in hard and stirring times
Too sad for birth, too rough for rights
The songs of peace have lost their chimes
And that's what's the matter
The men we held as brothers true
Have turned into a rebel crew
So now we have to put them through
And that's what's the matter!
That's what's the matter!
The rebels have to scatter,
We'll make them flee by land and sea!
The rebels thought we would divide,
And Democrats would take their side,
They then would let the Union slide,
And that's what's the matter!
But when the war had once begun,
A party feeling soon was gone,
We joined as brothers, every one,
And that's what's the matter.
That's what's the matter.
The rebels have to scatter.
And that's what's the matter.
The merry mac with heavy sway
Had made our fleet an easy prey.
The monitor got in the way.
And that's what's the matter.
So helpful Captain Er ickson,
I cannot tell all he has done.
I never stop when one's begun.
And that's what's the matter.
We've heard of General Beauregard,
Thought he'd fight us long and hard,
But he has played out his best card.
And that's what's the matter.
We soon will hear the people shout
Secession guard is all laid out,
And that's what's the matter.
That's what's the matter,
The rebels have to scatter,
We'll make them flee by land and sea,
And that's what's the matter.