From: The Battle Cry / A Tragedy
Category: Vocal Music / Art Song
Instrumentation: baritone or tenor, piano
Duration: 1.5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Text / Source: Poem by Thomas Hardy

The Man He Killed is a simple solo song for baritone or tenor and piano. The text presents a soldier reflecting on the man he has killed—officially his enemy, yet perhaps someone much like himself.

Hardy’s poem suggests that, under different circumstances, the two men might have met as friends and shared a drink at a pub. Baxter’s setting gives this realization a direct and understated musical voice, allowing the irony and sadness of the poem to speak clearly.

This song should be sung with simplicity and restraint. Its power lies not in theatrical exaggeration, but in the quiet recognition of shared humanity between two men divided by war.