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Remember that songs of the Civil War era come from an entirely different time. There was no TV, radio, or organized sports. Most of the soldiers in the war had never travelled more than 20 miles from home, and many were illiterate. There was no repid communication. Telegraph was being used, but primarily for the military. Singing and music were about the only form of entertainment available to many households, especially the soldiers. Most homes were still illuminated by candles, oil lamps, or hearth fires. It was difficult to read after dark, so self made entertainment was about all there was.
Most songs from the war can trace their roots to the Scots-Irish. Words may be changed, but the melodies remained. Remember, this was a time of great immigration from Ireland. Since the Union had most of the Southern ports blocaded, and due to the repressive political climate of Ireland, nearly all of the immigration was to the North. These men had no jobs, so enlisting in the army was a good way to get work. The army even had recruiting set up as the men left the boats.
By today's standards, the songs will seem overly sentimental. Marches were good for troops moving - songs like DIXIE, BONNIE BLUE FLAG, and TRAMP TRAMP TRAMP, but when the soldiers were around the campfire they would sing of home, loved ones left behing, comrades who had been killed, and the distinct possibility of being killed themselves in the near future. These would inlude such songs as LORENA, SOMEBODY'S DARLING, and JOHNNY HAS GONE FOR A SOLDIER. Some of the songs at home reflected wartime conditions, such as HARD TIMES COME AGAIN NO MORE. This referred to events such as the devistation of Sherman's march and the destruction of the Shenandoah Valley.
There are many books and recordings to obtain this era music.
I hope I have helped a bit.