About the song
“Johnny Reb” is a legendary figure that represents the common soldier of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. This iconic character has been a symbol of the brave men who fought for the South in the 1860s. In literature, art, and music, Johnny Reb has been portrayed as a Confederate soldier in a gray wool uniform, often with a kepi-style cap and carrying weapons or the Confederate flag.
The term “Johnny Reb” originated from Union soldiers who would call out to their Confederate counterparts across the picket line, saying “Hello, Johnny” or “Howdy, Reb.” Over time, the name has become synonymous with veteran Confederate soldiers and even white natives of the Southern states.
In popular culture, “Johnny Reb” has been featured in various forms of media, including music, comic strips, and wargames. One notable example is the 1959 song “Johnny Reb” written by Merle Kilgore and popularized by Johnny Horton. The song tells the story of a Confederate soldier’s bravery and sacrifice during the Civil War.
In recent years, the term “Johnny Reb” has continued to be used in scholarly writing and news media, often to refer to the common soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict. This enduring symbol of the American Civil War remains an important part of our cultural heritage, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their beliefs.
Video
Lyrics
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb
Saw you a-marchin’ with Robert E. Lee
You held your head a-high, tryin’ to win the victory
You fought for your folks but you didn’t die in vain
Even though you lost, they speak highly of your name
‘Cause you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb
I heard your teeth chatter from the cold outside
Saw the bullets open up the wounds in your side
I saw the young boys as they begin to fall
You had tears in your eyes, ’cause you couldn’t help at all
But you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb
I saw General Lee raise the sabre in his hand
Heard the cannon’s roar as you made your last stand
You marched in the battle with the gray and the red
When the cannon’s smoke cleared, took days to count the dead
‘Cause you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb
When Honest Abe heard the news about your fall
The folks thought he’d call a great victory ball
But he asked the band to play the song “Dixie”
For you Johnny Reb and all that you believed
‘Cause you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
Yeah, you fought all the way, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb