Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 2.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[33]

23. war song. Dedicated to the Kentucky State guard.

Cheer, boys, cheer, we'll march away to battle;
     Cheer, boys, cheer, for our sweethearts and our wives;
Cheer, boys, cheer, we'll nobly do our duty,
     And give to Kentucky our hearts, our arms, our lives.

Bring forth the flag, Kentucky's noble standard;
     Wave it on high till the winds shake each fold out;
Proudly it floats, nobly waving in the vanguard--
     Then cheer, boys, cheer, with a lusty, long, bold shout.
Cheer, boys, cheer, &c.

But though we march with heads all lowly bending,
     Let us implore a blessing from on high,
Our cause is just, the right from wrong defending,
     And the God of Battles will listen to our cry.
Cheer, boys, cheer, &c.

Though to our homes we never may return--
     Ne'er press again our loved ones in our arms,
O'er our lone graves their faithful hearts will mourn;
     Then cheer up, boys, cheer, such death hath no alarms.
Cheer, boys, cheer, &c.