About the song
Joan Baez, a renowned folk singer and activist, penned “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” as a powerful protest song against racism and segregation in the American South. This haunting ballad, released in 1967, became a hit single and a defining track for Baez’s career.
With her distinctive voice and emotive delivery, Baez explores the themes of injustice, prejudice, and the enduring legacy of slavery. Through introspective lyrics and Baez’s powerful performance, listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of American history and the ongoing struggle for equality.
The opening lines, “I heard them say the South would rise again,” immediately establish the song’s subject and set a somber tone. The lyrics continue to reference the historical events leading up to the Civil War and the subsequent struggles for racial equality. Baez’s powerful vocals and the song’s haunting melody convey a sense of loss, anger, and a deep desire for justice.
Throughout the song, Baez uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate the experiences of African Americans during and after slavery. The lyrics evoke a sense of empathy and compassion, while also highlighting the enduring effects of systemic racism.
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is more than just a protest song; it is a powerful and moving piece of social commentary. Baez’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of history, empathy, and the ongoing struggle for justice. This timeless classic continues to inspire and challenge audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder of the past and a call to action for a more equitable future.
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Lyrics
Virgil Caine is my name and I drove on the Danville train
‘Til so much cavalry came and tore up the tracks again
In the winter of ’65, we were hungry, just barely alive
I took the train to Richmond that fell
It was a time I remember, oh so well
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”
Back with my wife in Tennessee and one day she said to me
“Virgil, quick, come see, there goes Robert E. Lee”
Now, I don’t mind, I’m chopping wood
And I don’t care if the money’s no good
Just take what you need and leave the rest
But they should never have taken the very best
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”
Like my father before me, I’m a workin’ man
And like my brother before me, I took a rebel stand
Well, he was just eighteen, proud and brave
But a yankee laid him in his grave
I swear by the blood below my feet
You can’t raise the Cain back up when it’s in defeat
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”