As I walk through the woods on a cold winters eve,
I hear voices far away, it seems so hard to believe,
That I hear these conversations with my very own ears,
Because Im standing all alone, not another soul is near,
I thought I heard a young boy say "daddy what do we do,
With these brand new coats of grey, that they've given me and you",
He said "boy that coat represents our great southern land,
So wear it with pride oneday I know you'll understand",
I thought I heard a woman say, "husband I love you,
I'll be waiting right here to greet you, when the war is through",
I heard the man reply, "my dear dont worry I'll be fine,
I promise I'll be home its just a matter of time",
Southern wind blow on, through our unforgotten land,
Here today and yesteryear are reunited once again,
Here the cry of Confederates lost many years ago,
Cannons thunder and a lonesesome locomotive whistle blows,
Share your pride inside with your fellow rebel souls,
Hear their stories from beyond the grave, so many left untold,
Keep dixieland alive in your heart and in your mind,
Southern wind blows once again and will until the end of time
A heard a fire crackling, far away from where I stood,
I heard so many southern strangers form a perfect brotherhood,
I hear horses rumble, carrying their soldiers off to fight,
Gunshots pierce the silence of a cold and quiet night,
I hear yelling fade away as a man draws his final breath,
With his rifle and his honor, he falls down to his death,
I hear ... on earth, and battle rage beneath dark eastern skies,
Brothers telling one another their ultimate goodbyes
Southern wind blow on, through our unforgotten land,
Here today and yesteryear are reunited once again,
Here the cry of Confederates lost many years ago,
Cannons thunder and a lonesesome locomotive whistle blows,
Share your pride inside with your fellow rebel souls,
Hear their stories from beyond the grave, so many left untold,
Keep dixieland alive in your heart and in your mind,
Southern wind blows once again and will until the end of time
Spoken words:
After 4 years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude,
The Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources,
I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles,
Who have remained steadfast to the last,
That I have consented to this result due to no mistrust of them,
But feeling their valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate the loss that would have attended continuation of the contest,
I have determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose service has endeared them to their countrymen.
By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes, and remain there until exchanged
I heard a young boy cry as he fell onto his knees,
He said "Jesus let my father rest in peace I beg you please",
I heard this young boy cry as he took his fathers hand,
"Daddy now I understand"- and then a boy became a man,
I heard a woman open up her front door all alone,
She recieves news that her husband will not be returning home,
I heard a woman break down and pray to God and scream,
What I feel it is so real, its in the air, its not a dream
Southern wind blow on, through our unforgotten land,
Here today and yesteryear are reunited once again,
Here the cry of Confederates lost many years ago,
Cannons thunder and a lonesesome locomotive whistle blows,
Share your pride inside with your fellow rebel souls,
Hear their stories from beyond the grave, so many left untold,
Keep dixieland alive in your heart and in your mind,
Southern wind blows once again and will until the end of time
Southern wind blow on, through our unforgotten land,
Here today and yesteryear are reunited once again,
Here the cry of Confederates lost many years ago,
Cannons thunder and a lonesesome locomotive whistle blows,
Share your pride inside with your fellow rebel souls,
Hear their stories from beyond the grave, so many left untold,
Keep dixieland alive in your heart and in your mind,
Southern wind blows once again and will until the end of time
Spoken word:
You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the conciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection.
With unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a greatful rememberance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
Southern wind blow on, through our unforgotten land,
Here today and yesteryear are reunited once again,
Here the cry of Confederates lost many years ago,
Cannons thunder and a lonesesome locomotive whistle blows,
Share your pride inside with your fellow rebel souls,
Hear their stories from beyond the grave, so many left untold,
Keep dixieland alive in your heart and in your mind,
Southern wind blows once again and will until the end of time