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Newton Knight Part I (Free State of Jones)

from Jesus Year by T Ferrell

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about

True story of Newton Knight, a Jones County, Mississippian, who deserted the Confederacy and fought with the Union. He and his cohorts raised the Union flag in Jones County, establishing it as a "free state."

lyrics

Tell you a tale if I might, about my Captain Newton Knight
Humble farmer of the clay, he’d tell you he don’t know no other way
Down here in the Piney Woods, owning slaves don’t do much good
We ain’t got much land to grow, a couple acres for our corn

When President Lincoln was sworn in, they passed the Secession Ordinance
Conscription man knocked on the door, said “come on Newt, fight for your home”
Newt said “this ain’t no war of mine, I think Honest Abe will do just fine”
But conscription man wouldn’t let him be, so he signed up as an orderly

He marched due North with the 7th, and saw the blood at Corinth
Word came about a drought at home, he deserted ranks and went back to Jones

Cotton ain’t no king around here, we is free men to the bone
And we ain’t gonna fight your rich man’s war in the free state of Jones

Life was hard on the run, move all night and avoid the sun
Can’t use the road, can’t use the rail, can’t shake the hellhound on his trail
Newt made it home all right, but he was right mad when he saw the sight
Rebels had taken all his stores, Newt said they won’t take no more
Captain rounded up some kin, deserters and wanted men
With ragged shoes and clothes all torn, they took up arms to fight for the North

General Maury had best think twice before he sends in that Calvary,
Them yeoman farmers fight like hell in Jones County

credits

from Jesus Year, released June 12, 2012

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about

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T Ferrell Washington, D.C.

Mississippi native Taylor Ferrell writes and performs anti-establishment alt-country music. His populist themes and gritty stories channel Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle. On his debut album, Jesus Year, Ferrell weaves whiskey-soaked tales of Mississippi working class heroes doing battle with corrupt preachers, man-eating vultures, and Confederate Generals. ... more

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