Here is a fine song composed by Jim Ringer, but not recorded by him. Mary McCaslin found a copy of the lyrics a few years after his death and started singing it. It soon became obvious to her that it needed more of an ending, so she added a final stanza. She recorded it on her latest album 'Better Late Than Never'. ^^ SABRES AND GUNS (J. Ringer/M. McCaslin)
Turn in your saddle and look back at home one more time Quiet her fears with a few words that come to your mind 'Keep supper warm', you lied your brave lie when she asked 'We'll end it this evening if the Yankees don't run too damn fast'
Stop by the well, smell the sweet scent of magnolia trees Take a cool drink of water and a last look at all that you leave Your graceful white mansions, acres of fields and green lawns Will be ashes and ragweed gone to seed, by the time you return
Off to the war - oh just look at your hardware With the brass shining gold in the sun Ah, but don't you feel strong in your grey uniforms With your shiny new sabres and guns
Wait on the hill where the road forks to go into town To be joined by another and another, till a hundred ride down Ride on together, form a column of soldiers so bold Ah but the pride of the South is a grand thing indeed to behold
Charge into battle with the flame of youth hot in your breast An army of children trying hard to be men in the test And which of your friends will stand brave and strong in the fight And which of your friends will be left in the cold ground tonight
Off to the war - oh just look at your hardware With the brass shining gold in the sun Ah, but don't you feel strong in your grey uniforms With your shiny new sabres and guns
It's all over now, there's no place to go but back home To face all your loved ones and the people that you once did own Plantation kingdoms passed down from fathers to sons Could not be defended with your shiny new sabres and guns Could not be defended with your shing new sabres and guns