A Whizzbang is a large shell, named for the noise it made on falling. There s a long, long trail a winding, Into the land of my dreams. Where the nightingales are singing , And a white moon beams. There s a long, long night of waiting , Until all my dreams come true. Till the day when I ll be going down , That long, long trail with you.
Sentimental songs seem to have been as popular as the more resentful tunes.
Songs such as this, The Roses Of Picardy and Keep the Home Fires Burning were repeated ad nauseum in the music halls at home, but there is evidence to show that the soldiers also enjoyed singing them. This was possibly because the songs reminded them of an idealized Britain, and reinforced their needs to stay civilised whilst in the trenches. These songs highlight the soldiers needs for self-justification, and encourage identification with the home front as a natural environment.