Cruel War

from the US civil war

1. The cruel war is raging,
Johnny has to fight.
I long to be with him
From morning 'till night.
I want to be with him,
It grieves my heart so
Won't you let me come with you?
No, my love, no.
2. Tomorrow is Sunday,
Monday is the day
That your captain will call
You and you must obey
Your captain will call you,
It grieves my heart so
Won't you let me come with you?
No, my love, no.
3. I'll tie back my hair,
Men's clothing I'll put on.
I'll pass for your comrade
As we march along.
I'll pass for your comrade,
No one will ever know
Won't you let me come with you?
No, my love, no.
4. Oh Johnny, oh Johnny,
I feel you are unkind
I love you far better
Than all of mankind
I love you far better
Than words can e'er express
Won't you let me come with you?
Yes, my love, yes.

5. They marched into battle,
She never left his side
'Til a bullet shell struck her
And love was denied.
A bullet shell struck her,
Tears came to Johnny's eyes
As he knelt down beside her,
She silently died.