American Trilogy
J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Lyrics
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Old things they are not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
Cause Dixieland, that's where I was born
Early Lord one frosty morning
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
So hush little baby
Don't you cry
You know your daddy's bound to die
But all my trials, Lord will soon be over
The lyrics of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps's song "American Trilogy" are a tribute to the complicated history of the United States. The opening lines, "Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton, old things they are not forgotten, look away, look away, look away Dixieland," are a reference to the South and the Confederate States during the Civil War. The song then transitions into "Glory, glory hallelujah, his truth is marching on," a reference to the Union soldiers who fought for their beliefs and who were victorious in the war. Finally, the song concludes with the line "But all my trials, Lord will soon be over," a hopeful message that suggests that someday, despite the tumultuous history of the United States, peace and harmony will prevail.
The song itself is an example of the power of music to transcend social and political boundaries. Originally composed by union army band leader G.W. Steffe as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the song was later adapted to reflect the Confederate perspective, and eventually combined into one song as "American Trilogy." The song has since become an anthem of reconciliation in the United States, with its message of hopeful unity resonating with audiences to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton
I desire to be in the Southern states where cotton farming was common
Old things they are not forgotten
Despite the passage of time, people still remember the Southern way of living
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Directly looking at or acknowledging the past is too difficult or uncomfortable for some Southerners
Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
I desire to live in the South, far from the North and its activity
In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
I am willing to stand up for, and even die for, the Southern way of life
Cause Dixieland, that's where I was born
I was born and raised in the South, and it is a core part of who I am
Early Lord one frosty morning
At a specific time in the past, early in the morning and when it was cold outside
Glory, glory hallelujah
Praise and honor to God
His truth is marching on
God's justice and righteousness continue to prevail over the lies and injustice of the world
So hush little baby
Be quiet, child
Don't you cry
Do not express sadness or grief
You know your daddy's bound to die
Your father is in some way fated or destined to pass away
But all my trials, Lord will soon be over
The difficulties and challenges I face in life will come to an end, thanks to God's help
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DON REEDMAN, NICK PATRICK, ROBIN SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind