On Shiloh's dark and bloody ground,
The dead and wounded lay,
Amongst them was a drummer boy,
Who beat the drum that day.
A wounded soldier held him up,
His drum was by his side;
He clasped his hands then raised his eyes
And prayed before he died.
He clasped his hands then raised his eyes
And prayed before he died.
"Look down upon the battle field
Oh Thou, our heavenly friend !
Have mercy on our sinful souls !"
The soldiers cried "Amen !"
For gathered 'round a little group,
Each brave man knelt and cried;
They listened to the drummer boy,
Who prayed before he died,
They listened to the drummer boy,
Who prayed before he died.
"Oh, Mother", said the dying boy,
"Look down from heaven on me,
Receive me to thy fond embrace,
Oh, take me home to thee !
I've loved my country as my God;
To serve them both I've tried."
He smiled, shook hands -- death seazed the boy
Who prayed before he died,
He smiled, shook hands -- death seazed the boy
Who prayed before he died.
Ye angels 'round the Throne of Grace,
Look down upon the braves,
Who fought and died on Shiloh's plain,
Now slumb'ring in their graves !
How many homes made desolate ?
How many hearts have sighed ?
How many like that drummer boy
Who prayed before they died ?
How many like that drummer boy,
Who prayed before they died ?