TWO GOOD SONGS

Evening Star, Issue 15859, 19 July 1915, Page 7

TWO GOOD SONGS

For a stirring air and a rousing chorus we know of no better new patriotic song than ‘British Boys,’ just published by The Bristol Company. Mr E. L. Christie’s words truly set forth the popular feeling j— ■ Now give a cheer for British"* boys who in the time of need, Went out to do their best or die for our old British breed. Canadian lads deserve a cheer; Australia’s done her share; And’ we ourselves are proud to think „ New Zealand’s sons are there. That is the sort of rugged verse that goes .further than poetry just now, and makes more bull’s-eyes. _ Tire music is by Mr G. Bf Laid law. It is on a higher level, but not above the heads of the crowd. As a composition it is distinguished by breadth, vivacity, and simplicity; There is a characteristic British ring about it. Further, it is quite easy to sing, and nicely pitched for the ordinary run of masculine voices. strongly uommend this .song to. the notice of the public generally. Practised singers will make a lot of it, and the man who merely “sings a bit” will find it just the thing to suit him if called on in company. It is easy, also, to set down our opinion about the other patriotic song of which the publishers—in this case ,Chas. Begg and, Co. —invite a' notice. It is entitled ‘Keep On Keeping On.’ Mr Hampton Woods, author of both the words and the music, has struck out on a new line by addressing an exhortation to business folk to keep on without cicfiang: What if things are a little bit tight, Don’t shut up the shop, my son. You'll find that things will work out right If you keep moving on. The sentiment is sound and the advice timely. And Air Woods hammers home his counsel in music the swing of which lingers after the encore. The air is quite imlik© that of any other patriotic song wo. know, and yet in no sense odd. Music and words suit each other admirably. Both of these-songs arc lithographed in the best style by the Caxton Company. The publishers of ‘Keep On Keeping On’ inform ns that the gross profits of the song are being devoted to the fund for wounded soldiers, that the Oamaru sales have far exceeded expectations, and that there is every indication that they will reach considerably higher figures than the world-famous ‘ Tipperary.’