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'.
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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


Words and music by Jim Ringer with additional final stanza by Mary McCaslin.
© Mary McCaslin Music.

Source: Mary McCaslin 'Better Late Than Never' Mary McCaslin Music MMM001.

--Stewie.