I think sir the battle is over and the young soldier laid down his gun
I'm tired of running for cover I'm certain the bottle is done

For see over there where we fought them it's quiet for they've all gone away
All left is the dead and the dying the Blue laying long side the Gray

So you think the battle is over and you even lay down your gun
You carelessly rise from your cover for you think the battle is done

Now boy hit the dirt listen to me for I'm still the one in command
Get flat on the ground here beside me and lay your ear hard to the sand

Can you hear the deafening rumble can you feel the trembling ground
It's not just the horses and wagons that make such a deafening sound

For every shot fired had an echo and every man killed wanted life
There lies your friend Jim McKenney can you take the news to his wife

No son the battle's not over the battle has only begun
The rest of the battle will cover the part that has blackened the sun

The fight yet to come's not with cannon nor will the fight be hand to hand
No one will regroup the forces no charge will a general command

The battle will rage in the bosom of mother and sweetheart and wife
Brother and sister and daughter will grieve for the rest of their lives

Now go ahead rise from your cover be thankful that God let you live
Go fight the rest of the battle for those who gave all they could give

I see sir the battle's not over the battle has only begun
The rest of the battle will cover this part that has blackened the sun

For though there's no sound of the cannon and though there's no smoke in the sky
I'm dropping the gun and the sabre and ready for battle am I