"Just before the Battle, Mother" was a popular song during the American Civil War, particularly among troops in the Union Army. It was written and published by Chicago-based George F. Root. It was also a popular song with adherents of the Primrose League in England, and was a central part of Victoria Day celebrations in Canada during the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries.

Lyrics

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. 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. 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. Lyrics are in the public domain.

Alternative versions

During the American Civil War, Union troops parodied the song due to its unrealistic depiction of the horrors of war. The first verse of the Song of the Coward, as it was known, can be dated to 1864 after several calamitous defeats at the hands of the Confederate army. Years after the Civil War, other verses were added by historical re-enactors. Just before the battle mother I was drinking mountain dew When I heard the sound of gunfire To the rear I quickly flew Where the stragglers were all gathered Thinking of their home and wives Twas not the Rebs we feared dear mother But our own dear precious lives CHORUS: Farewell, mother, you may never Count my name among the slain For if I only could skedaddle Dear mother I'll come home again