Show Synopsis:
This revue shows various stories from different sides and viewpoints of the American Civil War.
Character:
Corporal William McEwen, a Union corporal who leaves behind his beloved wife to defend his country in honor of the American forefathers.
Song Context:
Bill writes a letter to his wife Sarah from the battlefield.
Fun Facts:
1. The songs and stories in this revue were based on real letters, diaries, and written materials related to the Civil War.
2. This song is based on a letter written by Major Sullivan Ballou of the Union Army to his wife Sarah shortly before he died in the Battle of Bull Run at age 32. He had been shot in the stomach and said goodbye to her in the letter.
3. In an interview with Musical Theatre International, composer Frank Wildhorn said that ?the Civil War was about the people. The Civil War was about ?these are the people? and whether they were free or slaves, whether they were from the North or South, whether they were the young soldier leaving his wife to go fight, probably to never come home, or that young wife home with three kids (?what am I gonna do??). It was about the people and it was also about the guards, the generals, Lincoln, Mr. Douglass, and their decisions, and how that trickles down and affects us all.?
"Oh, Sarah, my Sarah,
I fear I must go
And leave you to move on alone
A hard wind is risin' and fixin' to blow
And scatter the days we have known
But come what may I'll always be with you
Watching from above
Oh Sarah, my Sarah, my love
I see you, my Sarah, when I close my eyes
It's summer and we're at the fair
Your laughter so haunting, so full of surprise
Drifts back like some ghost through the air
So when you feel a cool breeze passing by
Know that I am there,
As real as the words of my prayer.
If fate is kind, I'll soon be by your side,
But always know you can find me deep inside.
Oh, Sarah, my Sarah, I'll whisper your name,
My thoughts all will run home to you.
My heart is the candle and your heart the flame
That burns with a fire so true
And know that we will surely meet again.
Until then I swear
I love you, my Sarah
Forever and always
And always my heart will be there.
I love you, my Sarah,
Forever and always,
And always my heart will be there."