BREAK THE NEWS TO MOTHER
(Chas. K. Harris)
**This song was was an 1897 re-write of another Charles K. Harris song,
"The Brave Fireman" (written in 1891). It became a big hit the following
year, 1898, with the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
George J. Gaskin - 1898
Edison Male Quartette - 1898
Steve Porter - 1898
Albert Campbell - 1898
J. W. Myers - 1904
Victor Mixed Chorus - 1915
Shannon Four - 1917
Henry Burr - 1917
Vernon Dalhart - 1918
George Wilton Ballard - 1918
Waikiki Hawaiian Orch. - 1922
Riley Puckett - 1925
Maurice J. Gunsky - 1926
Carson Robison Trio - 1932
Also recorded by:
Charles Foster; Elsie Janis; Arnold Keith Storm; Mills Brothers;
The Old Man In The Woods; Benjamin Luxon.
While shot and shell were screaming across the battlefield
The boys in blue were fighting, their noble flag to shield
Then a cry from our brave captain said, "Boys, the flag is down
Who'll volunteer to save it from disgrace?"
"I will," a young boy shouted, "I'll save the flag or die!"
Then rushed into the thickest of the fray
Saved the flag, but gave his young life, all for his country's sake
We carried him back and heard him softly say...
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 noble general had witnessed this brave deed
"Who saved the flag? Speak up, boys, 'twas a noble and brave deed"
Then a cry from our own captain said, "Sir, he's sinking 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 safe at home"
"Forgive me, father, for I ran away"
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
(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - February 2016)
