Tell the story on my grave, my soul they could not save
Cannot command the soldiers who now hate her
Though in battle a brave man I resemble
When it's only meant to kill the pain?
I'd say five hundred thousand rebels can't be wrong
A loveless union cannot bend us to her will
Lay down my arms and take the coffin's measure
Oh God, another shot of morphine
I took a rifle ball in my shoulder
A rebel stand is no place for a traitor
Here's McGee from the great state of Missouri
Soldier's joy, oh, what's the point in pleasure
Nor demand a bounty of her generals
Or take up arms and send me out to fight again
To the ‘Show-Me State Militia’ I belong
And to judge from the pride on the Confederate side
Shaking hands, I took the bitter pill
I waited with them all at the field hospital
Shaking hands, was I a coward, was I brave?
But my entire body filled with pain
Alone, I am a coward without will
