The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #104893 Message #2152594
Posted By: Kevin Rietmann
19-Sep-07 - 09:14 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Battle of Antietam Creek
Subject: Lyr Add: BATTLE OF ANTIETAM CREEK (Warde Ford)
Dunno if this is transcribed in the CD Songs & Ballads Of American History & Of The Assassination Of Presidents, which I haven't picked up a copy of yet.
Battle Of Antietam Creek Sung by Warde Ford Recorded by Sidney Robertson Cowell in Central Valley, California on September 4, 1939.
Was on the field of Antietam Where many the soldier fell It's where occurred the story Which now to you I'll tell. The dead lay all around me We all together lay For we had had a fearful fight Upon the field that day.
And as I lay there musing Upon the damp cold ground My knapsack for a pillow My blanket wrapped around; And as I lay there musing I heard a bitter cry It was "Lord Jesus save me, And take me home to die."
I was the eldest brother Just three years ago I left my home and kindred For the state of Ohio. Finding any other work To which I might apply I bound myself apprentice My fortune to try.
I did not like my master He did not use me well I fixed a resolution Not long with him to dwell; And with this resolution From him I ran away I started then for New Orleans And cursed be the day.
It was then I was conscripted And sent into the field Not having any other hope But I must die or yield. So with many another boy I marched away that night And this has been the tenth time That I have been in fight.
I thought the boy who shot me Had a familiar face But in the battle's fury Twas difficult to trace. I thought it was my brother Jay If him I could but see I'd kiss him and forgive him And lay me down and die.
I quickly ran unto him And heard his story 'oer It was my long last brother Who lay weltering in his gore; As I spoke of our loved ones left behind And soothed his fevered brow He whispered "My dear brother I can die happy now."
Then quickly as a slumbering babe His fluttering eyelids closed I saw him sink with shortening breath To death's long last repose; And with many a tear and sad farewell I scooped a narrow grave And there he sleeps beneath the sod By Antietam's rippling waves.