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Opposite Side of the Battleline

by Chris Taylor Frimoth

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about

My love of Civil War history comes out in this song.

The is part of the story of Lewis Armistead, from the Confederate army and Winfield Scott Hancock, of the Union army, who were as close as brothers. They, like so many in the civil war, found themselves fighting against close friends and family. In Gettysburg, PA., in July of 1863, leading their perspective armies against each other, Armistead and Hancock both were wounded during the final battle. Hancock would survive but Armistead would die of his wounds a couple of days later.

Known as Lo and Winny, I take the perspective of Lo who is remembering a time before the war out in California as he reminisces with General James Longstreet the night before the pivotal battle at Gettysburg. In my research I found a quote from Armistead that I use near the end of the song; "You will never know the cost for me..." His parting words to his friend, Winny, as they said goodbye for the last time.

lyrics

I remember - the last time together
Singing songs...and laughter

Talked all through the night
In the silver light...it was heaven

Your eyes as bright as your story
My affirmation gave you glory
Incessant joy was how we aligned...
Now we find ourselves on the opposite side of the battleline

Stow away our memories - in the places of reverie
Sacred...consecrated

We’ve walked embraced with love and grace – always leaving some kind of trace...that binds us...refines us

No truth has ever been so brave
To withstand the coming tidal wave
I leave you now with my hands sublime
As we find ourselves on the opposite side of the battleline

There’s so much that I feel remiss
Never wanted to say goodbye like this
All that’s left for me is to reminisce

The hardest part about goodbyes – is the truth that hides within our lies Unmistaken...re-awakened

You can never know the cost for me – as we bid farewell
and I hope you see
My heart burning – already yearning

I may never see you again
So I say prayer that you’ll sustain
And may the hands that guide you be divine
Oh, how I hate to see us now...on the opposite side...of the battleline

credits

released June 2, 2021
Chris Taylor Frimoth: Keyboard, Organ, Acoustic Guitar, Vocal
Gabe Labovitz - Trumpet
Norm Bowler: Percussion and additional arrangement, sound mixer

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Chris Taylor Portland, Oregon

Chris Taylor's love for music goes as far back as he can remember. He started taking piano lessons at the age of 8, and has been writing songs since he was in high school. After college, he built a career as a radio on-air personality, voiceover artist, professional emcee and club/mobile DJ. Chris plays keyboard & acoustic guitar in the classic R&B dance band, HomeBrew in his hometown of Portland. ... more

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