About the song
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” performed by the iconic Joan Baez, is a remarkable rendition of a song that holds a significant place in American music history. Originally written by Robbie Robertson of The Band, the song was first released by The Band in 1969 on their self-titled album “The Band.” Joan Baez’s version, recorded in 1971, brought a fresh perspective to the song and became one of her most successful hits.
Joan Baez’s cover of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” appeared on her 1971 album “Blessed Are…,” an album that showcased her versatility and deep connection to the folk tradition. Her version of the song was released as a single and became a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This marked one of the highest charting singles of her career, bringing her voice and the song’s poignant story to a wider audience.
The song itself is a powerful narrative recounting the fall of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, told from the perspective of a Southern farmer named Virgil Caine. Its lyrics evoke the deep sorrow and loss experienced by those on the losing side of the war. Joan Baez’s interpretation is particularly moving, as she brings her clear, emotive voice to the story, infusing it with a sense of empathy and historical reflection.
Baez’s rendition of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is characterized by her distinctive vocal delivery and a rich musical arrangement that includes elements of folk, rock, and country. Her performance captures the essence of the original while adding her unique emotional depth, making it a standout track in her extensive discography.
For many older listeners, Baez’s version of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” may evoke memories of a turbulent time in American history and the folk music movement that sought to address social and political issues through song. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to humanize history and evoke empathy for the human experience during times of conflict and change.
Joan Baez’s heartfelt rendition ensures that “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” remains a powerful and relevant piece of musical history, resonating with listeners across generations. Her ability to convey deep emotion and historical narrative through song continues to inspire and move audiences, making this track a timeless classic.
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Lyrics
Virgil Caine is my name and I drove on the Danville train
‘Til so much cavalry came and tore up the tracks again
In the winter of ’65, we were hungry, just barely alive
I took the train to Richmond that fell
It was a time I remember, oh so well
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”
Back with my wife in Tennessee and one day she said to me
“Virgil, quick, come see, there goes Robert E. Lee”
Now, I don’t mind, I’m chopping wood
And I don’t care if the money’s no good
Just take what you need and leave the rest
But they should never have taken the very best
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”
Like my father before me, I’m a workin’ man
And like my brother before me, I took a rebel stand
Well, he was just eighteen, proud and brave
But a yankee laid him in his grave
I swear by the blood below my feet
You can’t raise the Cain back up when it’s in defeat
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”