Shenandoah, Virginia, 1864 Bill had buried brother Joe and gone back to war Regiments of Dixies threatening the town And before he left that day he wrote a message down Shenandoah, Virginia, 1864 Bill had buried brother Joe and gone back to war Regiments of Dixies threatening the town And before he left that day he wrote a message down Gotta write this letter, though I know your heart will burn Should have done that better, but I know I won't return Gotta write this letter, gotta tell you please don't cry Soldiers must die, my, soldiers must die, my Soldiers must die, I don't know why All the drums were calling for the last attack Many blues were on the run, Yankees driven back Bill was in the front line, knowing what to do Didn't fear the bullet's hail, and his words came true Gotta write this letter, though I know your heart will burn Should have done that better, but I know I won't return Gotta write this letter, gotta tell you please don't cry Soldiers must die, my, soldiers must die, my Soldiers must die, I don't know why Gotta write this letter, though I know your heart will burn Should have done that better, but I know I won't return Gotta write this letter, gotta tell you please don't cry Soldiers must die, my, soldiers must die, my Soldiers must die, I don't know why Soldiers must die, my, soldiers must die, my Soldiers must die, I don't know why