The collection is comprised of eighteen (18) pieces of World War I-era sheet music for popular songs written before and during World War I. The collection includes several patriotic pre-war songs focusing on joining the army and doing one's duty for the war effort, with this subject continuing into the early war. The songs of later years shift into subjects of missing loved ones "over there" and hoping for peace and their safe return. The music was written primarily by American and British songwriters and composers. The music covers feature colorful illustrations and occasionally photo portraits of the composers and/or singers who popularized the song.