Song – Let The Band Play Dixie

The news was run from Richmond in that fading April sun
That Lee had handed Grant his sword, the war was finally won
Into the streets the people spilled
Feeling the excitement build
And the crowd around the White House milled
Asking, “Is it true? It’s finally done”

Inside the White House Lincoln heard them calling out his name
He sat there wondering what to say to ease their years of pain
Someone yelled, “Come out the door
And tell us what you’ve got in store
For the rebels who have lost the war”
So out upon the porch Abe Lincoln came

He said, “We are gathered not in anger, but in celebration
Let’s be grateful we are once again a single nation
Let’s stand together reassured
Now that peace has been secured
Our nation’s illness can be cured
And I suggest the overture for this occasion”

He said, “Let the band play Dixie
Play that tune that holds its head up high and proud
And let out nation, once divided, bloodied but unbowed
Take the swords of war and beat them back into a plow”
On the day that Lee surrendered, Mr. Lincoln told the crowd
“Let the band play Dixie”

The tired Union soldier hobbled on his only limb
Filled with bitter memories the war had left with him
Dragged his wooden leg and cane
His face was set and creased with pain
He stumbled, fell, and rose again
And he wondered what the future held for him

He spied a black child kneeling there in humble gratitude
He knelt down right beside her to share her thankful mood
Grateful words were raised in prayer
“God, in your sweet loving care
Our broken lives, now please repair
Let our wounded nation be renewed”

He said, “Let the band play Dixie
Play that tune that holds its head up high and proud
And let out nation, once divided, bloodied but unbowed
Take the swords of war and beat them back into a plow”
On the day that Lee surrendered, Mr. Lincoln told the crowd
“Let the band play Dixie”

“Let the band play Dixie”

Words & music by Bob Gibson and Dave North
© Robert Josiah Music – BMI