Teaching American History through the Arts
The Songs

Just Before the Battle, Mother

About the Song

  • No one man made a greater contribution to the music of the Civil War than George Frederick Root.
  • He created stirring, martial music for Union soldiers to sing as they marched into battle (Battle Cry of Freedom), but also sentimental songs such as this one.
  • One of the most widely sung songs of the war, even popular in the South.