Just before the battle mother
G - C
- D - G (2x)
G C D G
1. Just before the battle, Mother, I am thinking most of you,
G C D G
while upon the field we're
watching, with the enemy in view.
G C
Comrades brave are 'round me
lying,
A D
filled with thoughts of home
and God,
G C
for well they know that on the
morrow,
D G
some will sleep beneath the
sod.
G
C A D
Farewell, Mother, you may never press me to your breast again,
G C D G
but, oh, you'll not forget me, Mother, if I'm numbered with the slain.
G C D G
2. Oh, I long to see you, Mother, and the loving ones at home,
G C
D G
but I'll never leave our banner
till in honor I can come.
G C A D
Tell the traitors all around
you that their cruel words we know,
G C D G
in every battle kill our soldiers by the help they give the foe. + CHORUS
G C D G
3. Hark! I hear the bugles sounding, 'tis the signal for the fight,
G C D G
now, may God protect us,
Mother, as He ever does the right.
G C A D
Hear "The Battle Cry of
Freedom," how it swells upon the air,
G C D G
oh, yes, we'll rally 'round
the standard, or we'll nobly perish there.
+ CHORUS + G - C - D - G (2x)
(capo 3rd) (George F.
Root, 1820 - 1895)