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He heard the sounds

Like his own drum in the sky

Thunder shook the ground

He knew what he had to do

Charlie King in his youth

Father can I join the war

I'll be safe Sweeney said, please father it’s a certain truth

The war is not for children

You stay home where you are

You are our oldest son

Your family's strongest heart

Sweeney heard the sound

Of a drummer drumming close

Not an ordinary talent of a boy

A beating of a drum to set a soldier's boast

Mr. King do you understand?

This boy will be in safer hands

He will be behind the lines with the sick and keep the spirits of the men alive

He saw the frown

Distant fear of a dying son

Tear filled father sitting down

He knew what he had to do

Mr. King, with a heavy heart

Charlie you can join the war

You be careful and know not to go beyond your part

The sound of a beating drum

The shots firing all around

Abbreviate the fear to come

Push on through dangers so profound

The sound of a broken drum

The shots firing all around

Abbreviate the fear to come

Charlie boy, you’re a veteran now!

He saw the frown

Traced in a crimson red

But it’s too late the beloved King is down

He heard the sound

Of his drum up in the sky

Angel reaching down

Antietam claimed another youth

Charlie King in the war

Accomplished at the age of 12

A short legacy, a memory worth fighting for.