About the song
The Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” released in 1969, is a timeless epic that has solidified the group’s reputation as one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. The song’s powerful storytelling, coupled with the band’s masterful musicianship and the evocative lyrics, has made it a cultural touchstone.
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is a historical ballad that chronicles the events leading up to the American Civil War. The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, painting a picture of a nation divided by its deep-seated beliefs and traditions. The band’s performance is both passionate and restrained, capturing the emotional intensity of the subject matter.
Musically, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is a beautifully crafted rock song that showcases the band’s songwriting and musicianship. The arrangement is rich and textured, featuring a driving rhythm section, soulful horns, and the distinctive guitar work of Robbie Robertson. The song’s memorable melody and catchy chorus make it a joy to listen to.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” has become a cultural touchstone, influencing countless artists and cementing The Band’s legacy as pioneers of American music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. As we listen to “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” today, we are reminded of the power of music to tell stories, evoke powerful emotions, and explore the complexities of human history.
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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”