For Dixie

I hear the bells ringing, in the church where I was raised. Mama took us faithfully, praying we'd be saved. After years of wandering, I'm going back today. Six carrying my pine box to the field where I shall lay. I left our farm two years ago, just barely twenty-one. I rode away with rebel pride, some water and my gun. I marched against the yankee troops never backing down. Now here I'll lay forever more underneath this hallowed ground. We marched into battle as the enemy lay in wait. I saw a distant plume of smoke as the bullet sealed my fate. A ball of lead has pierced my chest and lodged against my heart. My soul has left my body and from this world departs. As I am laid in the ground please do not cry for me. March onward into battle and claim the victory. I gave my life for Dixie, for the South I fought and killed. I left this world with a Rebel yell as I fell upon that hill.