"Bright Sunny South" lyrics

From the bright sunny south to the war I was sent
E'er the days of my boyhood I scarcely had spent
From its cool, shady forest and deep flowing streams
Ever fond in my memory 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 defense of our dear native land
Son, be brave, but show mercy whenever you can
Our hearts will be with you 'til you return again"

In my bag, there's a Bible to show me the way
Through my trials on Earth and to Heaven someday
I will shoulder my musket and brandish my sword
In defense of this land and the word of the Lord