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Music played a very important part in the life of the 19th century soldier. Fifes and drums told him when to wake up and when to go to sleep. They called him to drill and to dinner. Bands played him into battle. However, more importantly, music helped while away the long dreary hours in camp. Prized were the soldier or laundress with musical talent, whether they played the banjo, bones, clarionette, Jew’s harp or could just carry a good tune. Familiar and popular songs brought memories of far away loved ones closer.
This page is stolen unabashedly (with The Major’s permission) from The Cottonbale, Co. A’s bi-monthly newsletter. The following appeared in Vol.3 Issue 2.
One of the most popular songs of the 1840's was "The Rose of Alabama". An upbeat minstrel style tune it comically told of the dealings of a young man and his attempts to be with his lady love--the rose of Alabama. Though the original lyrics can, at times, seem nonsensical it is still catchy and fun to sing.
With the outbreak of the war with Mexico in 1846, Americans were quick to take popular melodies and add new words to them. Such is the case with this piece. As Americans listened in rapt awe of the deeds of Taylor's little Army on the Rio Grande, this up tempo melody seemd perfectly suited to a marching fight song. While the authors of the words to this version in unknown the original copy from which this transcript is taken is from The Rough and Ready Songster.
The lyrics tend to reinforce the idea of the war being a holy crusade to spread freedom. Note the next to the last verse is a ringing call for Manifet Destiny. Gallant Cross laid low refers to Quartermaster of the Army Col. Trueman Cross who was murdered by bandits near Ft. Texas in April of 1846. The jails of Santa Fe is of course a reference to the failed Santa Fe expedition organized by the Republic of Texas prior to Annexation. Marching on to Isabel is a reference to Taylor's march to Pt. Isabel and the battle's of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.
When singing the piece it is essential to pronounce the Grande in Rio Grande as Gran-Dee. Please note the last verse with the * (asterisk). This verse was added by our own Teresa Black to celebrate the unveiling of our garrison flag in November of 1995 at the event in San Patricio, TX.
Sometimes, depending on the instrumentation, the last two verses of the chorus need to be repeated.
STRIKE FOR YOUR RIGHTS, AVENGE YOUR WRONGS(to the tune of: The Rose of Alabama .)
| Columbia's sons rush forth in throngs, |
| And shouting freedom's holy songs, |
| Strike for your rights, avenge your wrongs |
| Upon the Rio Grande |
| * * * |
CHORUS: |
Sing to the Rio Grande, |
The rolling Rio Grande, |
Our foe shall bow the knee, |
Oh, Yankee Doodle Dandy! |
| * * * |
| Remember gallant Cross laid low, |
| Assasinated by the foe, |
| Then strike the bold avenging blow, |
| Upon the Rio Grande! |
| CHORUS |
| * * * |
| Remember how your brothers fell. |
| While marching on to Isabel, |
| Surrounded by the curs of hell, |
| Upon the Rio Grande! |
| CHORUS |
| * * * |
| Think of the jails of Santa Fe, |
| Where freemen in captivity, |
| Felt Mexico's foul tyranny, |
| Upon the Rio Grande! |
CHORUS |
| * * * |
| Think of each harmless merchant bark, |
| Struck by these pirates in the dark, |
| With hearts more cruel than the shark, |
| Upon the Rio Grande! |
| CHORUS |
| * * * |
| Then strike by noble Taylor's side |
| 'Til freedom's stars in triumph wide, |
| Stretch from the bold Pacific's tide, |
| Unto the Rio Grande! |
| CHORUS |
| * * * |
| *Now the Texas star will fly, |
| Amidst Old Glory's starry sky |
| And we're the boys who'll raise it high, |
| Upon the Rio Grande! |
| CHORUS |
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