Story Behind The Song

Jenny Wade was the only woman civilian killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. This song is written from the historical account of her service and death.

Song Description

Jenny Wade bakes bread for the Union soldiers at Gettysburg and meets her death. With a sweetheart in the war, she vows to keep baking bread for the hungry soldiers until the last moment possible before the battle. A stray bullet going through the door of her home kills her.

Lyrics

Jenny fetch the water, Jenny bake the bread
There's many a thirsty, hungry soldier in the days ahead
The hills and fields are marching with the tunes of Johnny Reb
So Jenny fetch the water, and Jenny bake your bread

The general came to Jenny's house to warn her of the fray
She sat between the battle lines of armies on that day
But Jenny had a sweetheart in the army of the North
And 'til that bread was made that day, she would not venture forth

Jenny fetch the water, Jenny bake the bread
There's many a thirsty, hungry soldier in the days ahead
The hills and fields are marching with the tunes of Johnny Reb
So Jenny fetch the water, and Jenny bake your bread

The soldiers passing by that day along the dusty street
Were welcome by the smell of bread that drifted, warm and sweet
And though she meant to leave real soon to ease the general's fret
She kept the oven going 'til the sun was nearly set

Jenny fetch the water, Jenny bake the bread
There's many a thirsty, hungry soldier in the days ahead
The hills and fields are marching with the tunes of Johnny Reb
So Jenny fetch the water, and Jenny bake your bread

The rifles' crack, the cannons' roar, the orders shrill and harsh
Mingled with the yelling troops and the beating of her heart.

Many tales are told of those who bravely gave their lives
On the battlefield of Gettysburg that summer in July
But little's known of Jenny, who made a quiet mark,
or the single shot that pierced her doors and ended in her heart

Jenny fetch the water, Jenny bake the bread
There's many a thirsty, hungry soldier in the days ahead
The hills and fields are marching with the tunes of Johnny Reb
So Jenny fetch the water, and Jenny bake your bread

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Delta Burnett Reed	Deltas favorites	7/20/2015