THE YOUNG VOLUNTEER.
Reading edition
Words and Music by John M. Hewett.
Our flag is unfurl’d and our arms flash bright, As the sun rides up the sky; But ere I join the doubting fight, Lovely maid, I would say, “Good by.” I’m a young volunteer, and my heart is true To the flag that woos the wind; Then, three cheers for that flag and our country, too, And the girls we leave behind. Chorus.—Then adieu! then adieu! ’tis the last bugle’s strain That is falling on the ear; Should it so be decreed that we ne’er meet again, Oh! remember the young volunteer. When over the desert, thro’ burning rays, With a heavy heart I tread; Or when I breast the cannon’s blaze, And bemoan my comrades dead, Then, then, I will think of my home and you, And our flag shall kiss the wind; With huzza for our cause and our country, too, And the girls we leave behind. Chorus.