Lyrics of Saratoga by HistoryMusicNerd
In the fall of ’77, as the leaves began to rot,
Came a thunder from the North, where a battle was fought.
Burgoyns men marched in red like autumn’s fire,
But they’ll meet the continental army – burning with a new desire.
Come from near and far!
And join the fight at Saratoga!
Hear the news in all 13 states!
Saratoga decided our fates!
And thanks to General Gates!
The world has seen our traits!
For the British disaster awaits.
The Continental Army with it’s new stance,
Has gained the support of France!
Oh, Saratoga, in your fields the tide was turned,
Two battlefields, where freedom’s flames so brightly burned.
From Bemis Heights to Freeman’s Farm, the echoes fill the air,
Of muskets’ fire and soldiers’ cries, in the cold October glare.
Come from near and far!
And join the fight at Saratoga!
Hear the news in all 13 states!
Saratoga decided our fates!
And thanks to General Gates!
The world has seen our traits!
For the British disaster awaits.
The Continental Army with it’s new stance,
Has gained the support of France!
Horatio Gates, the planner, the guide,
Held to his orders, let caution decide.
But Benedict Arnold, reckless and bold,
Charged at the enemy, his story untold.
Burgoyns hopes were dashed on shores of Hudson’s flow,
Surrounded with no rescue, he faced a mighty foe.
October 17th, the sword was laid down low,
A turning point, the world would see, as independence grow.
Come from near and far!
And join the fight – at Saratoga!
Come from near and far!
And join the fight at Saratoga!
Hear the news in all 13 states!
Saratoga decided our fates!
And thanks to General Gates!
The world has seen our traits!
For the British disaster awaits.
The Continental Army with it’s new stance,
Has gained the support of France!
Historical Background
In short: The song is about the Battle of Saratoga in the American Revolution and the following French support for the American Colonies!
Saratoga – The Battle That Changed the War
Some battles are fought for survival. Others decide the fate of a revolution.
Saratoga isn’t just about a victory—it’s about the moment the American Revolution turned in favor of the Patriots. The Battle of Saratoga (1777) wasn’t just another fight—it was the battle that convinced the world that America could win.
This is how the British lost an army—and the Americans gained an empire.
1777 – The British Plan to Cut the Colonies in Half
“In the fall of ’77, as the leaves began to rot, came a thunder from the North, where a battle was fought.”
In 1777, Britain launched a bold strategy—General John Burgoyne marched south from Canada, aiming to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies.
- His army, over 7,000 strong, moved through the Hudson River Valley.
- The plan was for British forces from New York City to meet him—but they never arrived.
- Instead, Burgoyne found himself trapped—and facing an army that was no longer weak or afraid.
“Burgoyne’s men marched in red like autumn’s fire, but they’ll meet the Continental Army—burning with a new desire.”
This wasn’t the same ragged army from 1776. The Americans had learned, adapted, and were ready to strike back.
The Battles of Freeman’s Farm & Bemis Heights
“Oh, Saratoga, in your fields the tide was turned, two battlefields, where freedom’s flames so brightly burned.”
The first battle at Freeman’s Farm (September 19, 1777) saw Burgoyne win a narrow victory—but at a terrible cost. The British lost twice as many men as the Americans, and their supply lines were crumbling.
Three weeks later, on October 7, the Americans attacked again at Bemis Heights. This time, there was no escape.
- American sharpshooters picked off British officers.
- The British redcoats were overwhelmed.
- Burgoyne’s forces were cut off and surrounded.
“Burgoyne’s hopes were dashed on shores of Hudson’s flow, surrounded with no rescue, he faced a mighty foe.”
On October 17, 1777, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army—nearly 6,000 British and Hessian soldiers. It was the greatest British defeat of the war.
Heroes and Betrayal – Gates & Arnold
“Horatio Gates, the planner, the guide, held to his orders, let caution decide.”
General Horatio Gates was credited with the victory, but the real hero of Saratoga was Benedict Arnold.
“But Benedict Arnold, reckless and bold, charged at the enemy, his story untold.”
Benedict Arnold led a furious counterattack that broke the British lines, but he was wounded in the leg and sidelined. Gates downplayed Arnold’s role, and resentment grew—a resentment that would later lead Arnold to betray the Revolution.
Saratoga made Arnold a hero—but also pushed him toward treason.
Why Saratoga Still Matters
“Hear the news in all 13 states! Saratoga decided our fates!”
The Battle of Saratoga changed everything:
- It proved that the Americans could defeat the British in a major battle.
- It convinced France to join the war—bringing money, soldiers, and a navy.
- It turned the tide of the entire Revolution—leading to final victory in 1783.
“The Continental Army with its new stance, has gained the support of France!”
Without Saratoga, the United States might never have been born.
The Lesson?
One victory can change history.
And at Saratoga, the world saw America rise.
