for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
The first line explains the song's alternate title. The second line is sometimes given as "fighting for our liberty with treasure, blood, and toil". This has been taken as an attempt by some at historical revisionism for political purposes. Supporters of the "treasure, blood, and toil" version claim that the "property" version is the revisonist history version. A copy of the 1861 song sheet posted on a website by University of San Diego professor Steve Schoenherr illustrates the "property" version.[1]
According to Schoenherr, the song sheet was first published in 1861 by A. E. Blackmar and Brother in New Orleans. When Major General Benjamin Butler captured New Orleans, he allegedly arrested Blackmar, fined Blackmar $500, destroyed all copies of the music, and ordered that anyone caught whistling or singing "The Bonnie Blue Flag" would be fined $25 (about $482 in 2005).[1] Eleven other editions of the song were published with different lyrics.
Complete lyrics of the common version
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!
Chorus:
Hurrah! Hurrah!
For Southern rights, hurrah!
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
2. As long as the Union was faithful to her trust
Like friends and like brethren, kind were we, 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.
Chorus
3. 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.
Chorus
4. 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.
Chorus
5. Now here's to brave Virginia, the old Dominion State,
With the young Confederacy at last has sealed her fate,
And spurred by her example, now other states prepare
To hoist high the bonnie blue flag that bears a single star.
Chorus[2]
6. Then cheer, boys, cheer, 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.
Chorus
7. 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 for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.
Chorus[3]
Media
References
- ^ Bonnie Blue Flag
- ^ We are a band of brothers / Bonnie Blue Flag
- ^ Patriotic - the Bonnie Blue Flag
External links
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