"When This Cruel War Is Over", also known under the title "Weeping, Sad and Lonely", is a song written by Charles Carroll Sawyer with music by Henry Tucker.
Rhythmically, it conforms to the style of the sentimental ballads of the day, and its chorus was suited to arrangement for male a cappella groups.
"[4] At one point, the Army of the Potomac was forbidden from performing the song on grounds that it fomented desertion, but soldiers mostly ignored the order, and it was quickly withdrawn.
"[2] The tune's popularity led Confederate songwriter John Hill Hewitt to write an answer song, titled "When Upon the Field of Glory".
Oft in dreams I see thee lying On the battle plain, Lonely, wounded, even dying, Calling, but in vain.
If amid the din of battle Nobly you should fall, Far away from those who love you, None to hear you call Who would whisper words of comfort, Who would soothe your pain?