Just Before the Battle, Mother.^[1] (Pat's Pick, Page 18.)

2 Flats.

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, you may never, Mother, clasp me to your heart again; But, O, you'll not forget me, mother, you will not forget me. If I'm numbered with the slain. O, 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 ev'ry battle kill our soldiers, By the help they give the foe.—Cho. Hark! I hear the bugle 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, O, yes, we'll rally round the standard, Or well perish nobly there.

1. ↑ Copyrighted by The John Church Co., and used by permission.