Story Behind The Song
Trying to show the flag as a symbol of pride to all southerners, regardless of race, and to promote not having it removed from our history books.
Song Description
From accounts we heard in DC from the street while they were banning displaying the flag.
| Song Length |
3:46 |
Genre |
Folk - Americana, Country - Americana |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Passive, Composed |
Subject |
Civil Rights, Race/Ethnicity |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
(Verse 1)
An old rebel flag flies on the back of my coat
Lets everybody know where I call home
I make my way onto the downtown bus
Pass a couple kids that don't like it too much
I shake it off find an empty seat
Then a tired old man sits next to me
He said, "Son I know where you're coming from
It don't bother me but it bothers some"
(Chorus)
We're both southern men, we both got pride
And our Stars and Bars got nothing to hide
Only ghosts understand what we're still fighting for
It's been awhile since the Civil War
Yeah... It's been awhile since the Civil War
(Verse 2)
The wheels would stop but his stories rolled on
Like Dr. King's dream in Washington
Or Jackie breaking down walls in Brooklyn town
There's two Southern boys who wouldn't back down
With a solemn smile he brought up chains and shame
And how pride outlasted times of hate
Thank God there's folks like you and me
Who respect this country's history
(repeat Chorus)
(Bridge)
Then he shook my hand, and he stood up to leave
He said "Fly that flag for the whole damn world to see"
(repeat Chorus)
(Outro)
An old rebel flag flies on the back of my coat
Lets everybody know where I call home