When the Boys Come Home explained
| When the Boys Come Home |
| Cover: | When the Boys Come Home.jpg |
| Caption: | Sheet music cover |
| Written: | 1915 |
| Composer: | Oley Speaks |
| Lyricist: | John Hay |
"When the Boys Come Home" is a World War I song. It was first published as sheet music in 1915 with music by Oley Speaks and lyrics by John Hay.[1]
1917 version
Oley Speaks composed the song. John Hay wrote the lyrics. The piece was written for both voice and piano. The song, written in first person, takes on a positive tone. The lyrics detail the happiness and celebration that will be felt when the soldiers return home from war.[2]
Another song published in 1918 with the same name had lyrics by John Hay and music by Calvin W. Laufer.[3]
1919 recording
The 1919 version was performed by Louis Graveure and recorded on February 13, 1919. The song was released by Columbia Records.[4] It reached the number nine spot on the US song charts in June 1919.[5]
Notable performances
It was performed in Richfield, Utah in 1918 by Mrs. R. G. Clark.[6] and in Allo Allo by Lieutenant Gruber.
External links
Notes and References
- Book: Vogel. Frederick G.. World War I songs: A History and Dictionary of Popular American Patriotic Tunes with Over 300 Complete Lyrics. 1995. McFarland & Company, Inc.. Jefferson, North Carolina, and London. 0899509525. 271.
- Web site: When the boys come home . . Library of Congress . 9 December 2015.
- Book: Vogel. Frederick G.. World War I songs: A History and Dictionary of Popular American Patriotic Tunes with Over 300 Complete Lyrics. 1995. McFarland & Company, Inc.. Jefferson, North Carolina, and London. 0899509525. 271.
- Web site: Louis Graveure (vocalist: baritone vocal) . . Discography of American Historical Recordings . 9 December 2015.
- Web site: Louis Gravieure Songs . . Music VF . 9 December 2015.
- Book: Heintze. James R.. Music of the Fourth of July: A Year-by-Year Chronicle of Performances and Works Composed for the Occasion, 1777-2008. 2009. McFarland & Company. 9780786439799. 248.
