I’m surprised how many Freepers don’t seem to get that this is an anti-war song. “The very best” is his dead brother who never should have been drafted. The people are singing because the war is over.
It’s a beautiful song, but it’s no tribute to the confederacy. Just the opposite.
Actually I saw an interview with Robby Robertson that said the song was at least partially inspired by a great admiration for many of the Southerners he met thru the great Levon Helm.
Now as a musician I can tell you this: Your stories change with the audience.
I’ve seen at least 3 different explanations by Paul McCartney of the song “Blackbird”.
Of course I’m not saying there isn’t an anti-War sentiment to the song, but in the interview Robertson was very respectful and sympathetic to the people who hold on to their southern pride.
I do see it and I sure don’t interrupt that way to me the words about the very best is that many were not satisfied in defeating the south, but had the need to punish it afterward taking everything of ant value including the peoples dignity.
So I guess we will have to agree to disagree.
Your comment reminds me of comments I remind in the past on a couple quotes on war I have posted being antiwar.
One is from ‘Gettysburg’: Confederate Prisoner: “Railroad cut just west of Gettysburg town. Wasn’t a pretty sight. Many a good boy lost a young and promising life. Some were blue, some were grey.”
The other is from the movie ‘The Longest Day’:Flight Officer David Campbell: “He’s dead. I’m crippled. You’re lost. Do you suppose it’s always like that? I mean war.”
I see nothing anti war about either, I see truth.