Elsewhere on the Mudcat is a discussion of a song about two brothers going off to the American civil war, one in blue and one in gray. That song was by Irving Gordon.

I looked at the tune in the DT, and I believe that that is the most unsingable traditional tune I have ever encountered. In addition to being difficult, it is uninteresting, so it's a lot of work but not worth it. Your opinion may vary.

In 1964 or 65, I learned a very similar song in my college dorm. I don't know who wrote it. The tune is very short, only 8 measures. I've written it down, added some very simple chords and composed a descant which can be played on whistle or soprano recorder. This way, you can add interest during instrumental breaks.

I'm going to copy the lyrics in another post and send the MIDI to Joe for posting. Keep an eye out for it, because Joe might be out doing a rain dance.

If some kind soul would convert the MIDI to ABC and post that here, that would be very nice.