"Just Before the Battle, Mother"
This was another song that evoked feelings of longing for home from soldiers during the Civil War. It was written by George Root, a Northern composer, but was popular in both the North and South. The lyrics are a Civil War poem written from the perspective of a soldier who is speaking to his mother from battle. Although the song was written and popular during the Civil War era, its words are applicable for soldiers at war today and still hold much meaning. The song gives some insight into the sadness and despair at the possibility of death that faced every soldier away at war. It also highlights the balance that these soldiers have in terms of their loyalty to their country and their family. Similarly to “Lorena,” this was another song that was frequently banned by generals as it tended to create such a depressing atmosphere amongst soldiers that could sometimes lead to desertion of the army (Waller et. al (2011) p. 150).
This song also highlights another important fact that is sometimes forgotten when studying past wars in our modern society. The title of the song and the lyrics remind us of the youth of these solders. Although the draft age was not extremely young, many boys lied about their age and went off to battle. Additionally, even those who were of age were still very young and in many cases probably had never been separated from their mother before. This song stands as a a reminder of how many young lives were taken during the Civil War and how many mothers were pre-deceased by their sons.
This song also highlights another important fact that is sometimes forgotten when studying past wars in our modern society. The title of the song and the lyrics remind us of the youth of these solders. Although the draft age was not extremely young, many boys lied about their age and went off to battle. Additionally, even those who were of age were still very young and in many cases probably had never been separated from their mother before. This song stands as a a reminder of how many young lives were taken during the Civil War and how many mothers were pre-deceased by their sons.
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 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 bugles sounding,
'Tis the signal for the fight,
Now, may God protect us, mother,
As He ever does the right.
Hear the 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
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.
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 perish nobly there."
How it swells upon the air,
Oh, yes, we'll rally 'round the standard,
Or we'll perish nobly there.
CHORUS
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 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 bugles sounding,
'Tis the signal for the fight,
Now, may God protect us, mother,
As He ever does the right.
Hear the 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
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.
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 perish nobly there."
How it swells upon the air,
Oh, yes, we'll rally 'round the standard,
Or we'll perish nobly there.
CHORUS