Battle Cry of Freedom-Northern Version Words and Music: George F. Root This was one of Root's best songs. It was the most effective rallying song of the North. Soldiers sang it in battle, in camps and on the long march. The naturalness and spontaneity in the melody and rhythm give it those national qualities of a patriotic song. Root composed two sets of verses, one a civilian rallying song, the second a battle song. The Confederates could not resist the flavor of this spirited tune. One of their prolific composers, H. L. Schreiner, adapted Root's tune for a patriotic song with words by W. H. Barnes. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015