Digital Tradition Mirror

This notation is pretty simple; dark circles mean covered holes; empty circles mean uncovered holes; a '+' below means to blow harder to get the upper octave; a '#' below means this note is too low for the whistle chosen and you'll have to fake it :) The author of this program always plays accidentals by closing holes, so you'll never see half-covered holes.

When I was starting, I found notation like this to be very helpful, and I know plenty of people who have trouble reading music who find this notation easier. Good luck!

Just Before the Battle, Mother]

(C whistle)

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
(Choose a whistle key: A B C D E F G Ab Bb Cb Db Eb Fb Gb A# B# C# D# E# F# G#)
Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Just Before the Battle, Mother]
(George F. Root)

Just before the battle, mother,
I am thinking most of you,
While upon the field we're watching
With the enemy in view.
     Comrades brave are 'round me lying,
     Filled with thoughts of home and God
     For well they know that on the morrow,
     Some will sleep beneath the sod.

cho:
     Farewell, mother, you may never
     Press me to your breast again;
     But, Oh, you'll not forget me, mother;
     If I'm numbered with the slain.

Oh, I long to see you, mother,
And the loving ones at home.
But I'll never leave the banner
Till in honor I can come.
     Tell the traitors all around you,
     That the cruel words we know,
     In every battle kill our soldiers
     By the help they give the foe.

cho:

Hark! I hear the bugles sounding,
'Tis the signal for the fight.
Now may God protect us, mother,
As He ever does the right.
Hear "The Battle Cry of Freedom,"
How it swells upon the air,
Oh yes, we'll rally 'round the standard
Or we'll perish nobly there.

cho:
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!