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about

Willy was inspired by all the woman who dressed as men and fought in the Civil War. It is estimated that over 1200 women fought in the Civil War. There are six known cases of women who gave birth in the camps next to the battlefields and one woman who gave birth in the middle of February during a full blown battle. It was an honor to write this song for these brave women from our American History. I chose Union Blue since I originally hail from Wisconsin. But women fought on both sides along side their fathers, husbands and sons

lyrics

Willy left town on August 23
To join the local infantry
Marched out of town to the fife and drum
Carried my heart into the morning sun

Men in town won't leave me alone
They keep coming by my home
Gotta make a plan, gotta leave this place
Gonna find Willy and his sweet face

I cut my hair and bound my chest
Put on the union blue and tossed my dress
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do

Two weeks out I found my boy
We held back our tears of joy
Walked into the woods to be alone,
“Jessie oh Jessie, please go back home”

I have come to fight with you
Please don’t tell me what to do
I will stay here by your side
Dressed as a man but still your bride

I cut my hair and bound my chest
Put on the union blue and tossed my dress
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do

Marched into the corn 10 feet high
Gray coats took us by surprise.
I lost sight of Willy that night,
Didn't find him til’ the morning light

Willy oh Willy please don't go away
We've got a baby on the way
His last breath hit the morning chill
There and then I lost my Will

I cut my hair and bound my chest,
Put on the union blue and tossed my dress
This world can be so cold and cruel
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do

I cut my hair and bound my chest,
Put on the union blue and tossed my dress
This world can be so cold and cruel
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do
Sometimes a girls gotta do what a man can do

credits

from Star Crossed Lovers, released May 19, 2018
Written by Cari Minor, Cari, vocal, bouzouki. Ray Smith, vocal, guitars. Kort McCumber, banjo.

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Strangebyrds Rollinsville, Colorado

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