Just Before the Battle Mother by George Frederick Root Lyrics

(Verse 1)
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 thoughts 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

(Verse 2)
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)
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

(Verse 3)
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

(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