"A Handful of Earth From Mother's Grave" SAD SONG on Edison 8531 (1903) William H. Thompson LYRICS

I must leave this dear old place where my childhood days were spent, And the cottage, hidden 'among the purple hills, I must say good-by to all that have made my life content, How the thoughts with bitter tears my eyes it fills; But before I go away, to return again no more, Ere I wander in that land beyond the wave, In the memory I'll take of the golden days of yore Just a handful of earth from mother's grave. Just a handful of earth from the land of my birth, For memory's sweet sake I will save, From the lowly green mound, in the grim churchyard ground, Just a handful of earth from mother's grave. When I've crossed the deep blue sea and look back on Erin's shore. As it slowly fades beyond the distance fair, Tho' my thoughts and heart be sad, it will comfort me the more That I bear this token of her love and care; And, when troubles shall assail in the pathway of my life, I will struggle on in silence and be brave. For 'twill guide me safely through every worldly care and strife, Just this handful of earth from mother's grave The song is sometimes called "Just A Handful Of Earth From Mother's Grave." You may know the later Vernon Dalhart performance from the 1920s. "A Handful of Earth From Mother's Grave" was first issued in November, 1903, according to the trade journal Edison Phonograph Monthly. The cylinder we are hearing could be a remake from 1907 or so since the opening announcement and orchestral treatment are more like those of later cylinders than on 1903 cylinders. Was this song published in 1883 as a song in Joseph Murphy's Irish play titled Shaun Rue? The Edison trade journal states as much, giving credit to Murphy as writer, but sheet music of Murphy's piece is a different song with different lyrics. The baritone William H. Thompson lived from October 28, 1869, to July 24, 1945. He began recording slightly after the turn of the century, specializing in sentimental songs. In Monarchs of Minstrelsy (Kenny Publishing Company, 1911), Edward Le Roy Rice reports that Thompson was born on October 28, 1869, in Liverpool, England, and began his minstrel career in Chicago with Kelly and Leon's Minstrels in 1889, worked with Cleveland's Minstrels in 1890, and was with Primrose and West's Minstrels from 1890 to 1893, afterwards forming a partnership with tenor Fred Oakland. According to Rice, Oakland and Thompson "performed in the principal music halls of London and the provinces, in a great singing act." Fred Oakland was not related to countertenor Will Oakland (this countertenor, born Herman Hinrichs, took his stage name from Fred Oakland). Thompson formed an act with Will Oakland in 1910. His earliest Edison records are "Sadie, Say You Won't Say Nay" (two-minute wax 8037) and "In the Moonlight with the Girl You Love" (8044), perhaps the first recording of a Theodore Morse song. They were issued in July 1902. He cut over 40 titles for Edison Standard cylinders. On March 16, 1903, he had his first Victor session. Early titles include "Let Me Dream Again" (2088) and "The Songbird of Melody Lane" (2089). Other Victor sessions soon followed but he made no records for the company after 1904, and from June 1907 to April 1910 no performances were issued by Edison. He may have been too busy with stage work during these years to take time to record or perhaps, like other artists, he had occasional salary disputes with Edison's company. Beginning with Amberol cylinder 409, "My Love Is Greater Than the World," issued in April 1910, Thompson again recorded regularly for Edison. Announcing its release, the February issue of Edison Phonograph Monthly states, "Mr. Thompson's return to Edison ranks will be welcomed by the thousands of Phonograph owners who recall the pleasure his splendid baritone voice gave them a few years ago." In addition to solo records, he recorded duets with Will Oakland ("If This Rose Told You All It Knows," Amberol 503) and old partner Albert Campbell (the two had recorded three titles in 1903). Thompson also worked for the U. S. Phonograph Company, making over 30 U-S Everlasting cylinders (sometimes with Frank Coombs), and Columbia during this period. His recording career ended around 1913. "A Handful of Earth From Mother's Grave" SAD SONG on Edison 8531 (1903) William H. Thompson LYRICS