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#1102 - Break the News to Mother

Composer:
- Charles Kassell Harris
  (1867-1930), 1897
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Incipit: 544574311721655457651762232
Condensed Incipit: 54574317216545765176232
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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.
- Charles Kassell Harris
  (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.

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