WHEN THE BATTLE IS OVER
When the Battle is Over is a suitable title for a retreat march as these were played for soldiers when returning to their barracks or camp at the end of the day.
It is a late 19th century composition by Pipe Major William Robb, of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the tune entered piping repertoire between the Boer and First World Wars.
This march bears a strong resemblance to the melody "The Last Rose of Summer" of Thomas Moore (1779 – 1852) an Irish poet, singer, songwriter, and entertainer, now also remembered for the lyrics of The Minstrel Boy. He is considered Ireland’s National Bard and is to Ireland what Robert Burns is to Scotland. The lyrics by Andy Stewart were written in 1961.
Lyrics:
When the Battle’s Over
I returned to the fields of glory,
Where the green grasses and flowers grow.
And the wind softly tells the story,
Of the brave lads of long ago.
March no more my soldier laddie,
There is peace where there once was war.
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie,
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s over.
In the great glen they lay a sleeping,
Where the cool waters gently flow.
And the gray mist is sadly weeping,
For those brave lads of long ago.
March no more my soldier laddie,
There is peace where there once was war.
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie,
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s over.
See the tall grass is there awaiting,
As their banners of long ago.
With their heads high forward threading,
Stepping lightly to meet the foe.
March no more my soldier laddie,
There is peace where there once was war.
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie,
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s over.
Some return from the fields of glory,
To their loved ones who held them dear.
But some fell in that hour of glory,
And were left to their resting here.
March no more my soldier laddie,
There is peace where there once was war.
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie,
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s over.
