Fore the battle

• The song "Just Before the Battle", written in the 1860s by George F. Root. Lyrics are as follows.

   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 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 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.

   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.