American Old Time Song Lyrics: 53 Breaking Of Home Ties

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 53

BREAKING OF HOME TIES.
Copyright, 1890, by Ambrose H. Thompson.
Words and Music by Ambrose H. Thompson.

A fair-hatred lad was leaving home to a wader in the West;
He'd heard of wonderful fortunes that were found in the mountain's breast;
A gray-haired mother he was leaving in a cottage home;
A fond and loving sweetheart said, "Please, won't you stay at home?"
On her knees, she begged of him, but pleading was in vain,
The lad had made up his mind to have his own sweet way.
"Why can't I, just the same as others, make a fortune great;
Then, return to mother and my darling sweetheart Kate!"

Refrain.
Don't leave your home, Jack, don't go away,
Stay at home with mother; do, lad, I pray;
You know I've not long to live, why will you roam?
Stay here with me, boy, please stay at home.

Amongst the mountains stood a cabin that was built of logs,
Within there sat a miner, and beside him sat his dogs;
Then he began to murmur, "Why should I my fate bemoan?
I've hunted through these mountains, and I've upturned ev'ry stone.
Years have passed since I left home, no word I've heard from Kate;
I'll try again to-morrow, see what shall be my fate."
Next morning he was working with his pick and with his spade;
Then, bending low, what met his gaze? 'tis gold, "my fortune's made."- Ref.

A gray-haired man came wand'ring back to his once happy home;
He gazed into the window, all within was dark And gloom;
His chin fell down upon his breast, and tears came to his eyes;
He remembered how mother plead to not break his home ties.
Years had passed, his mother died, caused by a broken heart;
his sweetheart wed, 'twas said he died "killed by lightning's dart."
What Is my fortune to me now that all I love are dead;
Then to him came back the words his dear old mother said: - Refrain.