Sweet Was My Rose

1. On the day that I recall
Was a bright and sunny dawn
And we hadn't seen a yankee
Since a week before the summer storm.

So, mother said to sister Rose
I guess, it's safe to take a horse
Get out and try to find your Dad and Uncle Ben
Though I protested, she said
Hush your mouth! Your sister's going! You're too young!
She rode out and I never saw my sister Rose again.

[Chorus:]
Sweet was my Rose in the light of the rising sun
Never forget her, gave her life for everyone
Sweet was my Rose in the light of the rising sun
Never forget her, gave her life for everyone.

2. Well, as I hear tell that fateful morn'
She rode to Shannon Creek
To make enquiries after Pa and uncle Ben
And from there she rode to Shannon Valley and from afar
She saw Pa and uncle Ben looked less alive than dead!

There was Pa with his arms awaving to warn her
But too late them damn yankees caught her
Rose was shouting: Get out Pa and save your own skin
Well, Rose, she was never seen again
And Pa's made up a kinda headstone 'round the back of the house
I took it upon myself to carve this inscription.