Break The News To Mother - 1897

James Pitt-Payne, London and Ian Cousins, Opera Australia - 25 Mar 2002

While the shot and shell were screaming
upon the battlefield;
The boys in blue were fighting
their 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:
"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 general
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 general in a moment
knelt down beside the boy;
Then gave a cry
that touch'd all hearts that day.
"It's 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."

Soft karaoke
Words
Fr. Hrn. Solo
Str Left channel
Str Right Channel
Pizz Bass
*
Break The News To Mother 1897
by C. K. Harris
arr. G. Ryder
copyright 1897 C. K. Harris
sequence by Dr. Pitt-Payne in London UK
and Ian Cousins, Opera Australia
completed Monday 25 March 2002 at 16.42
in association with Doug Grierson
*