WHILE THE BAND IS PLAYING DIXIE

It was on a day when soldiers write a line to those they loved
To mothers, wives, and sweethearts far away
When a fair-haired boy sat dreaming of a far-off southern town
Of a dark-eyed maid who's waiting day by day.

While the band is playing Dixie, I'm humming "Home Sweet Home"
It takes me back to Georgia though I far across the foam.
Once more beside the river with my Mary dear I roam
While the band is playing Dixie, I'm humming "Home Sweet Home."

[instruments play "Home Sweet Home"]

That night when all were sleeping came the bugle call to arms
With flaming eyes they plunged into the fray
And among the first to give his life up for the land he loved
Was the boy who dreamed of Dixie far away.

While the band is playing Dixie, I'm humming "Home Sweet Home"
It takes me back to Georgia though I far across the foam.
Once more beside the river with my Mary dear I roam
While the band is playing Dixie, I'm humming "Home Sweet Home."

[instruments play "Home Sweet Home"]

They found it in his pocket, a blood-stained little note,
A rifle ball had pierced it through and through.
It began with "Darling Mary if I don't come back again,
Just remember that my last thoughts were of you."

While the band is playing Dixie, I'm humming "Home Sweet Home"
It takes me back to Georgia though I far across the foam.
Once more beside the river with my Mary dear I roam
While the band is playing Dixie, I'm humming "Home Sweet Home."

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home
Be it ever so humble, no place like home.