Music and song have had an impact throughout time and the Civil War was no exception. During the Civil War, music and musical instruments served a practical purpose. Drums were used to keep soldiers in line. Fifes were popular instruments because they could be heard over cannon noise. And bugles were used as a way to issue commands. Songs from the Civil War served many purposes. They were used to tell stories, be it a soldier's or a slave's. Certain songs were used to inspire troops, while other songs were about a soldier missing home or about people at home missing a soldier. The Civil War was a turbulent time in American history and much was lost. Fortunately, most of the music and songs survived.