Historical Context
The Civil War remains musically unique in American history, producing more popular songs than any other war to date.
Civil War songs covered a wide range of topics and served different purposed. In the military, songs were used to provide signals, commemorate specific generals or battles, boost morale and alleviate boredom. In the civilian world the songs had the effect of garnering support for troops and the war effort as well as rallying new recruits to join the army.
Songs also expressed the widespread emotions caused by the war, always with an undercurrent of patriotism to the cause. Songs covered such topics as notable battles and commanding officers, the travails of a soldier's life and his conflicting wants for home, the glory of the battlefield, the feelings of those left at home mourning the loss of a soldier, and the noble cause of emancipation of slaves. Many Civil War songs were set to the tunes of popular songs with words either modified or an entirely new set of lyrics; the tunes include church hymns, negro spirituals, and folk songs.