Story Behind The Song

A guide at a Brandy Station, a Civil War site, told the tale of hearing a woman singing on the porch and the rocking of a chair but no visitors or other guides were on site. She believed that it was the ghost of a woman who used to watch Confederate soldiers practice for war.

Song Description

A young mother sings to her baby as she rocks on a chair and watches Confederate soldiers prepare for battle in the field of Cullpeper.

Lyrics

The grasses of Culpepper sweeter by far
General Lee brings his men from afar
To fatten the horses and give men their rest
To prepare them for battle lines drawn for this test

So my baby, dear baby, just rest in my arms
We'll watch from the sidelines at peace on this farm
While the grasses of Cullpeper wave in the breeze
My baby, dear baby, go gently to sleep

And as the train rolls by your window at night
You'll dream all the dreams of a young girl's delight
You'll dream of a boy who will come to this farm
who'll walk in the moonlight with you on his arm

So my baby, dear baby, just rest in my arms
We'll watch from the sidelines at peace on this farm
While the grasses of Cullpeper wave in the breeze
My baby, dear baby, go gently to sleep

The sound of the thunder of musket and gun
In only a moment this war will be done
And young men will wander on back to their homes
With glorious tales of the battles they've won

So my baby, dear baby, just rest in my arms
We'll watch from the sidelines at peace on this farm
While the grasses of Cullpeper wave in the breeze
My baby, dear baby, go gently to sleep