For The Dear Old Flag, I Die
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For The Dear Old Flag, I Die is a U.S. Civil War song. It was originally a poem written by George Cooper. The music by Stephen Foster was later added in. The song interprets the last words of a brave little drummer boy who was fatally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Verse 1
- For the dear old Flag I die,
- Said the wounded drummer boy;
- Mother, press your lips to mine;
- O, they bring me peace and joy!
- 'Tis the last time on earth
- I shall ever see your face
- Mother take me to your heart,
- Let me die in your embrace.
(Chorus)
- For the dear old Flag I die,
- Mother, dry your weeping eye;
- For the honor of our land
- And the dear old Flag I die,
Verse 2
- Do not mourn, my mother, dear,
- Every pang will soon be o'er;
- For I hear the angel band
- Calling from their starry shore;
- Now I see their banners wave
- In the light of perfect day,
- though 'tis hard to part with you,
- Yet I would not wish to stay.
(Chorus)
- For the dear old Flag I die,
- Mother, dry your weeping eye;
- For the honor of our land
- And the dear old Flag I die.
Verse 3
- Farewell mother, Death's cold hand
- Weighs upon my spirit now,
- And I feel his blighting breath
- Fan my pallid cheek and brow.
- Closer! closer! to your heart,
- Let me feel that you are by,
- While my sight is growing dim,
- For the dear old Flag I die.
(Chorus)
- For the dear old Flag I die,
- Mother, dry your weeping eye;
- For the honor of our land
- And the dear old Flag I die.
