For The Dear Old Flag, I Die is a U.S. Civil War song. It was originally a poem written by George Cooper. The music by Stephen Foster was later added in. The song interprets the last words of a brave little drummer boy who was fatally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the northern states, popularly referred to as the U.S., the Union, the North, or the Yankees; and the seceding southern states, commonly referred to as the Confederate States of America, the CSA, the Confederacy... Stephen Collins Foster (Born in Pittsburgh on July 4, 1826, died on January 13, 1864) was the pre-eminent songwriter in the United States of his era. ... Main article: Gettysburg Campaign The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863), fought in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of the Gettysburg Campaign, was the largest battle ever fought in North America, and is generally considered to be the turning point of the American Civil War. ...

1. For the dear old Flag I die,

 Said the wounded drummer boy; Mother, press your lips to mine; O, they bring me peace and joy! 'Tis the last time on earth I shall ever see your face Mother take me to your heart, Let me die in your embrace. 

(Chorus) For the dear old Flag I die, Mother, dry your weeping eye; For the honor of our land And the dear old Flag I die,

2. 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, though 'tis hard to part with you, Yet I would not wish to stay. 

(Chorus) For the dear old Flag I die, Mother, dry your weeping eye; For the honor of our land And the dear old Flag I die.

3. Farewell mother, Death's cold hand

 Weighs upon my spirit now, And I feel his blighting breath Fan my pallid 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. 

(Chorus) For the dear old Flag I die, Mother, dry your weeping eye; For the honor of our land And the dear old Flag I die.