Civil War Music
Discover the rich and diverse music of the Civil War era and explore how music shaped the experiences and morale of those on the frontlines and the home front alike.
Explore Music
Jonathan Harrington
This biography focuses on Jonathan Harrington who served as a fifer in Captain Parker’s militia on April 19, 1775, and who lived to be—reportedly—the...
Echoes of Courage: Folk Music’s Ties to America's Wars
Did you know that many of your classic childhood songs have historical roots? Nostalgic tunes such as “Yankee Doodle” and “Home on the Range” are not...
Civil War Music: Home, Sweet Home
The lyrics to this song were written by John Howard Payne and set to music composed by Sir Henry Bishop (1786-1855).
Civil War Music: Eatin' Goober Peas
Popular with Southern soldiers, this song celebrates a staple of the Confederate Army’s diet, the goober pea or peanut.
Civil War Music: God Save the South
Written early in the war by George H. Miles and set to music by composer Charles Wolfgang Amadeus Ellerbrock, "God Save the South" tempered the...
Civil War Music: The Rebel Soldier
In this folk song from Southern Appalachia, a Confederate soldier pines for his family and his sweetheart.
Listen to our Civil War Playlist
More About Music
- Civil War Music: When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again »
- On the Homefront »
- Civil War Music: The Rebel Soldier »
- Civil War Music: Eatin' Goober Peas »
- Civil War Music: God Save the South »
- Civil War Music: God Will Defend the Right »
- Civil War Music: May God Save the Union »
- "Music in Camp" »
- Analyze Music of the Civil War Era »
- Civil War Music: Tramp, Tramp, Tramp »
- Civil War Music: Home, Sweet Home »
- Civil War Music: Just Before the Battle, Mother »
- Civil War Music: The Battle Cry of Freedom (Southern Version) »