From the recording The Battle Cry of Freedom
George Root was a major Civil War figure through the songs he wrote which inspired Union troops throughout the conflict. This is probably his most famous work, and it gives the title to this CD and concert series, as well as the most famous single work on the war, John McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom. Many of Root's songs were adapted for use by Southern troops as well. Root was a tireless composer, music publisher, and businessman. He knew a good thing when he had one, and he eventually published other versions of this song, a "battle" version, and another which was a campaign song for Lincoln and Johnson in 1864.
Lyrics
Oh, we'll rally round the flag and we'll rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freedom.
Oh, we'll rally round the flag and we'll rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freedom.
CHORUS:
The union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah!
The union forever! And up with the stars!
(Alternately: Down with the traitor, and up with the stars.)
As we rally round the flag and we rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freedom.
We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before.
And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more.
We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave
And although they may be poor not a man shall be a slave
battle verse:
We are going to the field, boys, we're going to the fight
And we bear the glorious stars for the Union and the right