The Soldier's Grave

These are the lyrics to one of the songs on my new CD, "Homespun Songs of the C.S.A Volume 3." This is one of my few favorite songs ever.

O stranger, tread lightly, 'tis holy ground here.
In death's cold embrace the soldier sleepeth here;
On the red field of battle my brave comrade died,
And his last smile I caught as I knelt by his side.
Yes, his lips wore a smile, and he feared not to die,
And his ear caught the shout as it rose to the sky:
"The vict'ry is ours!" his comrades cried,
"Thank God," said the soldier, as smiling, he died.

With hearts full of grief we stood 'round his bier,
And each soldier's eye was moist with a tear;
And with sad solemn steps we marched to his grave
And o'er our brave brother our flag we did wave.
Yes slowly and sadly we waved a farewell,
Though his spirit already in heavenly realms did dwell;
But his body we tearfully lowered 'neath there,
And the heart of the soldier did send for a prayer.

May God help his mother the sad blow to bear,
May God help the widow of him who lies 'neath here;
May he guard the orphans whose little hearts grieve,
That thus no more a father's fond kiss shall recieve.
Then stranger, tread lightly, 'tis holy ground here,
In death's cold embrace the soldier sleepeth there;
Tis the grave of the hero 'neath the grass covered sod.
His spirit's in Heaven, at home with his God.