So I know the song isn't the most tasteful, but I'm compiling a list of bluegrass songs about the Civil War. Reno & Smiley put out a whole album for the 100th anniversary of the Civil War composed of original poems by Dr. A. J. Russo, and one of them is this song, titled "Confederate Flag". I think I've got most of the lyrics down, but the second half of the penultimate line is entirely eluding me. Of course, a second ear anywhere helps, but this is the spot I'm most lost.
Our beloved way of life, the Southland's lazy way Came into being as many worlds would say Plantation's fertile fields and colonnaded home A symbol of the Southland, its dignity and woe
Many slaves were slowly getting freedom's taste As time-measured means back then to stop a war in haste The War Between the States, South's blood and honor marred They found their glorious flag red and white with stars and bars
A waving fabric cloth, honors white and colors red Reminds us of the promises that warring rooms had pled The purity in its blue, ladyhood and southern belle Rebels Lee, Jackson and Stewart, they never cease to tell
Battle-borne and battered, proudly waves through all the fray Bullet-scarred and blood-stained, "never leave us" they did pray When Appomattox came, in marched the Rebel men They stacked their guns that caused this loss to assault the flag again
The loss of Southern Cause ??????????? Never will the South surrender, its stars and bars displayed