Judy Cook, Folksinger

Skedaddling Song

As Sung By Judy Cook

Skedaddling Song
Eugene T. Johnson



Just before the battle, Mother, I was drinking mountain dew
But when I saw the Rebels marching, unto the rear I quickly flew
Where all the stragglers were flying, thinking of their homes or wives.
It was not the Rebs they feared, dear Mother, but their own dear precious lives.

Then Farewll! Mother, you will never
See my name among the slain
For, if I only can skedaddle,
Dear Mother, I?ll come home again.

I have no thirst for martial glory. Fame and honor?s all my eye.
I?d rather be a home guard private, that a Brigadier ?come home to die.?
Salt horse and crackers, dearest Mother, are not the things to make one brave
And I assure you, I have no ambition to fill an early honored grave.

Then Farewll! Mother, you will never
See my name among the slain
For, if I only can skedaddle,
Dear Mother, I?ll come home again.

I hear the bugle sounding, Mother; (My soul is eager for the fray.)
I guess I?ll hide beneath some cover, and then I will be all O.K.
Discretion?s the better part of valor, at least, I?ve often heard you say.
And he that loves his life, dear Mother, won?t fight if he can run away.

Then Farewll! Mother, you will never
See my name among the slain
For, if I only can skedaddle,
Dear Mother, I?ll come home again.