Dear Mother, I've Come Home To Die

Dear mother, I remember well
The parting kiss you gave me,
When merry rang the village bell
My heart was full of joy and glee:
I did not dream that one short year
Would crush the hopes that soared so high!
Oh, mother dear, draw near to me!
Dear mother, I've come home to die.

Chorus--Call sister, brother to my side,
And take your soldier's last good-by.
Oh, mother dear, draw near to me!
Dear mother, I've come home to die.

Hark! mother, 'tis the village bell;
I can no longer with the stay;
My country calls to arms! to arms!
The foe advance in fierce array!
The vision's past-I feel that now
For country I can only sigh.
Oh, mother dear, draw near to me!
Dear mother, I've come home to die.

Dear mother, sister, brother, all,
One parting kiss- to all good-by:
Weep not, but clasp your hand in mine,
And let me like a soldier die!
I've met the foe upon the field,
Where hosts contending scorned to fly;
I fought for right-God bless you all!
Dear mother, I've come home to die.

by E. Bowers.