Somewhere I picked up two old songbooks—The Modern Singer, copyright 1917, and The Crown, 1923. These were intended for young people: The Modern Singer's title page announces that it is "A Progressive Course of Practical Exercises for Learning to Read Music and a Graded Collection of Select Songs for Study and Social Singing, designed especially for use in Popular Singing Classes and Public Schools."

Hence both books contain songs giving good advice:

"'Tis well to be free in conversing,
'Tis well to be able to chat
With friends on a subject of interest,
With strangers on this thing or that;
Don't coldly assume reservation,
But listen to reason, I pray;
Remember this very wise motto:
Don't talk when you've nothing to say."

("Don't Talk When You've Nothing to Say," pp. 98-99, MS)

and silly songs:

"My father and mother were excellent folks,
They were both very fond of all practical jokes;
both of the same mind:
they said I should have all the names they could find." ("The Unlucky Boy or Name Song," p. 88, MS)

and songs on social issues, especially Prohibition:

"There's a battle in our land,
Stubborn, fierce and great,
Heroes wanted! Take your stand,
Vote the ticket straight."

("Vote the Ticket Straight," p. 70, MS)