JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, MOTHER.
Reading edition
[Listen] [Notation]
Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.
Key of B.
BRIG. GEN’L M.M. CROCKER. 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, Fill’d with tho’ts 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 heart 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 bugle sounding, ’Tis the signal for the fight! Now, may God protect me, 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 perish nobly there.—Chorus. 6TH CORPS.
