First world war songs

Sorry I can't help but the concert sounds great. God luck to all involved.

My grandad used to sing to me every evening as I stood on the lavatory seat holding onto the cistern pipe and he washed his face neck and arms after the days work and before the evening. They were all songs to that period, but I bet you know them all I don't remember any unusual ones. I used to love "After the ball was over" plus really all the ones we know I suppose.

From 1912 ,for a bit of light relief, what about "When father papered the parlour?" We sang it when I was in the Choral Society.
I can't remember everything from that concert, but I'll have a think and get back to you with more (hopefully).

Isn't it awful how your mind goes blank!!

Yes

My old man
Pack up your troubles
Daisy Daisy
Rose in Picardy
Long way to Tipperary
After the ball
Over there
When Father painted the parlour
Keep the Home fires burning
Something about not wanting to lose you - can't remember exact
The bells of hell
I wonder who's kissing her now
Madamoselle from armiterres (spelling)
One of grandads favourites - goodbye-EE
Hello hello who's your lady friend
If you were the only girl in the world
It's a long long trail - I think can't quite remember

It's astounding how much of your childhood you can remember
I'm getting stuck now

You might already have this one:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIeC6rYrepE
Like whitewave, I think it was one my PGF used to sing to me. I sometimes sing it myself when out walking.

We're Soldiers of the Queen

I think Soldiers of the Queen (?Victoria) was Boer War.
Lily of Laguna?

My Grandad used to love to sing when I was little and I always joined in. All the ones already listed also:
Goodbye my bluebell, farewell to you
Jane, Jane, you've never been the same
Comrades, comrades, ever since we were boys
Two little girls in blue
I will be singing all afternoon now!

Don't forget the part that the Navy played in the First World War. That's where all my relatives were.
Popular songs were Drakes Drum by Henry Newbolt. The Death of Nelson. Eternal Father strong to save as well as familiar sea shanties.
It might bring a different note to the concert as well as reminding people that it wasn't just about the loss of life on land.

Whitewave you have just about covered it! What about "Goodbye Dolly Grey"?

Brilliant! - I will get stuck into researching these. Thank you so much.

I also had it in mind to look for some songs from other countries involved, like France, Australia etc.

It is hard to find songs that relate specifically to the celebratory element at the end of the war.

MrsEggy I think you are right - I have duly slapped my own wrist!

Oh What a Lovely War is full of WW1 songs - and well worth a watch!

I don't know how you would feel about this song because of it's close connection to Rolf Harris, but 'Two Little Boys' was written in 1902 about two young boys who grow up to be soldiers. I believe it was sung during WW1 - it was a popular music hall song of the time.

How about 'only a bird in a gilded cage' which was an old Music Hall favourite from 1902. My mum used to sing it while she was doing housework and then she sang it to my children. Not a very appropriate lullaby but a lovely melody - I still sing it to my grandchildren.

Another favourite of mine is 'My Grandfather's Clock' which my dad used to sing, but I'm not sure how old that is.

Another couple for you - 'Bless 'Em All' and on a totally contrasting note, 'When This Bloody War is Over'

Luckygirl I expect you already know this but you can sing 'Pack up your Troubles' & 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' both at the same time. Well, obviously you (by yourself) can't, it takes two or more, but it's sounds lovely sung by a choir, especially if the two tunes are split between the various voice types.

just saying

Not sure I remember most of these but I do remember "wish me luck as you wave me goodbye" played at my dads funeral and we all burst out laughing and danced to it.

The Lads in Navy Blue:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsGvQDDbmko

Australia Will be There:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHyUHvPkHSU
here's a newer recording by a choir:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ScU1q4LUrA

and, of course, this wasn't the National Anthem then, but Advance Australia Fair always brings a tear to the eye (well mine, anyway)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pusr0ftHYl0

Till the Clouds Roll By

An American one:
How Ya Gonna Keep Em down on the Farm after They've seen Paree?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgqVCJpRqWQ

Luckygirl You are starting early.

Also "We don't want to lose you, but we think you ought to go. For your king and your country both need you so. A recruiting song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTJXwOs2_bA

This one as well. www.phil.muni.cz/angl/gw/warww.html
Rather saucy. Can't find a youtube of it.

My mother was always singing, I'm trying to remember the songs and whether or not they were WW1 and just afterwards. The ones I remember are:

Little Grey Home in the West
Rose Marie

Bye Bye Blackbird (1926)
Someone to Watch over me (1926)

My grandma taught me 'There's a wrong way to tickle Mary' to the tune of Tipperary. I guess she learned it from her brothers who were in the trenches.

There's a wrong way to tickle Mary
There's a wrong way you know
There's a wrong way to tickle Mary
She's the strongest girl I know
First she'll twist your arm round
And bend it up your back
There's a wrong, wrong way to tickle Mary
Cos your bones, she'll crack.

Your concert sounds great btw.