A 1918 World War I song.
Words and music by Henry Lewis, Howard Johnson, and Billy Frisch.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Scene is in a school-room and the lessons are begun
Teacher says to children in the class
“If you behave today and try to do you lessons well
I’ll grant you any wish that you may ask”
And just then a little curly head
Raised his hand and stood right up and said
Refrain
“I’d like to see all mothers free from sorrow
I’d like to see poor Belgium free from pain
I’d like to see this cruel conflict ended
I’d like to see my Daddy once again
I’d like to see the Yankees win this battle
I’d like to see France get back her promised land
I’d like to see this whole big world United
And I’d like to see the Kaiser with a lily in his hand”
2. Teacher said “Now, Curly Head I think that’s very nice
I agree with ev’rything you say
I’m going to have you teach the other children of the class
So they can tell their ma and pa today
I now want each child to stand in line
‘Curly Head’ will teach you all this rhyme”
Sung here by Fred Feild: