Johnny Reb was from the Southland where the cotton grows so tall 
And at the age of seventeen he heard his country's call. 
He kissed his poor old mother, he told his dad good bye. 
He checked his ??? rifle and he kept his powder dry.

Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb, why did you have to go? 
Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb, aw we miss you so!

They sent him off to Georgia to join the boys in grey. 
He fought his only battle on a cold and rainy day. 
He [bad word] his gun and wet his sights, then he looked around 
And every Yank that showed himself, he quickly brought him down.

Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb, why did you have to go? 
Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb, aw we miss you so!

When the fighting stopped they found him, he was barely alive. 
But the Union troops that he brought down, they counted forty-five.
They found him lying in a ditch when he breathed his last goodbye, 
"My heart for our old Southland boys and keep our flag hold high!"

Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb, why did you have to go? 
Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb, aw we miss you so!