Guided Primary Source Analysis: Hitting the trail to Normandy

I'm hitting the trail to Normandy so kiss me good-bye. — Snyder, Charles A. “I’m hitting the trail to Normandy so kiss me good-bye.” 1917. Performer: Lillie Leonora. Instrumentation: voice; piano; chorus. Historic American Sheet Music, Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.

Using details from the cover of this sheet music, describe what you think this song is about.

Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to find out about Normandy. Where is it? What was happening there in 1917?

Look inside at the song lyrics and music notation. What is the tone of the song? Does the tone of the song match the description you made based on the cover of the sheet music? If you can, play the song on the piano or find someone who can play the song on the piano. Do you think the music sound matches the tone of the lyrics? Why or why not?

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!