The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Lyrics
Johnny Cash
Lyrics
Virgil caine is the name, and I served on the danville train,
In the winter of 65, we were hungry, just barely alive.
By may the tenth, richmond had fell, its a time I remember, oh so well,
(chorus)
The night they drove old dixie down, and the bells were ringing,
The night they drove old dixie down, and the people were singin. they went
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
Back with my wife in tennessee, when one day she called to me,
Virgil, quick, come see, there goes robert e. lee!
Now I dont mind choppin wood, and I dont care if the moneys no good.
Ya take what ya need and ya leave the rest,
But they should never have taken the very best. (chorus)
Like my father before me, I will work the land,
Like my brother above me, who took a rebel stand.
He was just eighteen, proud and brave, but a yankee laid him in his grave,
I swear by the mud below my feet,
You cant raise a caine back up when hes in defeat.
Song & Lyrics Facts
"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is a popular American folk rock song written by Robbie Robertson and originally recorded by The Band in 1969. It was released as a single from their self-titled second album, on Capitol Records.
This classic track has been covered by many artists, most notably Johnny Cash who released his version of the song in 1970. His cover featured acoustic guitar, backing vocals from June Carter Cash, and lyrics that tell the story of the Civil War from the perspective of a Confederate soldier. The song is considered to be one of Cash's signature songs, and it has become an iconic anthem of the South. Written by Canadian musician Robbie Robertson, the song includes prominent references to historical events such as General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House and President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. In addition to its lyrical content, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" features instrumentation including mandolin, organ, electric bass, drums, and acoustic guitar.