Lincoln Lies Sleeping

Publisher: Horace Partridge, Boston
Medium: Print On Paper

Another song using Foster’s Under the willow tune, Lincoln Lies Sleeping was written by Nathan Upham, most likely a relative of Louise S. Upham. Several of the lyrics, particularly about the lowering of the flag, are similar to the words of The Nation is Weeping. The song refers to 'Union peace' and offers an interesting reference to John Wilkes Booth.
The first chorus states that 'a sad people while weeping' cry 'strike, strike the traitor down!' and be punished for his crime. However, the last chorus state the crime should be forgiven, returning to the call for peace in the nation now that the war has ended.