About the song
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is a classic rock anthem that has resonated with audiences for decades. Hailing from the Canadian province of Ontario, The Band emerged in the late 1960s as a group of seasoned musicians who had previously backed up artists like Bob Dylan. Their unique blend of rock, country, and folk music, often infused with elements of blues and R&B, set them apart from their contemporaries.
The song’s title, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” immediately evokes images of the American Civil War. However, the lyrics take a more nuanced approach, exploring themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The song is narrated from the perspective of a Confederate soldier who is reflecting on his experiences during the war.
The opening lines, “Well, I was born in ’44, on a cold, cold day in Dixie,” set the scene for the narrative. The soldier recounts his childhood memories of growing up in the South, where life was simpler and more carefree. As the song progresses, the tone becomes darker and more somber, as the soldier describes the outbreak of the Civil War and his subsequent enlistment.
The chorus, “Well, the night they drove old Dixie down, I knew I’d never see my home again,” is a powerful and haunting expression of the soldier’s despair. The image of “old Dixie” being driven down symbolizes the defeat of the Confederacy and the end of a way of life.
Throughout the song, The Band’s masterful musicianship shines through. The interplay between the various instruments, including the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, creates a rich and textured soundscape. The harmonies between the band members are particularly impressive, adding depth and emotion to the song.
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is a timeless piece of music that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Its evocative lyrics, powerful melody, and exceptional musicianship have ensured its place in the rock and roll pantheon.
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Lyrics
Virgil Kane is the name
And I served on the Danville train
‘Till Stoneman’s cavalry came
And tore up the tracks again
In the winter of ’65
We were hungry, just barely alive
By May the 10th, Richmond had fell
It’s a time I remember, oh so well
The night they drove old Dixie down
And the bells were ringing
The night they drove old Dixie down
And the people were singing
They went, “Na, na, la, na, na, la”
Back with my wife in Tennessee
When one day she called to me
“Virgil, quick, come see,
There goes Robert E. Lee!”
Now, I don’t mind chopping wood
And I don’t care if the money’s no good
You take what you need
And you leave the rest
But they should never
Have taken the very best
The night they drove old Dixie down
And the bells were ringing
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singing
They went, “Na, na, la, na, na, la”
Like my father before me
I will work the land
And like my brother above me
Who took a rebel stand
He was just 18, proud and brave
But a Yankee laid him in his grave
I swear by the mud below my feet
You can’t raise a Kane back up
When he’s in defeat
The night they drove old Dixie down
And the bells were ringing
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singing
They went, “Na, na, la, na, na, la”
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringing
The night they drove old Dixie down
And the people were singing
They went, “Na, na, la, na, na, la”