Tide Turns Case 5

Songs for the Women Left Behind

“Weeping, Sad and Lonely,” or “When This Cruel War is Over” was composed and arranged by Henry Tucker with lyrics by publisher Charles C. Sawyer.  Sawyer and Thompson publishing company of Brooklyn, NY, released the song in 1863. This sentimental Civil War tune, written from a woman’s perspective, was popular across North and South. It attested to the strong yearning throughout the U.S. for peace.  Sawyer, a prolific and successful songwriter in this style, composed another song that rivaled this one in popularity: “Who Will Care for Mother Now?”  It shared the true story of a dying soldier’s sad declaration for his mother.  In response to Sawyer ‘s gloomy ballad, Ednor Rossiter and B. Frank Walters wrote the tune “Kind Friends are Near Her.”  Lee & Walker of Philadelphia published the song in 1863.

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