ii
The Belafonte Lyrics

The Belafonte's song II is a touching ballad that tells the story of two brothers who went to war. The opening lines - "Two brothers on their way, One wore blue, and one wore grey" - set the scene for a story of conflict, loyalty, and loss. The two brothers are on their way to fight in the Civil War, one with the Union army (wearing blue) and one with the Confederacy (wearing grey). As they march along, a fife and drum begin to play, a haunting sound that underscores the gravity of the situation.

The song then describes how one brother is gentle and kind, and the other stays behind after a cannonball takes his life. This is a poignant moment that highlights the dangers of war and the sacrifices that soldiers make. The refrain - "A cannonball don't pay no mind, Though you're gentle or you're kind, It don't think of the folks behind, All on a beautiful morning" - reinforces this idea, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of warfare, and the impact it has on both those who fight, and those who await their return.

The final verses of the song bring the focus back to the two girls waiting for their lovers at the railroad track. One is dressed in blue, the other in black, which can symbolize the Union and the Confederacy, or simply different attitudes towards mourning. The repeated refrain - "All on a beautiful morning" - is a bitter irony, as the day that begins so full of promise and hope is soon to turn tragic for these women. The song ends on a mournful note, leaving the listener with a sense of sadness and loss.