JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, MOTHER

(ANONYMOUS/GEORGE F. ROOT) (PARODY) (1860s)

PLAY MIDI FILE (16 KB, sequenced by Werner Tomaschewski) IN BACKGROUND

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DIGITAL TRADITION, file name: JSTBATT2

Just before the battle, mother,
l was drinking mountain dew,
When l saw the "Rebels" marching,
To the rear I quickly flew;
Where the stragglers were flying,
Thinking of their homes and wives;
'Twas not the "Rebs" we feared, dear mother,
But our own dear precious lives.

Farewell, mother, for you'll never
See my name among the slain.
For if I only can skedaddle,
Dear mother, I'll come home again.

I hear the bugle sounding, mother,
My soul is eager for the fray.
I guess I'll hide behind some cover,
And then I shall be OK.
Discretion's the better part of valor,
At least I've often heard you say;
And he who loves his life, dear mother,
Won't fight if he can run away.