Lyrics

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 around me lying
Filled with thoughts of home and God
For well they know that on the morrow
Some will sleep beneath the sod

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 you’ll never leave our banner
‘Til 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

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

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
Yes, we’ll rally ‘round the standard
Or we’ll perish nobly there

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