The Dying Soldier Sung by Bob and John Copper on the Song for Every Season LP.
The battle it was over and the stars did brightly shine
The moon shone o'er the dying and the dead
And not a sound was heard save the scream of some wild bird
As it fluttered round the dying soldier's head
And on that spot there lay one who'd nobly fought that day
His comrade true to him was standing near
And with an anguished sigh to his comrade gently cried
And with his hand he wiped away a tearThen he whispered goodbye to his comrade so dearOh don't you remember that dear old oak tree
His head upon his knapsack gently laid
If you live to get home you can tell them I am gone
I'm lying in a British solder's grave
With my knife I cut my name out in the bark
And early in the morn I have reaped the golden corn
And listened to the warbling of the lark
That dear old shady spot it shall never be forgot
For 'twas there I used to meet the girl I love
Tell her not to cry for I'll meet her bye and bye
In a bright and a better land aboveThen he whispered etc.
Tell my aged mother that she's not to weep for me
For in the battle I took a noble part
Break it gently to her all the news my comrade dear
I feel that it will almost break her heart
Tell my sister too I have kept the gift so dear
In parting which she fondly gave to me
Although I still possess it I have stained with my life's blood
This dear locket was a parting gift to meThen he whispered etc.
I feel that I am dying and my breath is going fast
Just raise me up once more that I might see
The moon that give us light and the watch-fires burning bright
And my comrades as happy as can be
There now goodbye he cried he then fell back and died
Beloved by all so noble and so brave
And early the next day he beneath the turf did lay
In a rude but a British soldier's graveThen he whispered etc.
Coppersite
New: 1 December 2000 | Now: 1 December 2000 | Garry Gillard