"So Long, Mother" is a World War I era song released in 1917. Raymond B. Egan and Gus Kahn wrote the lyrics. Egbert Van Alstyne composed the music.[1] The song was published by Jerome H. Remick & Co. of Detroit, Michigan. On the cover is a soldier and mother in an embrace. To the left is an inset photo of singer Al Jolson.[2] It was written for both voice and piano.[3]
"So Long, Mother" | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Song | |
Released | 1917 |
Composer(s) | Egbert Van Alstyne |
Lyricist(s) | Raymond B. Egan, Gus Kahn |
The song is told from the soldier's point of view as he comforts his heavyhearted mother before he leaves for war. The chorus is as follows:[4]
So long my dear old lady
Don't you cry
Just kiss your grown-up baby goodbye
Somewhere in France I'll be dreaming of you
You and your dear eyes of blue
Come let me see you smile before we part
I'll throw a kiss to cheer your dear old heart
Dry the tear in your eye
Don't you sigh
Don't you cry
So long, mother
Kiss your boy goody-bye
The sheet music can be found at Pritzker Military Museum & Library.[5]
![]() | This 1910s song article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |