The Battle Cry of Freedom

"The Battle Cry of Freedom" was written by George F. Root and was one of the most popular songs during the Civil War. The song was written for the Union (with Union lyrics), though the song became so popular that it was adapted for the Confederacy by composer H. L. Schreiner and lyricist W. H. Barnes.

Date: 1862Composer: George Frederick RootText: George Frederick Root

Print vitals & song text

Text

The Battle Cry of Freedom (Union version)
by George F. Root

Yes we’ll rally round the flag, boys, we’ll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom,
We will rally from the hillside, we’ll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

Chorus:
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitor, up with the star;
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

We are springing to the call with a million freemen more,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And we’ll fill our vacant ranks of our brothers gone before,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

Chorus

We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And although he may be poor, not a man shall be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

Chorus

So we’re springing to the call from the East and from the West,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And we’ll hurl the rebel crew from the land we love best,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

Chorus

Videos

Support us and help us grow

Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.