The items in the Digital Collections of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library contain materials which represent or depict sensitive topics or were written from perspectives using outdated or biased language. The Library condemns discrimination and hatred on any grounds. As a research library that supports the mission and values of this land grant institution, it is incumbent upon the University Library to preserve, describe, and provide access to materials to accurately document our past, support learning about it, and effect change in the present. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, we do not censor our materials or prevent patrons from accessing them.
I watch the purple shadows falling, and think of you, my dear
out of the night I hear you calling, somehow I feel you near. I never knew how much I loved you until the day you went away. Absence brings you nearer to my heart, sweetheart
ev’ry time I think of you my love dreams start. In ev’ry letter that you send, I kiss the crosses at the end, for absence makes you dearer, brings you nearer to my heart. ‘Twas not so long ago you told me that you were all my own
why can’t your loving arms enfold me? Why must I be alone? I’d give the world to have you near me, oh come to me, come back to me!
Repository
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
Rights
No Copyright - United States
Original Location
Record Series 12/9/96
Series 2, Box 12, Folder 4
Local Identifier
2014_12996_007
Collection Title
James Edward Myers Sheet Music Collection, 1836-1986
This song was promoted vigorously but briefly between December 1917 and April 1918, apparently with some success, judging by the arrangements and the recording. But it apparently suffered in comparison with the enduring classic “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder,” written in 1900 by Herbert Dillea and Arthur Gillespie. Its connection to the war is tenuous, but the lyric reference to letters is typical of war-related ballads.
Historical Note
A piano roll, Imperial 9513, played by Zema Randale, was released in March 1918. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
This is the second of three printings that can be distinguished but not dated by back covers and interiors. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
The slogan “Food Will Win the War—Don’t Waste It” (gutter, p. 2–3) was officially launched by the Food Adminstration in mid-September, 1917.
Musical Note
A conventional sentimental ballad, moderato and in 4/4, with the usual characteristics: the pervasive chromatic inflections frequently include modal borrowings, the melody contains recurring falling seconds, and there is the expected leap to the climax near the end.
Subject - Topic
Separation (Psychology) -- Songs and music
Popular music -- United States -- 1911-1920.
World War, 1914-1918 -- Songs and music
Lyrics
[refrain 2]
[verse 2] ’Twas not so long ago you told me / That you were all my own. / Why can’t your loving arms enfold me? / Why must I be alone? / I’d give the world to have you near me, / O, come to me, come back to me!
[refrain 1] Absence brings you nearer to my heart, sweetheart; / Ev’ry time I think of you my love-dreams start. / In ev’ry letter that you send, / I kiss the crosses at the end, / For absence makes you dearer, / Brings you nearer to my heart.
[verse 1] I watch the purple shadows falling, / And think of you, my dear; / Out of the night I hear you calling, / Somehow I feel you near. / I never knew how much I loved you / Until the day you went away.
Musical Genre
Ballad
Repository
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
Rights
No Copyright - United States
Cover Description
Woman (sweetheart), in nightdress and in profile, facing left; behind, window and vase of cut flowers; heavy drapes at right. Black and orange on white; unsigned.
This song was promoted vigorously but briefly between December 1917 and April 1918, apparently with some success, judging by the arrangements and the recording. But it apparently suffered in comparison with the enduring classic “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder,” written in 1900 by Herbert Dillea and Arthur Gillespie. Its connection to the war is tenuous, but the lyric reference to letters is typical of war-related ballads.
Historical Note
A piano roll, Imperial 9513, played by Zema Randale, was released in March 1918. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
This is the second of three printings that can be distinguished but not dated by back covers and interiors. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
The slogan “Food Will Win the War—Don’t Waste It” (gutter, p. 2–3) was officially launched by the Food Adminstration in mid-September, 1917.
Musical Note
A conventional sentimental ballad, moderato and in 4/4, with the usual characteristics: the pervasive chromatic inflections frequently include modal borrowings, the melody contains recurring falling seconds, and there is the expected leap to the climax near the end.
Subject - Topic
Separation (Psychology) -- Songs and music
Popular music -- United States -- 1911-1920.
World War, 1914-1918 -- Songs and music
Lyrics
[refrain 2]
[verse 2] ’Twas not so long ago you told me / That you were all my own. / Why can’t your loving arms enfold me? / Why must I be alone? / I’d give the world to have you near me, / O, come to me, come back to me!
[refrain 1] Absence brings you nearer to my heart, sweetheart; / Ev’ry time I think of you my love-dreams start. / In ev’ry letter that you send, / I kiss the crosses at the end, / For absence makes you dearer, / Brings you nearer to my heart.
[verse 1] I watch the purple shadows falling, / And think of you, my dear; / Out of the night I hear you calling, / Somehow I feel you near. / I never knew how much I loved you / Until the day you went away.
Musical Genre
Ballad
Repository
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
Rights
No Copyright - United States
Cover Description
Woman (sweetheart), in nightdress and in profile, facing left; behind, window and vase of cut flowers; heavy drapes at right. Black and orange on white; unsigned.