DEAR MOTHER, I’VE COME HOME TO DIE.

By E. Bowers. Music by Henry Tucker.

Dear mother, I remember well The parting kiss you gave me, When merry rang the village bell— My heart was full of joy and glee: I did not dream that one short year, Would crush the hopes that soared so high! Oh, mother dear, draw near to me; Dear mother, I’ve come home to die. Chorus.—Call sister, brother, to my side, And take your soldier’s last good-by. Oh, mother dear, draw near to me; Dear mother, I’ve come home to die. Hark! Mother, ’tis the village bell, I can no longer with thee stay; My country calls to arms! to arms! The foe advance in fierce array! The vision’s past—I feel that now, For country I can only sigh. Oh, mother dear, draw near to me: Dear mother, I’ve come home to die. Chorus. Dear mother, sister, brother, all, One parting kiss—to all good-by: Weep not, but clasp your hand in mine, And let me like a soldier die! I’ve met the foe upon the field, Where hosts contending scorned to fly; I fought for right—God bless you all— Dear mother, I’ve come home to die. Chorus.