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 tho’ts of home and God;
For well they know that on the mor­row,
Some may sleep be­neath the sod.

Refrain

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.

Homes, dear mo­ther, we’re de­fend­ing,
With Old Glo­ry all se­cure,
While with love and zeal un­ceas­ing,
Knowing vic­t’ry will be sure.
Bravely, we are dy­ing, mother,
For the cause of home and God;
And this is ev­er our am­bi­tion,
Till we’re laid be­neath the sod.

Refrain

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.

Refrain