Rebel Waltz

I slept as I dreamed of a time long a-go. I saw an army of rebels dancing on air. I dreamed as I slept. I could see the camp fires A song of the battle that was born in the flames And the rebels were waltzing on air I danced with a girl to the tune of a waltz That was written to be danced on the battle-field I danced to the song of a voice of a girl A voice that called ’Stand till we fall. We stand till all the boys fall.’ As we danced came the news that the war was not won Five armies were coming with carriage and gun. Through the heart of the camp swept the news from the front. A cloud crossed the moon. A child cried for food. We knew the war could not be won. So we danced with a rifle to the rhythm of the gun. In a glade through the trees I saw my only one. Then the earth seemed to rise hell hot as the sun. The soldiers were dying. There was a tune to the sighing. The song was an old rebel one.                    c                        As the smoke of our hopes rose high from the field My eyes played tricks through the moon and the trees. I slept as I dreamed I saw the army rise. A voice began to call Stand till you fall The tune was an old rebel one.