Tennessee Ernie Ford — Just Before the Battle Mother

Just before the battle, Mother I am thinking most of you While upon the fields we're watching With the enemy in view Comrades, brave round me lying Filled with thoughts of home and God For well they know that on the morrow Some will sleep beneath the sod 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 Hark, I hear the bugels 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 up on the air Oh, yes, we'll rally 'round the standard Or we'll perish nobly there 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