Title: American Old Time Song Lyrics
Subject: Traditional & Folk Music
Author: www.traditionalmusic.co.uk
Keywords: Old time music, American, oldtimey, bluegrass

The Tennessee Boys - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
THE TENNESSEE BOYS. 
Oh, Tennessee boys, I tell you Our fate is awful but 'tis true, The North and South once wore a yoke, But now the tie is forever broke. 
It was in the year of sixty-one Those bloody battles first begun, So you, the boys of Tennessee, Into action soon must be. 
But, oh, my boys, to see you start, Leaving behind many a broken heart, Leaving your wives and sweethearts dear, Filled with grief and many a tear. 
Your country called, and with might and main You bravely marched through mud and rain; From your good homes you were debarred Many a cold night while standing guard. 
But, alas! alas! my boys, we learn The scale with you was forced to turn, For on Thursday morn at break of day Our orders to march away. 
To the battle-field you did fly, Where many a noble and brave did die; There, stained with blood, did gain a name For lofty courage and goodly fame. 
We fought them bravely till Saturday night, And had the Yankees put to flight, But, alas! the North it sent a shower Which did our army overpower. 
The flag of surrender soon came up, Which was to you a bitter cup, And then you heard your general say, Lay down your arms, they have gained the day. 
There on the banks of Cumberland Lay the bodies of ten thousand men; Many of them quite helplessly, While some from wounds were doomed to die. 
Oh, may the God of heaven above Look down on all you in love, And send you back to those you adore, To live in peace forevermore.