(Words: Charles Carroll Sawyer * Original Music: Henry Tucker)

RW recording:

CL recording:

The “Union Confederacy” recording from which I learned this tune is now available for online play on Myspace.

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 vow’d to me and country,
Ever to be true.

Chorus:
Weeping sad and lonely,
Hopes and fears, how vain.
When this cruel war is over,
Pray 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.

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.

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.