Just Before the Battle, Mother

Just Before the Battle, Mother - Ernest Pike

Just before the battle mother

I am thinking most of you

While upon the fields we're watching

With the enemy in view

Comrades brave are round me lying

Filled with thoughts of home and dear

For well they know that on the morrow

For they know again with dear

Farewell mother you may never

Press me to your heart again

But oh you'll not forget me mother

If I'm numbered with the slain

Hark I hear the bugels sounding

'Tis the signal for the fight

Now may God protect us mother

As he ever does the right

Hear the battle cry of freedom

How it swells up in the air

Oh yes we'll rally round the standard

Or we'll perish nobly there

Farewell mother you may never

Press me to your heart again

But oh you'll not forget me mother

If I'm numbered with the slain