~

This 1864 Union song draws upon the minstrel tradition in both its lively melody and humorous lyrics (note also its demeaning references to African Americans). Intended to lift the spirits and sustain the commitment of well-fed and prosperous Northerners, the tune gleefully pokes fun of the growing hardship of the southern home front during the last year of the war. The composer "respectfully " dedicated this comic lament to Jefferson Davis.

Hard Times in Dixie

Hear the mournful music swell, It's hard times in Dixie!
Hear Rebellion's fun'ral knell, Hard Times in Dixie.
Ev'ry thing is going wrong. Rations short and faces long, And the burden of their song
Is hard up in Dixie!

Chorus:

Rations up and funds so low, Foemen come and black folksl go, Worst of all the Yankees know, We're hard up in Dixie!

Grant is close upon their track,
It's hard times in Dixie!
Southern fIfe won't turn him back, Hard times in Dixie.
With his Heroes tested well,
What cares he for shot or shell, Southern brag or Southern swell- They're hard up in Dixie!

Chorus

Uncle Abe won't flinch a bit For hard times in Dixie! Tough as any rail he's split, Hard up in Dixie.
Holding out his honest hands, Welcoming all loyal bands, Abraham well understands They're hard up in Dixie!

Chorus

Butle~ , with his solders true, Makes hard times in Dixie ! When he came the Rebels knew

1 Original wording was "darkeys."
2 Union General Benjamin F. Butler who declared runaway slaves to be contrab8;lld of war .