On the Death of President Abraham Lincoln

AIR: "Annie Laurie"
Lyrics by Silas S. Steele

"On the Death of President Abraham Lincoln" was placed to the tune of an old Scottish love song and is the only song on the album that was not published in 1864. Despite the hatred of Lincoln by many Northerners during the Civil War, his death brought about a new perspective for all Americans. This song, published in 1865 after Lincoln's death, represents the sentiments of a united nation. For the next 150 years, Lincoln would be idolized above all other Presidents. The last line of the song attempts to make this connection; and unlike "McClellan the Hope of the Nation," the Lincoln-Washington connection would resonate with the American people. McClellan's reputation continues to falter.
 

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