Music of the War

During the Civil War singing was one of the soldiers' favorite ways to pass time. Scores of songs were composed during the war and sung throughout the armies and at home.

Many were inspirational marching tunes meant to keep soldiers' morale high, while others were sad sentimental songs that were sung when thinking of home or loved ones.

Sometimes, if soldiers liked a tune they heard the enemy singing, they would write their own lyrics to the song and sing it themselves. For this reason, many Civil War songs have at least two versions.

• Civil War Band Music: The American Brass Band Movement  
• Band Instruments
• Songs Of The Irish

• When Sherman Marched Down to the Sea
• Battle Hymn of the Republic
• When Johny Comes Marching Home
• Dixie
• Bonnie Blue Flag
• Just Before The Battle Mother
• The Battle Cry of Freedom
• Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! or "The Prisoner's Hope"
• Lorena