Another post for Memorial Day!
When I Come Back to You: We’ll Have a Yankee-Doodle Wedding is a World War I song composed by William Tracey and Jack Stern, published in 1918 by Douglas & Newman Music Company in New York.
William Tracey and Jack Stern were influential figures in early 20th-century American music, making significant contributions to the popular and jazz genres. Jack Stern (1896–1985) was an American composer and songwriter recognized for his numerous songs recorded for Hollywood films. William Tracey (1893–1957) was an American lyricist who worked as a staff member for various publishing companies and collaborated with many composers.
The song reflects the sentiments of soldiers longing to reunite with their loved ones after the war. The lyrics express a soldier’s promise to his sweetheart that they’ll celebrate with a “Yankee-Doodle” wedding upon his return, blending personal affection with national pride. This theme resonated with many during the war, capturing the emotional landscape of families waiting for the return of their loved ones. Tragically, for many soldiers, this promise went unfulfilled, as countless soldiers never came home, leaving behind a lasting legacy of grief and remembrance.
-View past Memorial Day posts
--Melissa, Special Collections Library Assistant
