Words and music by Andrew McKnight
© 1999 Catalooch Music, BMI
from Turning Pages
(FM-1031) 2001 Falling Mountain Music

Verse 1
Grew up on our mountain farm, down Nelson County way,
wish I'd live to see it again, but that is not my fate
for on my 16th birthday war marched all around our land
I joined Virginia's volunteers, and Robert Lee's command

Two days passed upon the march towards Yankees and the front,
I knew my trusty rifle, the difference was the hunt
we smashed into their backside up Loudoun County way
I'll not soon forget three boys in blue, I sent to early graves

Chorus
On the road to Appomattox,
where bullets whine like bees, cut blossoms from the trees
on the road to Appomattox
turned boys into men, men into memories

Verse 2
We fell back from Gettysburg, with calloused feet and heart
saw most of my company fall, in Pickett's cursed charge
Winter spent on Valley farms, with little food or warmth
hellfire came with spring advance and the smell of burning corn

Chorus

Verse 3
Perilous nighttime retreat, the fall of Petersburg,
the city burned around us, the Federals charging hard,
I heard them call the chaplain, they heard me call on God,
whate'er reward awaited me, was not far off

Chorus

Verse 4
There were battles won on both sides, the history books confirm,
but no one ever wins at war, the last loser asks for terms

Chorus