This has been one of my favorite Civil War songs here lately. It's a beautiful, stirring melody. (For any of you country music listeners out there, this is Lee Ann Womack singing on the Divided & United Civil War songs CD...) Just press play below:
(Did you actually listen to this song? If not, you really need to push play. Right now.)
This song is "The Legend of the Rebel Solder".
This song, though completely surrounding the Civil War, was written in the 1970's by Charlie Moore. He wrote it to describe a Rebel's thoughts as he lies dying in prison. Moore does a wonderful job bringing the thoughts of the man to life in his song. Upon listening to this song, you feel as though you're inside the cell with the man, holding his hand alongside the pastor.
"Will my soul pass through the South land, To my old Virginia grand?
Will I see the hills of Georgia and the green hills of Alabam'?
Will I see that little church house where I pledged my heart and hand,
Oh Parson, tell me quickly, will my soul pass through the South land?"
This man joined the war for his country. Verse two says: "Was for loving dear old Dixie, in this dreary cell I lie; Was for loving dear old Dixie, in this northern state I die." He was dedicated, honest and patriotic.
Did he have any tie to slaves, or just a humble farmer fighting for his home?
He knew he was dying, and asked for someone. He didn't have many options for a visitor; so he did what a lot of men in his time would do: Ask for a preacher (the man in the song calls him "Parson"). It's common for men on their deathbed to turn to God.
Was this man already a Christian? Or just calling to God in death?
How old was she? Was she still a baby? Or old enough to understand and mourn his death?
"Oh Parson, tell me quickly, will my soul pass through the South land?"
There's his desire. To see his beloved South one more time. He yearns to be home in his South, with his family once more. A simple man, all he wants is to go home.
Is he regretting his time as a soldier?
What would you say were his thoughts?
Is his voice a firm, strong request, or a weak cry for help? Can you hear his voice catch in his throat when he talks about his daughter? Is he in pain? Is he ready to die?
How about the pastor? He was most likely an Army chaplain; dedicating his service to visiting those in prison. How many men do you think he's watched die in this very fashion? How fast do you think he was praying? Did he pray for God to spare his life, or pray for peace for this Rebel at last?
The conflict that the Rebel fought for was at an end when he died. All was at rest again, him safely in his Heavenly Father's arms.
He finally found peace.
Sources:
http://www.bluegrasslyrics.com/node/1038
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