American Old Time Song Lyrics: 45 Only To See My Mother

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 45

ONLY TO SEE MY MOTHER.
Copyright, MDCCCXC1V, by Henry J. Wehman.
Words and Music by Lincoln J. Pollak.

A soldier in a foreign camp a letter got one day
From dear, old father, in his native town so far away.
The letter ran, "When you were young, suspicion racked my brain,
I drove your mother from my side- she ne'er returned again;
But now I've learned that she was true" -the soldier sighed with pain,
And prayed that Heaven would grant his wish, he'd see her once again.

Chorus.
Only to see my dear mother, only to hear her sweet voice,
Only to tell her I love her, and make her sad heart rejoice;
Only to ask her forgiveness, to say that I knew she was true;
Only to see my dear mother, kind Heaven, I pray unto you.

Soon came the call, "To arms, to arms;" he brushed away the tear;
He buckled on the trusty sword, and went forth without fear;
He fought the foe with might and main, troops rallied at his cheer,
But soon be fell, and tenderly they bore him to the rear.
At last he opened wide his eyes, a nurse was standing near,
He drew her to him, kissed her cheek, and murmured in her ear:- Chorus.

The village church-belle toll'd their lay, one cheery Christmas day,
"Peace be on high, good will to man." is what the chimes did say.
Before the altar knelt in prayer a husband, wife and son,
Who thanked kind Heaven they were there, and for the blessing done.
The mother nursed her boy to life, and on this Christmas morn.