American Old Time Song Lyrics: 33 Between Love And Duty
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 33
BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY.
Copyright, 1891, by M. Witmark & Sons.
Words by Charles Williams.
Music by Leo Dryden. Arranged by G. M. Rosenberg.
At his post the soldier's standing, "duty" tells him he must stay;
True love's calling over yonder, which command must he obey?
Little Nell, his wife, is dying-why, oh, why's his lot so hard?
Like a dream, perchance, she'll vanish, while he's standing here on guard.
Blinding tears his eyes are filling as he thinks, what shall I do?
Stick to post and lose my darling, without one fond, last adieu?
Though he's proved himself a hero, with the foe stood face to face;
Now to leave would mean dishonor, on his good name bring disgrace.
Chorus.
He stands between love and duty, fighting the bitter fight:
11 is heart is torn with anguish between the wrong and right;
But the soldier's love still remains the same, his country's cause he'd ne'er shame,
But wife comes first, and who can blame, he stands between love and duty.
In a far-off country mansion sits a woman worn and old,
'Tis, alas! the old, old story that has been so often told;
Mother's love and boyhood's downfall, he has brought disgrace and shame;
She knows he's a thief, an outcast, having forged his father's name;
Though degraded, she'll protect him, yes, protect him with her life;
First, because she is a mother; secondly, she is a wife.
Now the stern, old father enters, "Where's my one-time son," says he;
She who never yet deceived him, head bowed down in grief, we see.
Chorus.
She stands between love and duty, fighting the bitter fight;
Her heart is torn with anguish between the wrong and right;
The mother's love still remains the same, altho' she feels her darling's shame.
She shields her son, and who can blame, she stands between love and duty.
The hour's midnight, all is silent in a peaceful village street;
Heedless of the dismal darkness, walks a policeman on his beat;
Soon the sound of hurried footsteps breaks the stillness of the night.
' Who goes there?" and then a policeman stops a burglar's hurried flight;
Then ensues a fearful scuffle, soon he has the burglar fast.
"Who is this?-my brother Reuben!" the policeman cries with face aghast.
"Let me go, Jack,"pleads the burglar," let me go and I'll repent;
You know it will kill poor mother if to prison I was sent.
Chorus.
He stands between love and duty, fighting the bitter fight:
His heart is torn with anguish between the wrong and right:
But brotherly love still remains the same, altho' he feels the disgrace and shame.
He sets him free, and who can blame, he stands between love and duty.