American Old Time Song Lyrics: 61 After The War

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 61

AFTER THE WAR.
Copyright, 1898. by Cat I Fischer.
Words by Marlon Young. Music by Richard Stahl

A widowed mother stands beside her dear and only son,
The call "To arms!" has sounded loud and like a knell has rung
Within the mother's anguished heart, for soon her boy must go,
And by his ship's gun take his stand against the treacherous foe.
With words of hope and comfort he strives her heart to cheer,
Then, kissing her, he bravely cries, "Dear mother, have no fear!"
Your sailor boy will soon return, the battle's cry be o'er.
With glory we 11 come sailing home after the war.

Chorus.
After the war is over some hearts will throb with pain,
Others with joy and gladness to meet loved ones again;
Our heroes will live forever, their deeds are known afar,
Ev'ry tongue sounds their praises after the war.

He takes his place on board the ship, all eager for the fray,
Into the thunderous combat then they sail at break of day.
The boatswain's whistle sounds the call, "Clear ship for action!" 's heard;
The boy steps bravely to his gun and no one speaks a word.
But calmly he stands waiting for the brief and quick command.
His only thought is but to fight for his dear native land.
He hears his mother's nightly prayer amidst the cannons' roar,
"God bring him safely back to me" after the war.-Cho.

Life's tide is ebbing fast away, death claims the widow's son,
His comrades 'round him silent pray and cite his brave deed done.
How, with a shattered, bleeding arm he nobly kept his stand,
And when the foe rushed madly on had fought them hand to hand.
And when one tore his country's hag down from the tall mast-head.
He'd staggered o'er the blood-stained deck and struck the miscreant dead.
That honored flag-unstained and pure shall float forevermore
In triumph o'er that hero's head after the war.

Chorus.
After the war is over and battle-call is done.
Our heroes are returning with honor nobly won,
in freedom's cause their blood was shed, and the flag they adore
Shall wave in triumph forever after the war.