Battle of the Bands

Murfreesboro, Tennesee, December, '62
The night before another fight, the grey and the blue
Resting, writing letters to loved ones far away
As the dark was falling their bands began to play

Ch. 1: They played “Maryland, My Maryland” and The Battle Cry Of Freedom”
“Cumberland Gap” and “The Bonnie Blue Flag,” there were 700 yards between them
“The Yellow Rose Of Texas” and “The New York Volunteer”
Songs to lift men's spirits high as death was drawing near

They were trying to drown each other out with bugle, drum and fife
High and loud, fast and proud, playing for their lives
But as midnight was approaching, and the hours dragged along
The bands were slowing down into a different kind of song

Ch. 2: They played “Hard Times Come Again No More” and the days of “Auld Lang Syne”
Slowly men began to sing, one voice at a time
And when the bands joined in together in a final “Home Sweet Home”
Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, both sides sang along

Tag: When the bands joined in together in a final “Home Sweet Home”
Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, both sides sang along
Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, every soldier sang along