====== #1102 - Break the News to Mother ======
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/*-20note-*//*-patriotic-*/
  *Composer:
    *++Charles Kassell Harris|{{search>"Charles Kassell Harris" @cobs}}++ (1867-1930), 1897
  *[[/data/media/midi/1102.mid|MIDI]] | ++show|\\ {{http://www.rollerorgans.com/mid2roll.php?cob=1102&.gif?}}++
  *[[:incipit]]: 544574311721655457651762232
  *[[:incipit|Condensed Incipit]]: 54574317216545765176232
  *[[/cob_label/index.php|Print a Label]]
  *++Lyrics:|\\
While the shot and shell were screaming upon the battlefield\\
Our gallant boys were fighting the 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:\\
\\
"Oh, break the news to mother, she knows how dear I love her.\\
Tell her not to wait for me, for I'm not coming home;\\
And say there is no other can take the place of mother.\\
Kiss her dear, sweet lips for me, and break the news to her."\\
\\
From afar a famous general who witnessed this brave deed:\\
"Who saved our flag? Speak up, my lad. 'Twas noble, brave, indeed."\\
"There he lies, sir", said the captain, "he is sinking very fast"\\
Then slowly turned away to hide a tear.\\
The general in a moment knelt down beside the boy,\\
And gave a cry that touched all hearts that day:\\
"'Tis my son, my brave young hero. I thought you were safe at home."\\
"Forgive me, father, for I run away ...\\
\\
So break the news to mother, and tell her how I love her,\\
Tell her not to wait for me, for I'm not coming home;\\
And say there is no other to take the place of mother.\\
Kiss her dear, sweet lips for me, and break the news to her.\\
\\
++
    *++Charles Kassell Harris|{{search>"Charles Kassell Harris" @cobs}}++ (1867-1930), 1897

Harris first wrote //Break The News To Mother// in 1891, with lyrics about a brave fireman killed in a building fire. The song was not a success, but Harris rewrote it in 1897 (during the Spanish American War) with the hero depicted as a soldier, and it was a hit.