When the roses bloom again beside the river,

voiceSung by Mrs. J. A. Pratt Collected by Ellen G. Ledbetter Quinton, Okla. For M. C. Parler June 25, 1960 Reel 385, Item 5 THE SOLDIER BOYS FAREWELL They were strolling in the gloaming Where the roses were a-blooming Just a soldier and his sweetheart staunch and true, And their hearts were filled with sorrow As their thoughts were of morrow As she pinned a rose upon his coat of blue. Bo not let your heart be sighing If I'm not among the dying, I'll be with you when the roses bloom again. Chorus When the roses bloom again beside the river, And when robin redbreast sings his sweet refrain And in the days of old Exzine I'll be with you When the roses bloom again. Kid the rattle of the battle came a whisper soft and low For a soldier boy had fallen in the fray, I am dying, Captain, Dying, and I know I must go But I want your promise ere I pass away, There's a far and distant river where the roses bloom so fair, There's a maiden waiting for me all in vain. And it's there I have you take me I've been faithful, don't forsake me, I must be there when the roses bloom again. ChorusFunding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation