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Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother Lyrics by Steve Earle, Dirk Powell

Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War

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Just before the battle, Mother
I am thinking most of you
While upon the field we're watching
With the enemy in view
Comrades brave are 'round me lying
Filled with thoughts of home and God
For well they know that on the morrow
Some will sleep beneath the sod
Farewell, Mother, you may never
Press me to your heart again
But oh, you'll not forget me, Mother
If I'm numbered with the slain
Just before the battle, Mother
I was drinking Mountain Dew
When I saw the rebels marching
To the rear I quickly flew
Where the stragglers were a-flying
Thinking of their homes and wives
'Twas not the Rebs we feared, dear mother
But for our own sweet precious lives
Fear not, Mother, for you'll never
See my name among the slain
For if I only can skedaddle
Mother, I'll come home again
Hark, I hear the bugles sounding, '
'Tis the signal for the fight
Now may God protect us, Mother
As He ever does the right
Discretion's the better part of valor
'Least that's what I heard you say
And he who loves his life, dear Mother
Won't fight when he can run away
Oh Mother, may you never
See my name among the slain
And I'll lay down my gun forever
And hurry home to you again
Credits
Steve Earle

Steve Earle

Dirk Powell

Dirk Powell

About “Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother” by Steve Earle

Read the complete lyrics to "Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother" by Steve Earle, Dirk Powell from the album "Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War". On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Country.

"Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother" is performed by Steve Earle, Dirk Powell. from the album "Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War" This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL. Music lyrics help listeners connect with emotion, narrative, and rhythm in a track. Whether you are learning English, researching a favorite chorus, or preparing for karaoke, having accurate line breaks and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge) makes the experience easier. We link to the official artist profile on Lyrks where available, including biography snippets, top songs, and chart placements when we have that data. If you enjoy "Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother", explore more songs by Steve Earle, Dirk Powell using the links below. Chart and trending pages on Lyrks highlight what listeners are searching for this week. For copyright or correction requests, see our DMCA and contact pages.

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Frequently asked questions

"Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother" is credited to Steve Earle, Dirk Powell. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.

"Just Before the Battles, Mother/Farewell, Mother" appears on "Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War".

Visit the Steve Earle, Dirk Powell artist page at /artist/steve-earle for biography, popular tracks, and links to more lyric pages.