Wearing of the Gray

Song Wearing of the Gray
Artist Bobby Horton
Album Homespun Songs of the C. S. A., Volume 3

Lyrics

[00:13.150] The fearful struggle's ended now and peace smiles on our land,
[00:18.590] And though we've yielded we have proved ourselves a faithful band.
[00:23.792] We fought them long, we fought them well, we fought them night and day,
[00:29.689] And bravely struggled for our rights while wearing of the gray.
[00:34.828] And now that we have ceased to fight and pledged our sacred word,
[00:40.409] That we against the Union's might no more will draw the sword,
[00:47.260] We feel despite the sneers of those who never smelt the fray,
[00:52.883] That we've a manly, honest right to wearing of the gray.
[01:09.173] Our cause is lost the more we fight 'gainst o'erwhelming power,
[01:14.983] All wearied are our limbs and drenched with many a battle shower.
[01:20.060] We feign we rest for want of strength in yielding up the day,
[01:25.850] And lower the flag so proudly born while wearing of the gray.
[01:31.160] Defeat is not dishonor, nor our honor not bereft,
[01:36.700] We thank God that in our hearts this priceless boon was left.
[01:43.519] And though we weep just for those braves who stood in proud array,
[01:49.119] Beneath our flag and nobly died while wearing of the gray.
[02:05.540] When in the ranks of war we stood and faced the deadly hail,
[02:11.306] Our simple suits of gray composed our only coats of mail.
[02:16.440] And on the awful hours that marked the bloody battle day,
[02:22.200] In memories we'll still be seen wearing of the gray.
[02:27.440] Oh! should we reach that glorious place where waits a sparklin' crown,
[02:33.150] For everyone who for the right his soldier life lay down.
[02:39.910] God grant to us the privilege upon that happy day,
[02:45.510] Of claspin' hands with those who fell while wearing of the gray.