The office had just been opened When an old man aged in years

voiceThe Boys in Blue The office had just been opened When an old man aged in years Entered, on his care worn face Showed signs of grief and tears. And when the clerk approached him With a trembling voice he did say "I'm looking for my boy - sir, He's coming home today." "You made a slight mistake, sir For surely you must know This is an express office and not a town depot. So if your boy is coming home!" With a smile the clerk did say, "You'll find him with the passengers At the depot o'er the way." "You don't quite understand me, sir" The old man shook his head. "He's not coming as a passenger But by express instead." Just then a whistle pierced the air "The express train," someone cried. The old man arose in breathless haste And quickly stepped outside. And from the train a long white box, Was lowered to the ground. The scenes were then heart rendering For those who stood around. "Don't handle it rough boys," the old man said, "It contains our darling Jack. He went away as you are now, See how he's coming back? He broke his dear old mother's heart, Her warning has come true. She said he'd be brought to us dead When he joined those boys in blue." Collected by M.C. Parler Transcribed by Bessie Atchley Sung by Bessie Atchley Green Forest, Arkansas July 7, 1960 Reel 388, Item 10Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation