A 1897 war song with human heart-appeal.
words and music by Charles K. Harris
The battle being described seems to be a Civil War scene. It was written just before the Spanish-American war. It was very popular then in 1898. It was re-issued with a new cover during World War One.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- While the shot and shell were screaming upon the battle field
The boys in blue were fighting their noble flag to shield
Came a cry from their brave captain, “Look, boys! our flag is down
Who’ll volunteer to save it from disgrace?”
“I will,” a young voice shouted, “I’ll bring it back, or die”
Then sprang into the thickest of the fray
Saved the flag but gave his young life, all for his country’s sake
They brought him back and softly heard him say:
Chorus
“Just break the news to mother
She knows how dear I love her
And tell her not to wait for me
For I’m not coming home
Just say there is no other
Can take the place of mother
Then kiss her dear, sweet lips for me
And break the news to her”
- From afar a noted general had witnessed this brave deed
“Who saved our flag? speak up lads, ’twas noble, brave, indeed!”
“There he lies, sir,” said the captain, “he’s sinking very fast”
Then slowly turned away to hide a tear
The general in a moment, knelt down beside the boy
Then gave a cry that touched all hearts that day
“It’s my son, my brave, young hero
I thought you safe at home“
“Forgive me, father, for I ran away”
Sung here by Fred Feild: