Can'st tell who lost the battle,
Off in the council's field?
Not they who struggle bravely,
Not they who never yield,
Not they who are determined
to conquer or to die:
And harken to this caution:
"Boys, keep your powder dry."
Chorus:
Not they who are determined
to conquer or to die:
And harken to this caution:
"Boys, keep your powder dry."
The foe awaits you yonder,
He may await you here;
Have brave hearts, stand with courage,
Be strangers, all, to fear:
And when the charge is given,
Be ready at the cry.
Look well each to his priming--
"Boys, keep your powder dry."
Chorus:
Does a lov'd one home await you,
Who wept to see you go,
Whom with a kiss imprinted
You left with sacred vow
You'd come again, when warfare
And arms are all laid by,
To take her to your bosom?
"Boys, keep your powder dry."
Chorus:
Does a father home await you?
A sister whom you love?
A mother who hast reared you,
And prayed to Him above:
"Protect my boy, preserve him,
And when the battle's done,
Send to his weeping mother,
Bereft, her darling son!"
Chorus:
The name of Freedom calls you,
The names of martyr'd sires,
And Liberty's imploring
From all her hallowed fires.
Can you withstand their calling?
You can not pass them by--
You can not? Now, charge fiercely!
"Boys, keep your powder dry."
Chorus:
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