Hello! This is a piano instrumental of “Just Before the Battle, Mother.” It’s one of my favorite American Civil War songs!
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“Just Before the Battle, Mother” was an American Civil War era song that was popular in the Union Army. It was written by romantic American composer George Frederick Root (1820-1895), who also wrote famous songs such as “The Battle Cry of Freedom.” George Root was named after George Frideric Handel.
“Just Before the Battle, Mother” may have also been somewhat popular during the Great War. Outside of the United States, the song became popular among members of the Primrose League in England, and it was commonly performed in Canada on Victoria Day in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The image shown in the video is a painting titled “The Last Command,” by American artist Larry Selman.
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.
The music in this video was made using Logic Pro.