A Civil War song from 1861
Words and music by Henry Clay Work
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
1. Where the foremost flag was flying
Pierce’d by many a shot and shell
Where the bravest men were dying
There our gallant captain fell
“Boys! you follow now another
Follow till the foe shall yield”
Then he whispered, “Tell my mother
Stephen died upon the field”
“Mother!” “Mother!”
“Stephen died upon the field”
2. Through the battle they bore him
But his words were growing wild
Heeding not the scenes before him
Stephen was once more a child
“Ah, she comes! there is no other
Speaks my name with such a joy
Press me to your bosom, mother
Call me still your darling joy”
“Mother!” “Mother!”
“Call me still your darling joy”
3. Men who were not used to weeping
Turned aside to hide a tear
When they saw the pallor creeping
That assured them death was near
Kindly as he were a brother
Strangers caught his parting breath
Laden with the murmur “Mother”
Last upon his lips in death
“Mother!” “Mother!”
Last upon his lips in death
Sung by Vancha March: