Tim Gracyk's video: The Vacant Chair Civil War song by George F Root Edison cylinder 1903 Byron G Harlan

Byron G. Harlan Edison Gold Moulded Record 8535 1903 "The Vacant Chair” is a sentimental Union song written in 1861. Henry S. Washburn was inspired to write the lyrics after visiting the family of a lieutenant who had been killed in the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. That battle was early in the Civil War (1861). After Washburn wrote the lyrics, the popular composer George Root wrote music to accompany them. The song lyrics create the image of a family sitting around their table with one vacant chair for their fallen soldier. Words by H.S. Washburn Music by George F. Root (1820-1895) We shall meet but we shall miss him. There will be one vacant chair. We shall linger to caress him While we breathe our ev'ning prayer. When one year ago we gathered, Joy was in his mild blue eye. Now the golden cord is severed, And our hopes in ruin lie. CHORUS: We shall meet, but we shall miss him. There will be one vacant chair. We shall linger to caress him While we breathe our ev'ning prayer. At our fireside, sad and lonely, Often will the bosom swell At remembrance of the story How our noble Willie fell. How he strove to bear the banner Thro' the thickest of the fight And uphold our country's honor In the strength of manhood's might. CHORUS True, they tell us wreaths of glory Evermore will deck his brow, But this soothes the anguish only, Sweeping o'er our heartstrings now. Sleep today, O early fallen, In thy green and narrow bed. Dirges from the pine and cypress Mingle with the tears we shed. "The Vacant Chair" Civil War song by George F. Root = Edison cylinder 1903 Byron G. Harlan