pg. 6 The Battle Cry of Freedom by George F. Root

Yes, we'll rally round the flag, boys,
We'll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom,
We will rally from the hillside,
We'll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.

The Union forever,
Hurrah! boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitors,
Up with the stars;
While we rally round the flag, boys,
Rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.                           

We are springing to the call
Of our brothers gone before,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom;
And we'll fill our vacant ranks with
A million free men more,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.

We will welcome to our numbers                                     
The loyal, true and brave,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom;
And although they may be poor,
Not a man shall be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.

So we're springing to the call
From the East and from the West,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom;
And we'll hurl the rebel crew
From the land that we love best,
Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.                            

                         

Source: Poemhunter.com

Analysis

The “Battle Cry of Freedom” is a Civil War poem written by George Frederick Root. The poem which was often sung/recited by Union troops going into battle expresses the belief that the cause they are fighting for is just and right, and that they must “Rally once again/Shouting the battle cry of Freedom.” Root uses imagery, repetition, and symbolism to make this poem speak to the reader and deliver a powerful message. Throughout the poem the need to “rally round the flag” is expressed, with the flag representing the just fight for freedom. This repetition of an important symbol of freedom throughout the poem is important because it constantly reminds the reader of the cause, and of the natural and inalienable rights the country was founded on. The words “we” and “rally” are often repeated throughout the poem, making the reader feel as if he or she is a part of the cause and must rally alongside the troops going off to war. Because of this repetition and other descriptive phrases like “We will rally from the hillside, We’ll gather from the plain, Shouting the battle cry of Freedom” it is easy for the reader to picture boys and men running to the flag so that they can go defend this right of “freedom”. This poem packs an extra emotional punch because of the eagerness of the troops to defend the right of freedom of strangers in towns and cities far away from their own. The reader is able to picture the men marching off to war, who are prepared to die for a cause (freedom) that they believe so strongly in. These devices make it easy for the reader to read and appreciate the poem, as Americans and as humans in general.