The Lost Cause is a set of beliefs common in the white American South in the late 19th and early 20th century. While it was not taught in the North it did win acceptance there and helped the process of reunifying American whites. The beliefs portray the Confederate cause as a heroic one against great odds despite its defeat. The beliefs endorse the virtues of the antebellum South, viewing the American Civil War as an honorable struggle for the Southern way of life, while overlooking or downplaying the central role of slavery.
Yale Professor Roland Osterweis summarizes the content that pervaded "Lost Cause" writings:
The Lost Cause belief was founded upon several historically inaccurate elements. These include the claim that the Confederacy started the Civil War to defend states' rights rather than to preserve slavery, and the related claim that slavery was benevolent, rather than cruel.
"Lost Cause" is the fifth song by Beck from his fifth major-label studio album, Sea Change. It was released as a promo single.
Two music videos were made for "Lost Cause", both being directed by Garth Jennings. The original video features an effigy of Beck falling from the sky. It was produced entirely in Adobe Photoshop. The second version just features the band playing the song.
The Lost Cause of the Confederacy is a set of historical beliefs about the American Civil War
Lost Cause may also refer to:
We lay the night in anguish, snakes drawn out by the tide
The compass of decision falls always on one side
But many went before us, and still the cries are clear
There is no beauty here, just the stench of wine and beer
We save no souls
We break no promises
We can do nothing more than move on headlong through the gloom
The thorn between our lips is the missionaries tune
Men with open arms turn their faces half away
Observe as we approach that we have not come to save
We stand as thick as vines though the fruit is torn away