Released 1917 | ||
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Label Howard & LaVar Music, Co. Writer(s) "Great Howard" (Howard Miller) | ||
"Somewhere in France Is Daddy" is a World War I era song released in 1917. Lyrics and music were written by "Great Howard," otherwise known as Howard Miller. It was published by Howard & LaVar Music Co. of New York, New York. There are two versions of the sheet music cover. Both feature a mother holding a child, soldiers firing from a trench, and an inset photo of Great Howard. The latter version is a darker blue and the photo is of Howard in kilts. The song was written for both voice and piano.
The sheet music can be found at Pritzker Military Museum & Library.
The song is about a young boy whose father is fighting in the war. He asks his mother questions about his father's participation in the war, which appears difficult for her to answer. She is overcome with emotion, but her son comforts her. The chorus is as follows:
Somewhere in France is DaddySomewhere in France is heFighting for home and countryFighting my lad for libertyI pray ev'ry night for AlliesAnd ask God to help them winFor our Dad won't come backtill the Stars and Stripes they'll tack onKaiser William's flag staff in Berlin