Since radio was unavailable for the distribution of military information and the spread of nationalistic sentiments during World War I, music was used to create a patriotic atmosphere with live performances. World War I inspired many great composers and songwriters to symbolize the American spirit. Songs were about family back home and, more importantly, sweethearts and spouses.

Music written by composers, such as Irving Berlin, Ernest R. Ball, Billy Baskette and George M. Cohan, captured the essence of the emotions that ran deep through the hearts of many soldiers and loved ones. Other songs like Berlin’s Good-Bye France (You’ll Never Be Forgotten by the U.S.A.) helped establish a rapport with the allied nations, while Farewell, Mother I Hate to Say Good-bye to You and other songs touched the hearts of many as the reality of the war effort in America took its toll on families. Berlin’s famous Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning took a lighthearted approach to illustrating life in the military and the difficulties for new enlistees in adjusting to their new life.

A large number of these patriotic songs were available in recordings for playing in the home. Additionally, song sheets with lyrics were available, further promoting the personal connections with the war effort. These song sheets could be purchased at many music stores such as the J.D. Smithdeal Company in Columbia, the John Williams Music Store in Greenville, and the Siegling Music House in Charleston. Song sheet covers utilized visuals created by many of the great illustrators of the time and connected well with the imagery of posters created during this time.

The song sheet cover for Farewell, Mother I Hate to Say Good-bye to You shows a soldier bidding farewell to his mother outside their pastoral home. In the front yard is a flag with two stars, illustrating that two members of her family were fighting in the war. Other song sheet covers, such as Bring Me a Letter from My Old Home Town, illustrate a family writing letters to son and brother, Sergeant Winslow Brown, serving in France.

The patriotic songs written during 1917 and 1918 were also featured in many parades and civic events, such as Civic Preparedness Days, and Liberty and Victory Loan drives. In Charleston, a concert by Metz’s Military Band was held at Hampton Park on April 8, 1917, promoting American patriotism. Similar concerts were held in Greenville, Columbia, Greenwood and Florence, drawing tens of thousands of South Carolinians.