Rousing Songs and True Tales of the Civil War

The tragic story of the Civil War is best told through its songs. For soldiers in both armies, music played a vital role in uplifting morale, rallying patriotism, banishing loneliness, fighting homesickness and raising spirits. Although instrumental music was linked to almost every step the soldier made, it was the songs that mattered most. Sung by both soldiers and by those who stayed behind, it was the songs that truly expressed the emotions, fired the patriotism, and filled the emptiness felt by leaving loved ones at home and facing death at every turn. This book presents 21 Civil War songs in leadsheet format with historical notes for each tune. Period photographs, etchings, playbills and amusing anecdotes are combined with melodies and complete lyrics to create this engaging collection.