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Composer:
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Incipit: 544574311721655457651762232
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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.
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.