Story Behind The Song

Although the 54th was not the 1st coloured regiment used in the Civil War they became the most prominent through their courageous assault on Fort Wagner in 1863. Although it failed their valour was recognized and became an inspiration for many soldiers black and white.

Lyrics

freedmen came from miles around
just to lend a helping hand
but they was given half the money
thouh it may seem funny
they had to follow a white command

forged by the black committee
to regain a sense of pride
Fredrick Douglas gave them his mighty blessing
and watched as Southward they'd ride

abused by Colonel Montgomery
to burn down the Darian Streets
no enemy was ever sighted
no victory, no defeat

after years have passed us by
after cannons have turned to rust
the 54th will be remembered
long after bleached bones have turned to dust

but they were used like mules to pull lumber
not one of their muskets made a sound
but when the chance came at last
the load 'em and blast
they stopped the grays on James Island ground

Wagner was a high fortress
along the Charleston Beach
walls so thick & daunting
ramparts no army could breach

54th came marchin'
with Gould Shaw in command
now he's was buried "along with his niggers"
in a trench down along the sand

after years have passed us by
after cannons have turned to rust
the 54th will be remembered
long after bleached bones have turned to dust

William Harvey's got his medal of valour
that honour will long resound
he grabbed the flag from the fallen and shouted
"the stars and stripes will never touch the ground"

after years have passed us by
after cannons have turned to rust
the 54th will be remembered
long after bleached bones have turned to dust