![]() ![]() Henry De Lafayette Webster and the melody by Joseph Philbrick Webster, who also wrote the music to “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.” Although “Lorena” was sung by soldiers on both sides, it was more widely sung by Southern soldiers. The lyrics were written as a poem by Rev. With little else to comfort them, “Lorena” reminded soldiers of the separation they endured through the war’s long years. The melody of “Home! Sweet Home!” was composed by Sir Henry Rowley Bishop, a well known English conductor who has known as “a notable reprobate, home-wrecker and spendthrift.” He died in poverty.Ĭertainly, one of the most popular Civil War songs that preceded the war was “Lorena.” It was written in 1857, long before the war tore soldiers from their wives and sweethearts. He eventually served time in a debtor’s prison. ![]() Far from home and loved ones, it is not all that surprising that the all-time favorite song of both sides was “Home! Sweet Home!” Ironically, of the two men who composed it, one was homeless and the other was known as a “home-wrecker.” The lyrics of “Home! Sweet Home!” were written by John Howard Payne for an opera that was first produced on May 8, 1823. Perhaps the most popular Civil War songs were actually those songs that were old or well known before the war. Sung by soldiers and by those who stayed behind, it was the songs that truly expressed the emotions, fired the patriotism and filled the emptiness felt by leaving loved ones at home and facing death at every turn. But although instrumental music was linked to almost every step the soldiers made, it was often the songs that mattered most. They were awakened in the morning with the first call of the bugle, riveted into step by drums and fifes, serenaded in camp by banjos, fiddles, harmonicas and jew’s harps and even put to sleep by a lone bugler. Music touched practically every aspect of soldiers’ lives. ![]() Lee said “I don’t believe we can have an army without music.” No less an authority than General Robert E. For soldiers on both sides of this conflict, it was the music that helped them carry on. As we approach the 150th or sesquicentennial anniversary of the start of the Civil War, let’s pause to remember an aspect of this tragic period beyond the roar of the cannons and the movement of soldiers across the battlefield. ![]()
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