"Was My Brother In the Battle?"
In 1862, Stephen Foster, who was regarded as one the greatest American songwriters of his time wrote “Was My Brother in Battle?” The lyrics of this song remind the listener of the constant internal turmoil of families who could not communicate with their loved ones in battle. The desire for any information, good or bad, about the well-being or whereabouts of their relatives was strong and unfortunately, many did not get the information they so desperately sought. Although the lyrics of the song are sad, again the musical accompaniment still creates the sound of an American folk song of the time. The sounds of patriotic songs have a strong effect on the public that is intended by the composer. “To the civilian, patriotic songs are important. They are the means by which his emotional tension may be increased to its highest pitch, and his patriotic resolve expressed with its greatest effect,” (Stone 549). “Was My Brother in Battle?” allows the listener to feel sad for those with loved ones in the war, but also continues to remind them of a ‘greater good’ that the war should bring about. This could be viewed as a form of propaganda in a sense, to prevent people from starting anti-war campaigns. This idea of accompanying realistic somber lyrics with a patriotic sound is one that is common throughout the music of the Civil War era.
Tell me, tell me, weary soldier from the rude and stirring wars,
Was my brother in the battle where you gained those noble scars?
He was ever brave and valiant, and I know he never fled.
Was his name among the wounded or numbered with the dead?
Was my brother in the battle when the tide of war ran high?
You would know him in a thousand by his dark and flashing eye.
Tell me. tell me, weary soldier, will he never come gain,
Did he suffer 'mid the wounded or die among the slain?
Was my brother in the battle when the noble Highland host
Were so wrongfully outnumbered on the Carolina coast?
Did he struggle for the Union 'mid the thunder and the rain,
Till he fell among the brave on a bleak Virginia plain?
Oh, I'm sure that he was dauntless and his courage ne'er would lag
While contending for the honor of our dear and cherished flag.
Was my brother in the battle when the flag of Erin came
To the rescue of our banner and protection of our fame,
While the fleet from off the waters poured out terror and dismay
Till the bold and erring foe fell like leaves on Autumn day?
When the bugle called to battle and the cannon deeply roared,
Oh! I wish I could have seen him draw his sharp and glittering sword.
Tell me. tell me, weary soldier, will he never come gain,
Did he suffer 'mid the wounded or die among the slain?
Was my brother in the battle where you gained those noble scars?
He was ever brave and valiant, and I know he never fled.
Was his name among the wounded or numbered with the dead?
Was my brother in the battle when the tide of war ran high?
You would know him in a thousand by his dark and flashing eye.
Tell me. tell me, weary soldier, will he never come gain,
Did he suffer 'mid the wounded or die among the slain?
Was my brother in the battle when the noble Highland host
Were so wrongfully outnumbered on the Carolina coast?
Did he struggle for the Union 'mid the thunder and the rain,
Till he fell among the brave on a bleak Virginia plain?
Oh, I'm sure that he was dauntless and his courage ne'er would lag
While contending for the honor of our dear and cherished flag.
Was my brother in the battle when the flag of Erin came
To the rescue of our banner and protection of our fame,
While the fleet from off the waters poured out terror and dismay
Till the bold and erring foe fell like leaves on Autumn day?
When the bugle called to battle and the cannon deeply roared,
Oh! I wish I could have seen him draw his sharp and glittering sword.
Tell me. tell me, weary soldier, will he never come gain,
Did he suffer 'mid the wounded or die among the slain?