| [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. |