THE FADED COAT OF BLUE
by J.H. McNaughton

My brave lad sleeps in his faded coat of blue.
   In a lonely grave unknown lies the heart that beat so true.
He sank faint and hungry among the famished brave,
   And they laid him sad and lonely within his nameless grave.

CHORUS:  No more the bugle calls the weary one.
   Rest, noble spirit, in thy grave unknown.
I'll find you and know you among the good and true
   When a robe of white is given for the faded coat of blue.

He cried, "Give me water and just a little crumb,
   And my mother she will bless you for all the years to come.
Please tell me sweet sister so gentle, good, and true
   That I'll meet her up in heaven in my faded coat of blue."--CHORUS

Long, long years have passed, and though he comes no more,
   Yet my heart will startling beat with each footfall at my door.
I gaze o'er the hill where he waved his last adieu,
   But no gallant lad I see in his faded coat of blue.--CHORUS

Songs of the Union