Georgia, My Georgia!
Hark! ’tis the cannon’s deafening roar,
That sounds along thy sunny shore,
And thou shalt lie in chains no more,
My wounded, bleeding Georgia!
Then arm each youth and patriot sire,
Light up the patriotic fire,
And bid the zeal of those ne’er tire,
Who strike for thee, my Georgia
On thee is laid oppression’s hand,
Around thy altars foemen stand,
To scatter freedom’s gallant band,
And lay thee low, my Georgia!
But thou hast noble sons, and brave,
The Stars and Bars above thee wave,
And here we’ll make oppression’s grave,
Upon the soil of Georgia!
We bow at Liberty’s fair shrine,
And kneel in holy love at thine,
And while above our stars still shine,
We’ll strike for them and Georgia!
Thy woods with victory shall resound,
Thy brow shall be with laurels crowned,
And peace shall spread her wings around
My own, my sunny Georgia!
Yes, these shall teach thy foes to feel
That Southern hearts, and Southern steel,
Will make them in submission kneel
Before the sons of Georgia!
And thou shalt see thy daughters, too,
With pride and patriotism true,
Arise with strength to dare and do,
Ere they shall conquer Georgia.
Thy name shall be a name of pride—
Thy heroes all have nobly died,
That thou mayst be the spotless bride
Of Liberty, my Georgia!
Then wave thy sword and banner high,
And louder raise the battle-cry,
’Till shouts of victory reach the sky,
And thou art free, my Georgia!