Story Behind The Song

1865. The surrender of General Robert E. Lee at the courthouse of Appomattox. Lee's vision of the future for The South.

Lyrics

oh my general what do you see
the surrender's been signed, Grant's taken his leave
tears fall from dark Piedmont skies
where will you ride to

Blue & Gray lie side by side
flags fly low in the breeze
we've suffered this great divide
can this moment melt what hatred did freeze

as brute force retires
keen minds will ascend
and books and not barracks
will order young men

i'm weary of leading brave boys
on paths to their death
i've sworn to uphold this bitter peace
i will til the last of my breath

I can see columns aglow on the hill
I see great purpose to rise
a chapel of rspite a beacon of light
a south risen up from this Chapter Of Night

when jonny comes marching home again hurrah
when jonny comes marching home again hurrah
all the men will cheer and the boys will shout
the ladies will all turn out
we'll all feel gay when jonny comes marching home

as my general walks out the door
his sabre is asleep on the courthouse floor
Richmond is fine indeed
Traveller waits, his trusy old steed