Songs of the South

The music of the War Between the States is fascinating and reveals much of the hearts of Southerners. Here are the words of a song written by Captain G.W. Alexander. This song was made popular in the play The Virginia Cavalier, an 1864 hit in the Richmond theater and sung by Miss Sallie at the Richmond New Theatre.  It was also recorded by Kathy Mattew some time ago.

Southern Soldier Boy

Bob Roebuck is my sweetheart’s name,
He’s off to the wars and gone;
He’s fighting for his Nanny dear,
His sword is buckled on,
He’s fighting for his own true love;
His foes he does defy;
He is the darling of my heart,
My Southern soldier boy.

When Bob comes home from war’s alarms,
We’ll start anew in life;
I’ll give myself right up to him,
A dutiful, loving wife.
I’ll try my best to please my dear,
For he is my only joy,
He is the darling of my heart,
My Southern soldier boy.

Oh, if in battle he were slain,
I know that I would die,
But I am sure he’ll come again
To cheer my weeping eye.
But should he fall in this our glorious cause,
He still would be my joy,
For many a sweetheart mourns the loss
Of her Southern soldier boy.

I hope for the best, and so do all
Whose hopes are in the field;
I know that we shall win the day
For Southrons never yield.
And when we think of those who are away,
We look above for joy,
And I’m mighty glad that my Bobby is
A Southern soldier boy.

Book Signing News:

Today, I leave for California. I’ll also have a signing today before I leave from 4-6 PM at Hudson News in the United Terminal.