Originally, this song was a poem written by George Cooper. The music was added later by Stephen Foster. The song interprets the last words of a brave little drummer boy who was fatally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. Lyrics: "For the dear old flag I'll die." Said the wounded drummer boy. "Mother, press your lips to mine; O, bring me peace and joy! 'Tis the last time on the earth; I shall ever see your face, Mother take me to your heart, Let me die in your embrace. For the dear old flag I'll die, Mother, dry your weeping eye; For the honor of our land, And the dear old flag I die." "Do not mourn, my mother dear, Every pang will soon be o'er; For I hear the angel band, Calling from their starry shore; Now I see their banners wave, In the light of perfect day, Thought 'tis hard to part with you. Yet I would not wish to stay." "For the dear old flag I'll die, Mother, dry your weeping eye; For the honor of our land, And the dear old flag I die." "Farewell mother, Death's cold hand, Weights upon my spirit breath Fan my palid cheek and brow. Closer! closer! to your heart, Let me feel that you are by, While my sight is growing dim, For the dear old flag I die." "For the dear old flag I'll die, Mother, dry your weeping eye; For the honor of our land, And the dear old flag I die."
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