The Soldier's Wife - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
THE SOLDIER'S WIFE. Written by Lieutenant Colonel Addison. Composed by George Barker. 
Oh, read the news, the old man cried, my eyes with tears are dim, My only son is in the wars, oh, read, oh, rend of him; Has he survived the fatal strife, or died upon that field, I know he'd rather lose his life than e" er to hundreds yield. Oh, rend the news, the old man cried, my eyes with tears are dim, My only son is in the wars, oh, read, oh, read of him. 
Alas! he loved a maiden high, he sought her for his pride. And though she loved-her parents still forbade the match from pride. They drove my son to seek for wealth, each hardship to endure. To lose his life or risk his health, because that he was poor. then read the news, the old man cried, my eyes with tears grow dim. My only son is In the wars, then read, oh, read of him. 
But, ah! what joy now lights his brow, that son again returned. The meed of merit on his breast, bright laurels he has earned; And now within the church he stands, he waits his father there, While all allow he won his bride, the brave deserve the fair. ' And now within the church he stands, he waits his father there, While all allow he won his bride, the brave deserve the fair.