THE DYING SOLDIER - Copper Family
         
The battle it was over and the stars did brightly shine
The moon shone o'er the dying and the dead
And not a sound was heard
Save the scream of some wild bird
As it fluttered round the dying soldier's head
And on that spot there lay one
Who'd nobly fought that day
His comrade true to him was standing near
And with an anguished sigh
To his comrade gently cried
And with his hand he wiped away a tear.
Chorus:
Then he whispered goodbye to his comrade so dear
His head upon his knapsack gently laid
If you live to get home you can tell them I am gone
I'm lying in a British solder's grave.

Oh don't you remember that dear old oak tree
With my knife I cut my name out in the bark
And early in the morn I have reaped the golden corn
And listened to the warbling of the lark
That dear old shady spot it shall never be forgot
For 'twas there I used to meet the girl I love
Tell her not to cry for I'll meet her bye and bye
In a bright and a better land above.

Tell my aged mother that she's not to weep for me
For in the battle I took a noble part
Break it gently to her all the news my comrade dear
I feel that it will almost break her heart
Tell my sister too I have kept the gift so dear
In parting which she fondly gave to me
Although I still possess it I have stained with my life's blood
This dear locket was a parting gift to me.

I feel that I am dying and my breath is going fast
Just raise me up once more that I might see
The moon that give us light
And the watch-fires burning bright
And my comrades as happy as can be
There now goodbye he cried he then fell back and died
Beloved by all so noble and so brave
And early the next day he beneath the turf did lay
In a rude but a British soldier's grave.