American Old Time Song Lyrics: 36 Don't Tell Mother

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 36

DON'T TELL MOTHER.
Copyright, 1886, by Lee and Hindley.
Words by Kenneth Lee. Music by Thomas Hindley.

As the boy left his cottage home to join the war-like band,
I saw a tear glance in his eye, a tremor in his hand;
And I, who was his comrade, with him to fight And die,
Could not help saying, as we went, "Nay laddie, don't you cry!"
But still the boy's eyes filled with tears as we gaily marched away;
"It is not that I'm a coward, or am fearful of the fray.

Refrain.
But don't tell mother if I am with the slain,
Don't tell mother that I'll ne'er see her again;
Don't tell mother that I die 'mid battle's roar.
Don't tell mother that I'll never see her more!"

And as we marched, with hundreds more, to face the bitter foe,
Our countrymen all gather round to cheer us as we go;
And still the village farmer-boy, as brave as brave can be,
Sings with us as we journey on, the song of victory!
In his voice there is no quiver, now his tones are fresh and strong;
He inarches like a veteran with the burthen of his song. - Refrain.

And as the awful moment comes, and all is blood And fire.
Our little village hero tries to mount the ramparts higher.
And as he forces up his way to the summit of the walls,
A bullet strikes him in the breast, and the little soldier falls.
There is no tear drop in his eye, he steadfast does remain;
And as his life-blood wells away, he sings his sad refrain:-Refrain.