PUBLISHED: Feb 24, 2013
DESCRIPTION:
From the live CD and bonus DVD "One Virginia Night", released 2012; available now as download and CD/DVD package at http://andrewmcknight.net. Download at http://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com/track/the-road-to-appomattox-2
Andrew McKnight - lead vox, acoustic guitar; Stephanie Thompson - upright bass, harmony vox; Les Thompson - banjo, harmony vox; Lisa Taylor - drums
Film crew by Goose Creek Entertainment, video produced by Dustin DeLage.
"Appomattox" originally appeared on Andrew's 2001 solo release, "Turning Pages"
"The Road to Appomattox"
Words & music Andrew McKnight, 1999©Catalooch Music, BMI
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
Verse 2
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 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 3
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
Intro
Verse 4
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 5
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
Intro (Outro)