Name: When The Master Calls The Roll
Duration: P00H04M46S
Description: A moving story about William Lee and Mary Anne, a couple caught up in the American Civil War – a song about preserving the “union.” I was lucky enough see Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal at a concert in Bristol and talk to them afterwards.

When The Master Calls The Roll

from River Of Dreams by Johnny Coppin

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about

A moving story about William Lee and Mary Anne, a couple caught up in the American Civil War – a song about preserving the “union.” I was lucky enough see Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal at a concert in Bristol and talk to them afterwards.

lyrics

Girl with hair of flaming red, seeking perfect lover
For to lie down on her feather bed, soft secrets to uncover;
Must be gentle, must be strong with disposition sunny;
Just as faithful as the day is long and careful with his money.
And so the open letter read, the newsboy did deliver;
Three months later plans were made to wed down by the King James river.

Lo, the season may come, lo, the season may go
When love is joined together, will forever be made whole
When the master calls the roll.

Oh, my darling William Lee, take me to the altar.
I don't have strength to watch you as you leave but my love will never falter.
Oh, my darling Mary Anne the march to war is calling;
Somewhere far across these southern lands are bands of brothers falling
My tender bride, the tides demand that I leave you with your mother;
With my father's rifle in one hand, your locket in the other.

Lo, the season may come, lo, the season may go
Beware the storm clouds gather, take heed dear mortal soul
When the master calls the roll.

But can this union be preserved? The soldier boy was crying.
I will never travel back to her but not for lack of trying.
It's the love of one true hearted lass that made the boy a hero
But a rifle-ball and a cannon blast cut him down to zero
Oh, Virginia whence I came, I'll see you when I'm younger
And I'll know you by your hills again, this time from six feet under.

Lo, the season may come, lo, the season may go,
What man has torn asunder will someday be made whole,
When the master calls the roll.
Though the storm clouds gather,
Let the union be made whole
When the master calls the roll.

credits

from River Of Dreams, released February 16, 2022
Written by Rosanne Cash / John Leventhal / Rodney Crowell – Peermusic Publishing / A Div Of Big Deal Music.
Johnny Coppin - lead vocal, harmony vocal, acoustic guitar
Paul Burgess - fiddle
Ben Church - dobro
John Broomhall - piano and organ
Dik Cadbury - harmony vocal
Mick Candler - drums
Gareth Sampson - bass guitar

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about

Johnny Coppin Stroud, UK

"The quality of his singing and outstanding songwriting surely merit even greater recognition" - RnR magazine

“Unquestionably at the top of his game” - Acoustic magazine

A singer/songwriter and co-founder of the folk band Decameron, Johnny has gone on to record over twelve albums including The Winding Stair, and Borderland. Playing guitar and piano, his music is always melodic and evocative. ... more

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