We packed up our hopes and our families
Left behind all of our friends
Back in the cities and factories
Where the long working days never end
Clinged to the last hard earned dollar
Traveling across county lines
Heading out west where the wilderness sets
To a new world they said we could find
Nothing was readily had - for miles around
'Cept the claim to the land that our ancestors handed down
With all our hard sweat and ambition
And many days building our home
Starting a new life on Emmitsburg Road
We managed to set up a household
Planted our crops in the ground
Tended to life, kids and a wife
But was always aware of the sound
The troops from the south were upon us
Set up their camps in the field
Confederates commanded the orchard
And the south end of Cemet'ry Ridge
Many a man wouldn't see their home again
And their families just sitting around and wondering when
Our boys came from all of the region
As far as the 20th Maine
Fighting for glory on Emmitsburg Road
Sometimes a man must follow what he believes
But the pain left far behind seems to always stay alive, it seems
Sent to their deaths for their nation
Following an ill-fated charge
Searchin' for loved ones on Emmitsburg Road
We're searchin' for loved ones on Emmitsburg Road
www.rickhorvath.com