Break The News To Mother

If Overthere was the #1 Song of World War I, "Break the News to Mother" was #2.
The publisher placed this note on the cover of the music: This song was originally published in 1897 during the Spanish American War, when it was virtually taken up and sung by the entire nation.
The Author and Composer Mr Chas K Harris who is also Author of the world’s famous song "After the Ball", since the outbreak of the present war, has been beseiged by requests for copies of this one-time famous song, the human heart-appeal of which has kept it alive for these any years.
In response to this appeal he has issued the new edition.
The song remains unchanged with the exception of the title page and will undoubtedly take its place as an immortal classic with such song as "Home Sweet Home" and "The Vacant Chair."

Don't Forget The 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 the 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 Gen’ral 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 gen’ral in a moment,
Knelt down beside the boy,
Then gave a cry that touched the hearts that day;
It’s my son, my brave young hero, I thought you safe at home.
"Forgive me father for I ran away."

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.