[1] The song was published by Frank K. Root & Co. of Chicago, Illinois.

On the cover of the sheet music is a group of soldiers singing around a camp fire.

[3][4][5] The song starts with group of soldiers gathered around a camp fire.

They each are struggling with feelings of loneliness, and are missing their significant others back at home.

In the end, they sing the Scottish song "Annie Laurie" together.