Will They Answer If I Write - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Will They Answer if I Write? Copyright, 1892, by White-Smith Music Publishing Co. Words by F. Fleming. Music by John St. George. 
Many hardships I've endured since I left my happy home, And ev'ry day to me seems like a year; On a sunny summer's morn I was bound this world to roam, And left the old homestead and loved ones dear. I always was surrounded there with luxuries and joy, And yearn for fame and fortune day and night. Would their sad hearts beat with joy for tidings of their boy; I wonder will they answer if I write? 
Chorus. Pray can it ever be that they ne'er will write to me; 'Twould fill their hearts with joy and great delight. If they would forget the past, to my home I'd go at last-I wonder will they answer if I write? 
A father and a mother, a sister and a brother, Their faces I can picture night and day; For we were happy then till at last we grew to men. When misfortune came and drew all joy away. But those happy days will come when life's tide will have its turn, And prosperity then for me will shine bright. I'll send a message home, to tell them I'm alone-I wonder will they answer if I write?- Chorus.