Historic Sheet Music Collection

Authors

Alice Hawthorne

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1863

Comments

Yes, I Would The War Were Over

Answer to “When This Cruel War Is Over”

Words and Music by Alice Hawthorne

Philadelphia: Winner & Co. (1863)

Some of these resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the library or the institution.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Yes, I would the war were over,
Would the cruel work were done;
With my country undivided,
And the battle fought and won.
Let the contest new before us,
Be decided by the sword,
For the war cannot be ended
Till the Union is restor’d.

[Chorus]
Yes, I would the war were over,
Would the cruel work were done;
With my country still united
And the many states in one.

[Verse 2]
Dead upon the field of battle,
Husbands, sons and brothers lie;
Friends are waiting wives and mothers,
Looking for them by and bye.
Far away from home forever,
Many a noble boy lies slain;
Look not for thy child fond mother,
Thou shalt see him not again.

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
Yes I would the war were ended,
And the cruel struggle over,
But out flag must be defended,
And our country as before.
Peace indeed, is Heavens blessing,
Though its joys are easy lost,
Still we’ll battle for our nation,
Whatsoever it yet may cost.

[Chorus]

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.