Dear Old Flag (from "Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War" compilation)

For the dear old flag I die
Said the wounded drummer boy
Mother, press your lips to mine
O, they bring me peace and joy

'Tis the last time on earth
I shall ever see your face
Mother take me to your heart
Let me die in your embrace

For the dear old flag I die
Mother, dry your weeping eye
For the honor of our land
And the dear old Flag I die

Do not mourn, my mother, dear
Every pang will soon be o'er
For I hear the angel band
Calling from their starry shore

Now I see their banners wave
In the light of perfect day
Though 'tis hard to part with you
Yet I would not wish to stay

For the dear old flag I die
Mother, dry your weeping eye
For the honor of our land
And the dear old flag I die

Farewell, mother, death's cold hand
Weighs upon my spirit now
And I feel his blighting breath
Fan my pallid cheek and brow

Closer, closer to your heart
Let me feel that you are by
While my sight is growing dim
For the dear old flag I die

For the dear old flag I die
Mother, dry your weeping eye
For the honor of our land
And the dear old flag I die

For the honor of our land
And the dear old flag I die