Title: The Good Old Songs We Used to Sing, '61 to '65
Author: Osborn H. Oldroyd
Release date: May 22, 2007 [eBook #21566]
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Bryan Ness, Linda Cantoni, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
book was produced from scanned images of public domain
material from the Google Print project.) Music transcribed
by Linda Cantoni, from The Civil War Songbook (Dover
Publications, 1977), and from 19th-Century sheet music in
the Library of Congress Civil War and Historic Sheet Music
Collections (http://www.loc.gov).
Transcriber’s Notes: This e-book was created from two sources: (1) The Good Old Songs We Used to Sing—’61 to ’65 (1902); and (2) 19th-Century sheet music from The Civil War Songbook (Dover Publications, 1977) and the Civil War and Historic Sheet Music Collections of the Library of Congress (www.loc.gov). A source list and notes for the music can be found at the end of this e-book.
Click on the [Listen] link to hear a song (midi); click on the [Notation] link (where provided) to view the music notation (pdf).
Hover the mouse over text underlined in red to see a pop-up transcriber’s note, like this.
A table of contents has been added for the reader’s convenience.
GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT
PHOTO FROM LIFE, 1864
O.H. OLDROYD
Washington, D.C.
Nineteen Hundred and Two
 |
he Good Old |
| SONGS |
COPYRIGHTED BY
O.H. Oldroyd, Publisher
Washington, D.C.
1902.
SHERMAN’S MARCH TO THE SEA.
MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA.
A THOUSAND YEARS.
HAIL COLUMBIA.
JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, MOTHER.
WE’VE DRUNK FROM THE SAME CANTEEN.
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER.
OLD SHADY.
COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN,
THE ARMY BEAN.
BRAVE BOYS ARE THEY.
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC.
HOME, SWEET HOME.
WHO WILL CARE FOR MOTHER NOW.
WHEN THIS CRUEL WAR IS OVER.
WE ARE COMING, FATHER ABRAHAM.
TENTING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND.
JOHN BROWN’S SONG.
BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM.
BONNIE BLUE FLAG.
AMERICA.
KINGDOM COMING.
THE VACANT CHAIR.
NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE.
TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP.
WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME.
I’SE GWINE BACK TO DIXIE.
FRATERNITY.
CHARITY.
LOYALTY.
ODE ON PRESENTATION OF BADGE.
GREETING ODE.
CLOSING ODE.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
MAJ. GEN’L W.T. SHERMAN.
| Our camp fires shone bright on the mountain That frowned on the river below, While we stood by our guns in the morning, And eagerly watched for the foe, When a rider came out from the darkness That hung over mountains and tree, And shouted, “Boys, up and be ready, For Sherman will march to the sea.” When cheer upon cheer for bold Sherman Went up from each valley and glen, And the bugle re-echoed the music That came from the lips of the men, For we knew that the stars on our banner More bright in their splendor would be, And that blessings from Northland would greet us As Sherman marched down to the sea. |
Then forward, boys, forward, to battle, We marched on our wearysome way, And we strewed the wild hills of Resaca— God bless those who fell on that day. Then Kennesaw, dark in its glory, Frowned down on the flag of the free; But the East and the West bore our standard As Sherman marched down to the sea. Still onward we pressed till our banner Swept out from Atlanta’s grim walls, And the blood of the patriot dampened The soil where traitor’s flag falls. But we paused not to weep for the fallen Who slept by each river and tree; Yet we twined them wreaths of the laurel As Sherman marched down to the sea. |
| Proud, proud was our army that morning That stood by the cypress and pine When Sherman said, “Boys, you are weary; This day fair Savannah is thine,” Then sang we a song for our chieftain That echoed o’er river and lea, And the stars on our banner shone brighter When Sherman marched on to the sea. |
Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.
 2D CORPS. |
Bring the good old bugle, boys, we’ll sing another song, Sing it with the spirit that will start the world along,— Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong, While we were marching through Georgia. Chorus. “Hurrah! hurrah! we bring the Jubilee! Hurrah! hurrah! the flag that makes you free!” So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea While we were marching through Georgia. |
| How the darkies shouted when they heard the joyful sound! How the turkeys gobbled which our commissary found! How the sweet potatoes even started from the ground, While we were marching through Georgia!—Chorus. Yes, and there were Union men who wept with joyful tears When they saw the honored flag they had not seen for years; Hardly could they be restrained from breaking forth in cheers While we were marching through Georgia.—Chorus. “Sherman’s dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast!” So the saucy rebel said, and ’twas a handsome boast; Had they not forgotten, alas! to reckon with the host, While we were marching through Georgia.—Chorus. So we made a thoroughfare for Freedom and her train, Sixty miles in latitude,—three hundred to the main, Treason fled before us, for resistance was in vain, While we were marching through Georgia.—Chorus. |
Key of C.
 SOLID SHOT. |
Lift up your eyes, desponding freemen! Fling to the winds your needless fears! He who unfurled your beauteous banner Says it shall wave a thousand years. Chorus. “A thousand years!” my own Columbia! ’Tis the glad day so long foretold! ’Tis the glad morn whose early twilight Washington saw in times of old. |
| What if the clouds one little moment Hid the blue sky where morn appears When the bright sun that tints them crimson Rises to shine a thousand years!—Chorus. Tell the great world these blessed tidings! Yes, and be sure the bondman hears; Tell the oppress’d of ev’ry nation Jubilee lasts a thousand years.—Chorus. Envious foes beyond the ocean! Little we heed your threat’ning sneers; Little will they—our children’s children When you are gone a thousand years.—Chorus. Rebels at home! go hide your faces— Weep for your crimes with bitter tears; You could not bind the blessed daylight, Though you should strive a thousand years.—Chorus. |
| Back to your dens, ye secret traitors! Down to your own degraded spheres! Ere the first blaze of dazzling sunshine Shortens your lives a thousand years.—Chorus. Haste thee along, thou glorious noonday! Oh! for the eyes of ancient seers! Oh! for the faith of Him who reckons Each of His days a thousand years.—Chorus. |
 SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CORPS. |
Copyrighted.
| Hail Columbia! happy land! Hail, ye heroes! heaven-born band! Who fought and bled in Freedom’s cause, Who fought and bled in Freedom’s cause, And when the storm of war was gone Enjoyed the peace your valor won. Let Independence be our boast, Ever mindful what it cost; Ever grateful for the prize, Let its altar reach the skies. Firm united let us be, Rallying round our liberty; As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find. |
 MAJ. GEN’L JOHN A. M’CLERNAND. |
| Immortal patriots, rise once more, Defend your rights, defend your shore, Let no rude foe, with impious hand, Let no rude foe, with impious hand, Invade the shrine where sacred lies, Of toil and blood the well-earned prize. While offering peace sincere and just, In heaven we place a manly trust, That truth and justice will prevail, And every scheme of bondage fail. Firm united let us be, etc. |
 19TH CORPS. |
Sound, sound the trump of fame! Sound Washington’s great name, Ring through the world with loud applause, Ring through the world with loud applause; Let every clime to Freedom dear Listen with a joyful ear; With equal skill and godlike power, He governed in the fearful hour Of horrid war! or guides with ease The happier times of honest peace, Firm united let us be, etc. |
Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.
Key of B.
 BRIG. GEN’L M.M. CROCKER. |
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, Fill’d with tho’ts 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. |
| Hark! I hear the bugle sounding, ’Tis the signal for the fight! Now, may God protect me, 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. |
 6TH CORPS. |
By Maj. Charles G. Halpine (Private Miles O’Reilly), 47th N.Y. Vol. Inf.
Key of C.
 ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. |
There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours, Fetters of friendship and ties of flowers, And true lovers’ knots, I ween. The boys and the girls are bound by a kiss, But there’s never a bond, old friend, like this: We have drunk from the same canteen! The same canteen, my soldier friend, The same canteen; There’s never a bond like this: We have drunk from the same canteen! |
| It was sometimes water and sometimes milk, Sometimes apple-jack as fine as silk; But, whatever the tipple has been, We shared it together in bane or in bliss, And I warn you, friend, when I think of this: We have drunk from the same canteen. We’ve shared our blankets and tents together, And marched and fought in all kinds of weather, And hungry and full we’ve been; Had days of battle and days of rest, But this memory I cling to and love the best: We’ve drunk from the same canteen. For when wounded I lay on the outer slope, With my blood flowing fast and but little hope On which my faint spirit might lean, Oh! then, I remember, you crawled to my side, And bleeding so fast it seemed both must have died, We have drunk from the same canteen! |
Key of C.
 |
Oh! say, can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming— Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous flight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; Oh! say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! |
| On that shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses! Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream; ’Tis the Star Spangled Banner, oh! long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave; And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. |
| Oh! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto—“In God is our trust”— And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! |
 FOURTEENTH CORPS. |
Key of B.
SHELTER TENT.
| Oh, yah! yah! darkies laugh wid me, For the white folks say Old Shady’s free, So don’t you see that the Jubilee Is coming, coming, hail, mighty day! Chorus. Den away, away, for I can’t wait any longer! Hooray! hooray! I’m going home. Oh! massa got scared, and so did his lady, Dis chile breaks for Uncle Aby, Open the gates, out here’s Old Shady A coming, coming, hail, mighty day.—Chorus. Good-bye, Massa Jeff; good-bye, Miss’r Stephens, ’Scuse dis nigger for takin’ his leavens; ’Spect pretty soon you’ll hear Uncle Abram’s Coming, coming, hail, mighty day.—Chorus. |
| Good-bye, hard work, wid neber any pay, I’s gwine up North where de good folks say Dat white wheat bread an’ a dollar a day Are a coming, coming, hail, mighty day.—Chorus. Oh! I’ve got a wife, and I’ve got a baby, Living up yonder in upper Canaday; Won’t dey laugh when dey see Old Shady Coming, coming, hail, mighty day.—Chorus. |
 SEVENTH CORPS. |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of G.
 MAJ. GEN’L JAMES B. M’PHERSON.  SEVENTEENTH CORPS. |
Oh! Columbia, the gem of the ocean, The home of the brave and the free, The shrine of each patriot’s devotion, The world offers homage to thee. Thy mandates make heroes assemble, When Liberty’s form stands in view; Thy banners make tyranny tremble When borne by the Red, White, and Blue. Chorus. When borne by the Red, White, and Blue, When borne by the Red, White, and Blue, Thy banners make tyranny tremble, When borne by the Red, White, and Blue. When war waged its wide desolation, And threatened the land to deform, The ark then of Freedom’s foundation, Columbia, rode safe through the storm, With her garlands of vict’ry around her, When so proudly she bore her brave crew, With her flag proudly floating before her, The boast of the Red, White, and Blue.—Chorus. |
| That banner, that banner bring hither, Tho’ rebels and traitors look grim; May the wreaths it has won never wither, Nor the stars of its glory grow dim! May the service united ne’er sever, But they to their colors prove true! The Army and Navy forever, Three cheers for the Red, White, and Blue.—Chorus. |
[Listen]
Air—“Sweet Bye and Bye.”
 ELEVENTH CORPS. |
There’s a spot that the soldiers all love, The mess-tent is the place that we mean, And the dish that we like to see there Is the old-fashioned, white Army bean. Chorus. ’Tis the bean that we mean, And we’ll eat as we ne’er ate before The Army bean, nice and clean; We will stick to our beans evermore. |
| Now, the bean in its primitive state Is a plant we have all often met, And, when cooked in the old army style, It has charms we can never forget.—Chorus. The German is fond of sauer kraut, The potato is loved by the Mick, But the soldiers have long since found out That thro’ life to our beans we should stick.—Chorus. |
 FOURTH CORPS. |
 23D CORPS. |
Refrain. Air—“Tell Aunt Rhoda.” Beans for breakfast, Beans for dinner, Beans for supper, Beans! Beans!! Beans!!! |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
Key of A Flat.
 18TH CORPS. |
Heavily falls the rain, Wild are the breezes tonight; But ’neath the roof the hours as they fly Are happy, and calm, and bright. Gathering round our firesides, Tho’ it be summer time, We sit and talk of brothers abroad, Forgetting the midnight chime. |
| Chorus. Brave boys are they! Gone at their country’s call; And yet, and yet we cannot forget That many brave boys must fall. Under the homestead roof, Nestled so cozy and warm, While soldiers sleep with little or naught To shelter them from the storm. Resting on grassy couches, Pillow’d on hillocks damp, Of martial fare how little we know Till brothers are in camp.—Chorus. Thinking no less of them, Loving our country the more, We sent them forth to fight for the flag Their fathers before them bore. Though the great teardrops started, This was our parting trust: “God bless you, boys! we’ll welcome you home When rebels are in the dust.”—Cho. |
 MINIE BALL. |
 22D CORPS. |
May the bright wings of love Guard them wherever they roam; The time has come when brothers must fight And sisters must pray at home. Oh! the dread field of battle! Soon to be strewn with graves! If brothers fall, then bury them where Our banner in triumph waves.—Chorus. |
(By Mrs. Julia Ward Howe.)
Air—“John Brown.”
As sung by Chaplain C.C. McCabe while a prisoner in Libby, after hearing Old Ben (the colored paper-seller in Richmond) cry out, “Great news by the telegraph! Great battles at Gettysburg! Union soldiers gain the day!” Upon hearing such glorious news Chaplain McCabe sung this soul-stirring hymn, all the prisoners joining heartily in the chorus, making the old prison walls ring—“Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!”
 SIXTEENTH CORPS. |
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible quick sword; His truth is marching on. Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I have read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps; His day is marching on. Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! |
| I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel, “As ye deal with my contemners, so with my grace shall deal; Let the hero born of woman crush the serpent with his heel, Since God is marching on.” Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh! be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet; Our God is marching on. Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! In the beauties of the lillies Christ was born across the sea With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on. Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! |
(By John Howard Payne.)
Key of E Flat.
|
’Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home; A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, Which, seek thro’ the world, is ne’er met with elsewhere. Home, home, sweet, sweet home; there’s no place like home Oh, there’s no place like home. I gaze on the moon as I tread the drear wild, And feel that my mother now thinks of her child As she looks on that moon from our own cottage door Thro’ the woodbine whose fragrance shall cheer me no more. Home, home, sweet, sweet home, etc. An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain; Oh, give me my lowly thatched cottage again; The birds, singing gaily, that came at my call; Give me them, and that peace of mind, dearer than all. Home, home, sweet, sweet home, etc. |
Key of B Flat.
 BRIG. GEN’L JOS. A. MOWER. |
Why am I so weak and weary? See how faint my heated breath; All around to me seems darkness; Tell me, comrades, is this death? Ah! how well I know your answer; To my fate I meekly bow, If you’ll only tell me truly Who will care for mother now? Chorus. Soon with angels I’ll be marching, With bright laurels on my brow; I have for my country fallen; Who will care for mother now? |
| Who will comfort her in sorrow? Who will dry the falling tear, Gently smooth her wrinkled forehead? Who will whisper words of cheer? Even now I think I see her Kneeling, praying for me! how Can I leave her in anguish? Who will care for mother now?—Chorus. |
| Let this knapsack be my pillow, And my mantle be the sky; Hasten, comrades, to the battle! I will like a soldier die. Soon with angels I’ll be marching, With bright laurels on my brow; I have for my country fallen; Who will care for mother now?—Chorus. |
 25TH CORPS. |
(Used by permission.)
Key of C.
 MAJ. GEN’L FRANK P. BLAIR. |
Dearest love, do you remember! When we last did meet, How you told me that you loved me, Kneeling at my feet? Oh! how proud you stood before me, In your suit of blue, When you vowed to me and country Ever to be true. Chorus. Weeping, sad and lonely, Hopes and fears how vain; When this cruel war is over, Praying that we meet again. |
| When the summer breeze is sighing, Mournfully along! Or when autumn leaves are falling, Sadly breathes the song. Oft in dreams I see thee lying On the battle plain, Lonely, wounded, even dying; Calling, but in vain.—Chorus. |
 SIGNAL CORPS. |
 CANISTER. |
If amid the din of battle Nobly you should fall, Far away from those who love you, None to hear you call, Who would whisper words of comfort, Who would soothe your pain? Ah! the many cruel fancies Ever in my brain.—Chorus. But our country called you, darling, Angels cheer your way, While our nation’s sons are fighting We can only pray. Nobly strike for God and liberty, Let all nations see How we love our starry banner, Emblem of the free.—Chorus. |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
 LINCOLN. |
We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more, From Mississippi’s winding stream and from New England’s shore; We leave our plows and workshops, our wives and children dear, With hearts too full for utterance, with but a silent tear; We dare not look behind us, but steadfastly before— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! |
| If you look across the hill-tops that meet the northern sky, Long moving lines of rising dust your vision may descry; And now the wind, an instant, tears the cloud veil aside, And floats aloft our spangled flag in glory and in pride; And bayonets in the sunlight gleam, and bands brave music pour— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! If you look all up our valleys, where the growing harvests shine, You may see our sturdy farmer-boys fast forming into line, And children from their mothers’ knees are pulling at the weeds, And learning how to reap and sow, against their country’s needs; And a farewell group stands weeping at every cottage door— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! |
| You have called us, and we’re coming, by Richmond’s bloody tide, To lay us down for freedom’s sake, our brothers’ bones beside. Or from foul treason’s savage grasp to wrench the murderous blade, And in the face of foreign foes its fragments to parade. Six hundred thousand loyal men and true have gone before— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! |
 |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
Key of A.
 20TH CORPS. |
We’re tenting tonight on the old camp ground; Give us a song to cheer Our weary hearts; a song of home And friends we love so dear. Chorus. Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, Wishing for the war to cease; Many are the hearts looking for the right, To see the dawn of peace; Tenting tonight, tenting tonight, Tenting on the old camp ground. |
|
We’ve been tenting tonight on the old camp ground, Thinking of days gone by, Of loved ones at home who gave us the hand And the tear that said good-bye.—Chorus. We’re tired of the war on the old camp ground; Many are dead and gone Of the brave and true who have left their homes; Others been wounded long.—Chorus. |
| We’ve been fighting today on the old camp ground; Many are lying near; Some are dead and some are dying, Many are in tears. Chorus. Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, Wishing for the war to cease; Many are the hearts looking for the right, To see the dawn of peace; Dying tonight, dying tonight, Dying on the old camp ground. |
 SIBLEY TENT. |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
 TENTH CORPS. |
John Brown’s body lies a mouldering in the grave, John Brown’s body lies a mouldering in the grave, John Brown’s body lies a mouldering in the grave, His soul’s marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! His soul’s marching on! |
| He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, His soul’s marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! His soul’s marching on! John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back, John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back, John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back, His soul’s marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! His soul’s marching on! His pet lamps will meet him on the way, His pet lamps will meet him on the way, His pet lamps will meet him on the way, They go marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! They go marching on! They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree! They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree! They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree! As they march along! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! As they march along! |
| Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! As we are marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Hip, hip, hip, hip, Hurrah! |
 GRAPE. |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of G Flat.
 MAJ. GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN. |
Yes, we’ll rally round the flag, boys, we’ll rally once again, Shouting the battle cry of freedom; We’ll rally from the hillside, we’ll gather from the plain, Shouting the battle cry of freedom. Chorus. The Union forever, hurrah! boys, hurrah! Down with the traitor, up with the star, While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again, Shouting the battle cry of freedom. We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before, Shouting the battle cry of freedom; And we’ll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more, Shouting the battle cry of freedom.—Chorus. |
| We will welcome to our ranks the loyal, true, and brave, Shouting the battle cry of freedom; And altho’ they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave, Shouting the battle cry of freedom.—Chorus. So we’re springing to the call from the East and from the West, Shouting the battle cry of freedom, And we’ll hurl the rebel crew from the land we love the best, Shouting the battle cry of freedom.—Chorus. |
 FIFTEENTH CORPS. |
| We are a band of patriots, Who each leave home and friend Our noble Constitution And banner to defend; Our Capitol was threatened, And the cry rose near and far To protect our country’s glorious flag That glitters with many a star. |
 NINTH CORPS. |
| Chorus. Hurrah, hurrah, for the Union, boys, hurrah! Hurrah for our forefathers’ good old flag That glitters with many a star. Much patience and forbearance The North has always shown Toward her Southern brethren, Who had each way their own; But when we made our President A man whom we desired Their wrath was roused, they mounted guns, And on Fort Sumter fired.—Chorus. They forced the war upon us, For peaceful men are we; They steal our money, seize our forts, And then as cowards flee; False to their vows and to the flag That once protected them, They sought the Union to dissolve, Earth’s noblest, brightest gem.—Chorus. |
 BRIG. GEN. ISAAC F. QUINBY. |
We’re in the right and will prevail, The Stars and Stripes must fly, The “bonnie blue flag” be hauled down, And every traitor die; Freedom and peace enjoyed by all As ne’er was known before, Our Spangled Banner wave on high, With stars just thirty-four.—Chorus. |
Key of F.
 FIFTH CORPS. |
My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim’s pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring. |
| My native country, thee, Land of the noble, free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees, Sweet freedom’s song; Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake, Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. |
| Our father’s God, to thee, Author of liberty, To thee I sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God our King. |
 GEN. PETER J. OSTERHAUS. |
COMBINATION KNIFE, FORK, AND SPOON.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
Key of C.
 BRIG. GEN. ALBERT L. LEE. |
Say, darkies, hab you seen old massa, Wid de muffstash on his face, Go long de road some time dis mornin’, Like he gwine to leave de place? He seen a smoke way up de ribber Whar de Linkum gunboats lay; He took his hat an’ left berry sudden, An’ I ’spect he’s run’d away! Chorus. De massa run, ha, ha! De darky stay! ho, ho! It mus’ be now de kingdom comin’ An’ de year of Jubilo! |
| He is six foot one way, four foot tudder, An’ he weigh tree hundred pounds; His coat so big he couldn’t pay de tailor, An’ it wouldn’t go half way round; He drill so much dey call him Cap’n, An’ he get so drefful tanned, I ’spects he’ll try an’ fool dem Yankees For to tink he’s contraband.—Chorus. De darkies feel so lonesome libbing In de log house on de lawn Dey move dar tings to massa’s parlor For to keep it while he’s gone. Dar’s wine an’ cider in de kitchen, An’ de darkies dey’ll hab some; I s’pose dey’ll all be confiscated When de Linkum soldiers come.—Cho. |
 BRIG. GEN. JOHN M’ARTHUR. |
| De oberseer he make us trubble, An’ he dribe us round a spell; We lock him up in de smoke-house cellar, Wid de key trown in de well; De whip is lost, de han’cuff broken; But de massa’ll habe his pay; He’s ole enough, big enough, ought to know better Dan to went and run away.—Chorus. |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of A Flat.
 GEN. ALVIN P. HOVEY. |
We shall meet, but we shall miss him; There will be one vacant chair; We shall linger to caress him While we breathe our evening prayer. When, a year ago, we gathered Joy was in his mild blue eye; But a golden cord is severed, And our hopes in ruin lie. Chorus. We shall meet, but we shall miss him; There will be one vacant chair; We shall linger to caress him When we breathe our evening prayer. |
| At our fireside, sad and lonely, Often will the bosom swell At remembrance of the story How our noble Willie fell; How he strove to bear our banner Through the thickest of the fight, And upheld our country’s honor In the strength of manhood’s might.—Chorus. |
| True, they tell us wreaths of glory Evermore will deck his brow; But this soothes the anguish only Sweeping o’er our heart strings now. Sleep, today, O early fallen! In thy green and narrow bed; Dirges from the pine and cypress Mingle with the tears we shed.—Chorus. |
 GEN. NATHAN KIMBALL. |
Key of G.
 MAJ. GEN. E.O.C. ORD. |
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me! Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! Though, like a wanderer, The sun gone down, Darkness be over me, My rest a stone, Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! |
| There let the way appear Steps unto heaven; All that Thou sendest me In mercy given; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! Then, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! |
 ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER. |
SHRAPNEL CONTAINING 80 MUSKET BALLS.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of B Flat.
 BRIG. GEN. EUGENE A. CARR. |
In the prison cell I sit, thinking, mother, dear, of you, And our bright and happy home so far away, And the tears they fill my eyes, spite of all that I can do, Tho’ I try to cheer my comrades and be gay. Chorus. Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching; Cheer up, comrades, they will come, And beneath the starry flag We shall breathe the air again Of the Free-land in our own beloved home. |
| In the battle front we stood when the fiercest charge was made, And they swept us off a hundred men or more; But before we reached their lines they were beaten back dismayed, And we hear the cry of victory o’er and o’er.—Chorus. |
 FIRST CORPS. |
 MAJ. GEN. FRED’K STEELE. |
So within the prison cell we are waiting for the day That shall come to open wide the iron door, And the hollow eye grows bright and the poor heart almost gay As we think of seeing friends and home once more.—Chorus. |
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of B Flat.
 WILSON’S CAVALRY CORPS. |
When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah! We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, hurrah! The men will cheer, the boys will shout, The ladies they will all turn out, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. |
| The old church bell will peal with joy, Hurrah, hurrah! To welcome our darling boy, Hurrah, hurrah! The village lads and lassies say With roses they will strew the way, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. Get ready for the Jubilee, Hurrah, hurrah! We’ll give the hero three times three, Hurrah, hurrah! The laurel wreath is ready now To place upon his loyal brow, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. |
 |
 THIRD CORPS. |
Let love and friendship on that day, Hurrah, hurrah! Their choicest treasures then display, Hurrah, hurrah! And let each one perform some part To fill with joy the warrior’s heart, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. |
 11TH AND 12TH CORPS. |
I’se gwine back to Dixie, I’se gwine no more to wander, My heart’s turned back to Dixie, I can’t stay here no longer; I’ve left the old plantation, My home and my relation, My heart’s turned back to Dixie And I must go. |
| Chorus. I’se gwine back to Dixie, I’se gwine back to Dixie, I’se gwine where the orange blossoms grow, For I hear the children calling, I see their sad tears falling, Me heart’s turned back to Dixie, And I must go. I’ve hoed in fields of cotton, I’ve worked upon the river, I used to say if I got off I’d go back there, no never; But time has changed the old man, His head is bending low, His heart’s turned back to Dixie, And he must go.—Chorus. I’se traveling back to Dixie, My step is slow and feeble, I pray the Lord to help me, And keep me from all evil; And should my strength forsake me, Then kind friends come and take me; My heart’s turned back to Dixie, And I must go.—Chorus. |
[Listen]
In mustering a recruit, sing after—“They have been so examined and found worthy.”
Air—“Auld Lang Syne.”
 MAJ. GEN. MANNING F. FORCE. |
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind; Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days of auld lang syne? Chorus. For auld land syne, my boys, For auld land syne, We’ll ne’er forget when first we met, In days of auld lang syne. |
Sing after the words—“But the greatest of these is Charity.”
| Meek and lowly, pure and holy, Chief among the blessed three; Turning sadness into gladness, Heaven-born art thou Charity. Pity dwelleth in thy bosom, Kindness reigneth o’er thy heart; Gentle thoughts alone can sway thee, Judgment with thee hath no part. Chorus. Meek and lowly, pure and holy, Chief among the blessed three; Turning sadness into gladness, Heaven-born art thou, Charity. |
 CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. |
[Listen]
Sing after the words—“The crowning principle of loyalty.”
Air—“America.”
Key of F.
 |
My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where our comrades died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring. Our fathers’ God to thee, Author of liberty, To thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us with thy might, Great God, our King. |
[Listen]
Air—“Hold the Fort.”
Sing while the badge is being pinned on.
| Comrades, take this badge of freedom Our Grand Army gives; Let it be the sign of honor Every loyal lives. Chorus. Wear the badge and keep it shining All life’s journey through, Ever as the glorious emblem Of the work we do. Then, proud eagle, still soar sunward; Flag, your folds swing loose; Love shall shield the helpless orphan, Fill the widow’s cruse.—Chorus. |
[Listen]
Sing while the recruit is signing the roll.
Air—“Glory Hallelujah.”
 |
Warm be the welcome and glad be the cheer Greeting our comrades who join with us here— Warm as in days when with never a fear We all went marching on. Chorus. Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! We all go marching on. |
| Held by fraternity in bonds that are sure, Drawn close in charity by ties that are pure, Filled with a loyalty that ever shall endure, We still go marching on. Chorus.—Glory, glory, hallelujah, etc. Elbow to elbow we stood through the fight, Elbow to elbow we stand here tonight, Elbow to elbow till heaven is in sight, We all go marching on. Chorus.—Glory, glory, hallelujah, etc. |
 EIGHTH CORPS. |
[Listen]
Air—“Auld Lang Syne.”
 24TH CORPS. |
Shall we forget those far-off days Which made us comrades all? Shall we forget how swift the feet That ran at duty’s call? Shall we forget the honored dead That sleep beneath the sod, Who gave their lives for liberty, Our country, and our God? |
516 TENTH ST. N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C.
[The house in which Lincoln died]
These song books will be sent on receipt of Ten Cents, in coin or stamps. 75c per doz. or $5.00 per 100. Just the book for Camp Fires, Reunions, or Post Rooms.
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Consisting of beautiful extracts from over two hundred different orations, speeches, debates, letters, etc., chronologically arranged, dating from 1832 to 1865, making practically a life of Lincoln in his own words, together with 230 beautiful tributes by eminent men, giving their opinion of his life and character. An admirable book for school work, giving the scholar an insight to his wise and inspiring sayings, and familiarizing them with the prominent men of our country. Handsomely illustrated, bound in best silk cloth, heavy paper, gold stamping, price $1.00.
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Note: Bracketed words/music credits in the list below indicate that the credits do not appear on the sheet music used for this e-book, and were obtained from Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) and the Public Domain Music website (www.pdmusic.org).
The midi and pdf files provided in this e-book were created using Finale 2007. Minor errors in the original sheet music have been corrected, the notation style has been modernized, and in most cases repeats have been omitted.
Copyright notices and keys specified in the original text of The Good Old Songs are not necessarily the same as those in the sheet music used to prepare this e-book. Where only the tune of a song is used, notation has not been provided.
From The Civil War Songbook (New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1977)
Marching through Georgia, words and music by Henry Clay Work, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1865 [midi] [pdf]
Just Before the Battle, Mother, words and music by George Frederick Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1864 [midi] [pdf]
Brave Boys Are They!, words and music by Henry Clay Work, Chicago: H.M. Higgins, 1861 [midi] [pdf]
Battle Hymn of the Republic, words by Mrs. Dr. S.G. [Julia Ward] Howe, Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1862 [midi] [pdf]
Weeping, Sad and Lonely (or When This Cruel War Is Over), words by Charles Carroll Sawyer, music by Henry Tucker, Brooklyn: Sawyer & Thompson, 1862 [midi] [pdf]
We Are Coming Father Abra’am (300,000 More), words by Wm. Cullen Bryant, music by L.O. Emerson, Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1862 [midi] [pdf]
Tenting on the Old Camp Ground, words and music by Walter Kittredge, Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1864 [midi] [pdf]
The Battle Cry of Freedom, words and music by Geo. F. Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1862 [midi] [pdf]
The Bonnie Blue Flag, words by Harry Macarthy, New Orleans: A.E. Blackmar & Bro., 1861 (color cover image from the Library of Congress) [midi] [pdf]
Kingdom Coming, words and music by Henry Clay Work, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1862 [midi] [pdf]
The Vacant Chair (or We Shall Meet but We Shall Miss Him), words and music by George Frederick Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1862 [midi] [pdf]
Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! (or The Prisoner’s Hope), words and music by George Frederick Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1864 [midi] [pdf]
When Johnny Comes Marching Home, words and music by “Louis Lambert” (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore), Boston: Henry Tolman & Co., 1863 [midi] [pdf]
From the Library of Congress, Civil War and Historic Sheet Music Collections (www.loc.gov)
Sherman’s March to the Sea, words by S.H.M Byers, music by J.O. Rockwell, New York: Wm. Hall & Son, 1865 [midi] [pdf]
Song of a Thousand Years, words and music by Henry C. Work, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1863 [midi] [pdf]
Hail, Columbia, [words by Joseph Hopkinson, music by Philip Phile], New York: Wm. Dresser, 1861 [midi] [pdf]
We’ve Drunk from the Same Canteen, words by Miles O’Reilly, music by James G. Clark, New York: Wm. A. Pond & Co., 1865 [midi] [pdf]
The Star-Spangled Banner, [words by Francis Scott Key], transcribed for piano by Ch. Voss, Philadelphia: G. Andre & Co., 1862 [midi] [pdf]
Ole Shady (or The Song of the Contraband), [words and music by Benjamin Russell Hanby], Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1861 [midi] [pdf]
Columbia the Gem of the Ocean, words and music by David T. Shaw, arranged by T.A. Becket, Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, c. 1862 (first published in 1843) [midi] [pdf]
Home Sweet Home, words by H.R. Bishop [and John Howard Payne], music by H.R. Bishop, Chicago: McKinley Music Co., c. 1914 [midi] [pdf]
Who Will Care for Mother Now?, words and music by Charles Carroll Sawyer, arranged by C.F. Thompson, Brooklyn: Sawyer & Thompson, 1863 [midi] [pdf]
The John Brown Song (or Glory Hallelujah), [music by William Steffe], Chicago: Root & Cady, 1861 [midi] [pdf]
My Country! ’Tis of Thee, [also known as America; words by Samuel Francis Smith], Boston: C. Bradlee, c. 1832 [midi] [pdf]
Nearer, My God, to Thee, [words by Sarah Flower Adams, music by Lowell Mason], adapted by C.A. White, Boston: White, Smith & Co., 1881 [midi] [pdf]
I’se Gwine Back to Dixie, words and music by C.A. White, Boston: White, Smith & Co., 1874 [midi] [pdf]
Fraternity, tune: Auld Lang Syne, [words by Robert Burns], arranged by Adolph Baumbach, Chicago, S. Brainard’s Sons Co., 1868 [midi]
Charity, [words by Charles Jefferys], music by S. Glover, arranged by C. Everest, Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, 1868 [midi] [pdf]
Ode on Presentation of Badge, tune: Hold the Fort, music by P.P. Bliss, Cincinnati: John Church Co., 1898 [midi]
Combined Music
The Army Bean, tunes: Sweet By and By,
music by J.P. Webster, arranged for piano by E. Mack, Philadelphia: J.E. Ditson & Co., 1876, from the Library
of Congress Historic Sheet Music Collection; Go Tell Aunt Rhoda, old folk
tune, composer unknown, arranged by the Transcriber [midi]