Lyr Req: The Big Battle (Johnny Cash)

Subject: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 06 May 02 - 01:00 PM

Many years ago Johnny Cash recorded a song that was called, I believe, The Battle,,It began; I see sir the battle is over and the Young soldier lay down his gun. Can anyone tell me the lyrics or on what LP , CD I can find it ? Thanks in advance

Geordie

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BIG BATTLE (Johnny Cash)
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 May 02 - 01:09 PM

THE BIG BATTLE
Words and music by Johnny Cash
As recorded by Johnny Cash on "Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash" (1963)

“I think, sir, the battle is over,” and the young soldier lay down his gun.
“I’m tired of running for cover. I’m certain the battle is done.
For see over there where we fought them, it’s quiet for they’ve all gone away.
All left is the dead and the dying, the blue lying ‘longside the gray.”

“So you think the battle is over, and you even lay down your gun.
You carelessly rise from your cover, for you think the battle is done.
Now, boy, hit the dirt; listen to me, for I’m still the one in command.
Get flat on the ground here beside me, and lay your ear hard to the sand.

“Can you hear the deafening rumble? Can you feel the trembling ground?
It’s not just the horses and wagons that make such a deafening sound.
For ev'ry shot fired had an echo, and every man killed wanted life.
There lies your friend Jim McKenny. Can you take the news to his wife?

“No, son, the battle’s not over. The battle has only begun.
The rest of the battle will cover the part that has blackened the sun.
The fight yet to come's not with cannon, nor will the fight be hand to hand.
No one will regroup the forces. No charge will a general command.

“The battle will rage in the bosom of mother and sweetheart and wife.
Brother and sister and daughter will grieve for the rest of their life.
Now, go ahead; rise from your cover. Be thankful that God let you live.
Go fight the rest of the battle for those who gave all they could give.”

“I see, sir. The battle’s not over. The battle has only begun.
The rest of the battle will cover this part that has blackened the sun.
For though there’s no sound of the cannon, and though there’s no smoke in the sky,
I’m droppin' the gun and the saber and ready for battle am I.”

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: 53
Date: 06 May 02 - 01:10 PM

I believe that this song was on his Folsum Prison album or the Live at San Quentin album. Hope that this helps. Bob

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 06 May 02 - 01:15 PM

Thank you both very much.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 May 02 - 02:21 PM

Thanks, Sorcha. The Battle is over is on Cowpie, but it is one that you can't print directly.
John Denver wrote "And You Say That The Battle Is Over" about whaling.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 06 May 02 - 02:27 PM

Could it have been on that wonderful album called Ris\de this Train ?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: GUEST, NOMADman
Date: 06 May 02 - 03:46 PM

It was titled "The Big Battle" and it was on Johnny's 1963 LP "Ring of Fire" which I believe is now available on CD.

Regards
John

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnny Cash Song..The Battle
From: 53
Date: 06 May 02 - 08:19 PM

You can learn something every day on mudcat.