Written 1863 | Published 1864 Language English | |
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"Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" (also known as Tenting Tonight) was a popular song during the American Civil War. A particular favorite of enlisted men in the Union army, it was written in 1863 by Walter Kittredge and first performed in that year at Old High Rock, Lynn, Massachusetts.
A Methodist camp meeting variant appeared with title "Tenting Again" in 1869, using the same tune but words modified for the religious environment.
Charles Ives later quoted the song in his own political song, "They Are There," changing the lyrics to "Tenting on a new campground"—referring to a worldwide social democracy.
Lyrics
Lyrics from the original sheet music:
We're tenting tonight on the old camp ground,Give us a song to cheerOur weary hearts, a song of homeAnd friends we love so dear.Chorus:Many are the hearts that are weary tonight,Wishing for the war to cease;Many are the hearts looking for the rightTo see the dawn of peace.Tenting tonight, tenting tonight,Tenting on the old camp ground.We've been tenting tonight on the old camp-ground,Thinking of days gone by,Of the loved ones at home that gave us the hand,And the tear that said, "Good-bye!"ChorusThe lone wife kneels and prays with a sighThat God his watch will keepO'er the dear one away and the little dears nigh,In the trundle bed fast asleep.ChorusWe are tenting tonight on the old camp ground.The fires are flickering low.Still are the sleepers that lie around,As the sentinels come and go.ChorusAlas for those comrades of days gone byWhose forms are missed tonight.Alas for the young and true who lieWhere the battle flag braved the fight.ChorusNo more on march or field of strifeShall they lie so tired and worn,No rouse again to hope and lifeWhen the sound of drums beat at morn.ChorusWe are tired of war on the old camp ground,Many are dead and gone,Of the brave and true who've left their homes,Others been wounded long.ChorusWe've been fighting today on the old camp ground,Many are lying near;Some are dead, and some are dying,Many are in tears.Final Chorus:Many are the hearts that are weary tonight,Wishing for the war to cease;Many are the hearts looking for the right,To see the dawn of peace.Dying tonight, dying tonight,Dying on the old camp groundReferences
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