Story Behind The Song
The paths around the graves at Gettysburg have lines to a poem by Theodore O'Hara on bronze signs. As I wandered reading the signs, the music for those words was written in my head and transcribed when I arrived home.
Song Description
This poem was written by Theodore O'Hare in 1847 using campground metaphors to honor soldiers killed in battle .
| Song Length |
2:37 |
Genre |
Folk - Traditional, Folk - Americana |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Nonviolent, Peaceful |
Subject |
War, Hero |
| Similar Artists |
Judy Collins |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1800 - 1899 |
| |
Lyrics
"THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD"
poem by Theodore O'Hara, 1847
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat the soldier's last Tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet that brave and fallen few.
On Fame's eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round the bivouac of the dead.
No rumour of the foe's advance now swells upon the wind;
No troubled thought at midnight haunts of loved ones left behind.
No vision of the morrow's strife the warrior's dream alarms;
No braying horn, nor screaming fife, at dawn shall call to arms.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead, dear as the blood ye gave,
No impious footstep here shall tread the grasses of your grave.
Nor shall your glory be forgot while fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot where valor proudly sleeps.
On Fame's eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round the bivouac of the dead.