The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin

"The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin"
Song
Released 1917
Composer(s) John Godfrey
Lyricist(s) Bide Dudley and James Byrnes
Language English

"The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin" is a World War I song written to capitalize on the popularity of the song It's a Long, Long Way to Tipperary. As suggested by the title, the song claims that distance from home is a positive because it indicates that the Allies are getting closer to victory over Germany. It was written in late 1917 and became a modest hit, recorded by Billy Murray for both Victor Records and Edison Records.[1] [2] The song may have been featured in some versions of the 1917 Broadway play Going Up.[3]

The lyrics are in the public domain.

Variations

There are variations in lyrics between early recordings and sheet music released later in 1918. The title itself is changed to "The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Nearer It Is To Berlin." The very first line, "The Tommies in the tanks all seem to have one favorite song" is changed to "The Tommies in the trenches seem to have one favorite song."[4]

References

  1. ↑ . UCSB Cylinder Archive. Retrieved on 2015-12-14.
  2. ↑ . Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved on 2015-12-14.
  3. ↑ . Proof Through the Night: Music and the Great War. Retrieved on 2015-12-14.
  4. ↑ . Sheet Music Plus. Retrieved on 2015-12-14.
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