Vintage Audio - Send Me Away With A Smile
John McCormack developed a
widespread popularity and reputation as a performer of popular wartime
songs. His repertoire included
There's A Long, Long Trail A-Winding,
Roses of Picardy,
Keep the Homes Fire Burning and - most notably -
It's a Long
Way to Tipperary.
In 1917 he similarly performed the sentimental Send Me Away With a Smile,
which was written by Louis Weslyn and Al Piantadosi. The lyrics to
this song are reproduced below.
Use the player above to listen to a version of the song performed by John McCormack in 1917.
Send Me Away With A Smile
Little girl don't cry
I must say goodbye
Don't you hear the bugle call?
And the fife and drum beats all
With the flag wave ov'er us all
Tho I love you so
It is time to go
And the soldier in me you'll find
When on land or sea
Many boys like me
You would not have me stay behind?
Chorus:
So, send me away with a smile little girl
Brush the tears from eyes of brown.
It's all for the best
And I'm off with the rest
With the boys from my hometown.
It may be forever we part little girl
But it may be for only a while.
But if fight here we must
Then in God is our trust.
So, send me away with a smile.
When I leave you dear
Give me words of cheer
To recall in times of pain.
They will come towards me
And will seem to be
Like the sunshine after rain.
Amid shot and shell
I'd remember well.
You must be a soldier too.
And through this war I am fighting
for My country, my home, and you.
Refrain:
It may be forever we part little girl
But it may be for only a while.
But if fight here we must
Then in God is our trust.
So, send me away with a smile.
"Gas Bag" was a slang term for airships.
- Did you know?
