Judy Cook, Folksinger

Brave Boys are They

As Sung By Judy Cook

Heavily falls the rain. Wild are the breezes tonight;
But ‘neath the roof, the hours as they fly are happy, and calm, and bright.
Gathering round our fire-side, tho’ it be summer time,
We sit and talk of brothers abroad, forgetting the midnight chime

Brave boys are they! Gone at their country’s call
And yet, and yet we cannot forget
That many brave boys must fall.

Under the homestead roof, nestled so cozy and warm,
While soldiers sleep, with little or naught to shelter them from the storm.
Resting on grassy couches, pillowed on hillocks damp;
Of martial fare, how little we know ‘till brothers are in the camp.

Brave boys are they! Gone at their country’s call
And yet, and yet we cannot forget
That many brave boys must fall.

Thinking no less of them, loving our country the more,
We sent them forth to fight for the flag their fathers before them bore.
Though the great tear drops started, this was our parting trust,
God bless you boys! We’ll welcome you home when rebels are in the dust.

Brave boys are they! Gone at their country’s call
And yet, and yet we cannot forget
That many brave boys must fall.

May the bright wings of love guard them wherever they roam.
The time has come when brothers must fight, and sisters must pray at home.
Oh! the dread field of battle! Soon to be strewn with graves!
If brothers fall, then bury them where our banner in triumph waves.

Brave boys are they! Gone at their country’s call
And yet, and yet we cannot forget
That many brave boys must fall.