"Bright Sunny South" lyrics

From the bright sunny south to the war, I was sent
Ere the days of my boyhood, I scarcely had spent
From its cool shady forests and deep flowing streams
Ever fond in my mem'ry and sweet in my dreams

Oh, my dear little sister, I still see her tears
When I had to leave home in our tender years
And my sweet gentle mother, so dear to my heart
It grieved me sincerely when we had to part

Said my kind-hearted father as he took my hand:
"As you go in defence of our dear native land
"Son, be brave but show mercy whenever you can
"Our hearts will be with you, 'til you 'turn again."

In my bag there's a bible to show me the way
Through my twelfth year on earth and to Heaven some day
I will shoulder my musket and brandish my sword
In defence of this land and the word of the Lord...