American Old Time Song Lyrics: 33 To Mother Boy Be True

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 33

TO MOTHER, BOY, BE TRUE.
Copyright. 1891, by Geo. M. Klenk & Co.
Words by Julian Holmes. Music by Charles Miller.

Though many years have onward rolled, I recollect the day
The nation called for soldiers and my father went away.
He heard the pressing summons and he bade us all good-bye,
And hastened to the battle-field to conquer or to die.
My mother's heart was sad that day, in vain she checked her tears;
But father told her not to grieve and lay aside her fears;
He said that he'd return to us and bade us hopeful be;
And as he gave his purling kiss, these words he said to me:

Chorus.
"To mother, boy, be true, wherever you may go;
Your mother is the dearest friend that you will ever know.
For when your mother goes, your home goes with her, too;
Remember, then, your father's words, to mother, boy, be true."

The war was over and the troops were crossing hill and plain,
And heroes that were enemies were brothers once again.
The Blue and Gray were side by side, all strife was laid to rest.
While loving hearts were waiting for the ones they loved the most.
My mother sought for father, but, alas! he came no more.
he fell upon the battle-field amid the cannons' roar;
And when my good old mother bowed at last her aged head,
Then I recalled the last sad words my poor old father said:-Chorus