J W Myers - Just Before The Battle Mother - Civil War Song

United Record A329, record was recorded by Columbia with same matrix number. This record was recorded in Jan. 1904

John W. Myers was arguably the leading baritone balladeer in the first decade of commercial recordings. He worked regularly from the early 1890s to 1904 or so,after which his output drops off dramatically.

George Frederick Root (30 August 1820 6 August 1895) was an American songwriter, who found particular fame during the American Civil War. Just before the Battle, Mother was a popular song during the American Civil War, particularly among troops in the Union Army.

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 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:
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.

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.

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.

Lyrics are in the public domain.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• 1900's
• Columbia
• recording
• John
• Myers
• baritone
• George
• Root
• Civil
• War
• Song

[mara235]

Timeless - I see Youtube versions by young folks - so grateful that these songs continue on.

[pax41]

I will have to check out some of those newer versions. This is a great old civil war song and glad so many others are still enjoying it.

[Corrie121]

I have some Civil War paper money - rather primitively printed, and viewing these images makes me think of the soldiers who handled these notes.

Thanks for sharing this reflective song.

[pax41]

Is it Confederate or Union currency? It used to be the Confederate money was not worth much but may be worth more these days. The Union money would still be good but who would spend it.

[robgems2]

Put together perfectly,thank.s

[pax41]

Glad you liked it.

[BLUTundGermany]

Mostly Southerners because we are the only ones who care about how we was wronged!

[Ceroill]

No, actually it wouldn't still be good. Even Union money is only a collector's item these days.

[middletech]

This taught me more about the music of that time than most vids on youtube.

[Corrie121]

I have both types. Will update you later.