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Just Before the Battle, Mother

By George Root

Just before the battle, Mother, I am thinking most of you.

While upon the field we're watching, with the enemy in view.

Comrades brave are 'round me lying, filled with thoughts of home and God;

For well they know that on the morrow, some will sleep beneath the sod.

 

CHORUS: Farewell, Mother, you may never press me to your breast again;

But, oh, you'll not forget me, Mother, if I'm numbered with the slain.

 

Oh, I long to see you, Mother, and the loving ones at home,

But I'll never leave our banner till in honor I can come.

Tell the traitors all around you that their cruel words we know,

In every battle kill our soldiers by the help they give the foe.

(CHORUS)

 

Hark! I hear the bugles sounding, 'tis the signal for the fight,

Now, may God protect us, Mother, as He ever does the right.

Hear "The Battle Cry of Freedom," how it swells upon the air,

Oh, yes, we'll rally 'round the standard, or we'll nobly perish there.

(CHORUS)

One of the most popular songs of the War, "Just Before the Battle, Mother" enjoyed great success overseas as well -- the British, in fact, believed that the song was about the Crimean War and had been authored by an Englishman!  The "traitors" mentioned in the second verse of the song were Northern Copperheads, who wished to see the War end through a negotiated peace and recognition of a new Confederate nation. (Information from CivilWarPoetryCom)

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