I have always loved this song since I heard Joe Hickerson's cover on his LP Drive Dull Care Away, Folk Legacy Records.

When I went to record it for fun, I really didn't think the words spoke in the American audience. So I rephrased them and was lucky to get Nichola Maria O'Donnel to sing vocals on my iTunes released CD Gypsy Soul.

I would love to know if traditionalists are offended by the re-phrasing of songs?

Here is my modern lyrics:

I heard them laughing, at the sun’s setting
Young girls giggling before the dawn of day.
Now they are sobbing on green grass a growing
The flowers of the forest are laying to rest.

Once they had futures, and love a waiting.
Fathers and Mothers, a life to enjoy.
Then came the call, a service to them all.
A noble cause written, they stood tall and proud.

I heard them laughing, at the sun’s setting
Young girls giggling before the dawn of day.
Now they are sobbing on green grass a growing
The flowers of the forest are laying to rest.

Midnight songs a playing, shots and beer flowing
Smiles all a plenty, til the night is done.
Xcept for the lady, the moon cold and lonely
Thoughts of her flower, are growing inside.

Justice for the lowly, help for the helpless.
Brothers and sisters, a hand to them all.
Now there is silence, though debate rages loudly
These flowers of the forest, victims to the gall.

I heard them laughing, at the sun’s setting
Young girls giggling before the dawn of day.
Now they are sobbing on green grass a growing
The flowers of the forest are laying to rest.


Notes: A traditional song rephrased and rethought for today by Dave Schipper ©2008 Rose Riversongs