An American Trilogy
Manowar Lyrics


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Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton

Old times there are not forgotten

Look away, look away, look away Dixieland


(background singers)

Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away

In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie



For in Dixieland, I was born

Early Lord one frosty morning

Look away, look away, look away Dixieland



Glory, glory hallelujah

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



Glory, glory, hallelujah

His truth is marching on





His truth is marching on

Overall Meaning

The song "An American Trilogy" by Manowar is a cover of a medley originally made famous by Elvis Presley. The lyrics are both nostalgic and patriotic, celebrating the history and culture of the American South. The first verse begins with a wish to be in the land of cotton, a reference to the Deep South, known for its cotton plantations. The phrase "old times there are not forgotten" suggests a longing for the past, perhaps for the days of the Confederacy. The repeated refrain of "look away, look away, look away Dixieland" emphasizes this desire to turn away from the present and toward a romanticized version of southern history.


The second verse speaks directly to the singer's connection to the South, stating that he was born in Dixieland on a frosty morning. This personal connection adds to the emotional weight of the song. The final verse switches gears, referencing the hymn "Battle Hymn of the Republic" with the rousing refrain of "glory, glory hallelujah." This progression from nostalgia to patriotism makes the song a fitting tribute to a region that has played a significant role in American history.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton
I yearn for the southern United States where cotton is grown.


Old times there are not forgotten
I remember the bygone era where the southern states were prominent.


Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Keep my attention focused on the south and keep away from the nostalgia of the past.


Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
I long to be in the southern states away from places I do not want to be.


In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
I take pride in the southern United States and will defend it with my life.


For in Dixieland, I was born
I was born in the southern United States.


Early Lord one frosty morning
I was born early in the morning during a frosty day.


Glory, glory hallelujah
I praise and give thanks to the Lord.


His truth is marching on
His faithful message still resonates with us today.


So hush little baby
Be calm, little one.


Don't you cry
Do not shed any tears.


You know your daddy's bound to die
You know that your father will pass away eventually.


But all my trials Lord, will soon be over
All my struggles and hardships will soon come to an end.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICKEY NEWBURY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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