04 Nov 02 - 05:20 PM (#818430) Subject: If you're happy and you know it... From: DADGBE Songs seem to materialize when folks get pissed off at something. This one's been happening spontaneously all across the US. Someone noticed that "clap your hands" and "bomb Iraq" have the same number of syllables. The rest is history. Here are some of the verses that have come to my e-mail; only some because more arrive every now and then. From Rochester, NY... If you can't take out Osama bomb Iraq, (2x) If you can't take out Osama nuke a starving Baghdad mama, If you can't take out Osama bomb Iraq. If your manhood seems uncertain bomb Iraq, (2x) If your manhood seems uncertain and there's no more Iron Curtain, If your manhood seems uncertain bomb Iraq. From our dinner table in Davis, CA... Be the king of the world... murder Muslim boys and girls If the stock market's tanking... send some yanks in tanks a'clanking The generals all wanna... use their missiles guns and bombas If you're falling in the polls... and you want to take control If the stock market's falling... and the ecomony's appalling If you want to sell more oil... send our boys to foreign soil If you want to sell more gas... and kick Iraqi ass You couldn't catch Osama... so send in the bombers Your election was a farce... but now you'll kick Iraqi arse You get the idea. I'm leaving it up to you to keep it going and post whatever you come up with. I'll add more as I get 'em. |
04 Nov 02 - 08:02 PM (#818559) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: Bat Goddess The version I got (and passed on and on and on) is: The George W Fight Song! If you're happy and you know it, bomb Iraq (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, bomb Iraq (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, and you really want to show it If you're happy and you know it, bomb Iraq If your equities are falling, bomb Iraq If your equities are falling, bomb Iraq If your equities are falling, and your losses are appalling If your equities are falling, bomb Iraq If the euro keeps on climbing, bomb Iraq If the euro keeps on climbing, bomb Iraq If the euro keeps on climbing, put your trust in W's timing If the euro keeps on climbing, bomb Iraq If the GDP is shrinking, bomb Iraq If the GDP is shrinking, bomb Iraq If the GDP is shrinking, and W's back to drinking If the GDP is shrinking, bomb Iraq If my polls are falling, bomb Iraq If my polls are falling, bomb Iraq If my polls are falling, and the Congress is a-stalling If my polls are falling, bomb Iraq If the GOP is hurtin', bomb Iraq If the GOP is hurtin', bomb Iraq If the GOP is hurtin', and November looks uncertain If the GOP is hurtin', bomb Iraq If the talk has turned to Harken, bomb Iraq If the talk has turned to Harken, bomb Iraq If the talk has turned to Harken, and that Krugman-dawg is barkin' If the talk has turned to Harken, bomb Iraq Are they checking Halliburton? bomb Iraq Are they checking Halliburton? bomb Iraq If they're checking Halliburton, and for Cheney jail looks certain If they're checking Halliburton, bomb Iraq If your brother is a turkey, bomb Iraq If your brother is a turkey, bomb Iraq If your brother is a turkey, and Florida's gone bazerk-y If your brother is a turkey, bomb Iraq If the pundits call you "moron," bomb Iraq If the pundits call you "moron," bomb Iraq If the pundits call you "moron," then it's time to get your war on If the pundits call you "moron," bomb Iraq If Noelle gets caught with crack, then bomb Iraq If Noelle gets caught with crack, then bomb Iraq If Noelle gets caught with crack, and the twins drop booze for smack If Noelle gets caught with crack, then bomb Iraq To get drilling in the Arctic, bomb Iraq To get drilling in the Arctic, bomb Iraq You can run us out of oil, with the Mid-East all aboil To get drilling in the Arctic, bomb Iraq ....Add your own verses! |
04 Nov 02 - 09:12 PM (#818605) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: DADGBE Thanks Bat Goddess! Ya can't keep a good song down. |
04 Nov 02 - 09:33 PM (#818622) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: catspaw49 If you stole the election......And you can't get an erection So go forward, never backoff......Like your Dad you're just a Jackoff Stand tall with your back rigid......And don't whine 'cause Laura's frigid Spaw |
05 Nov 02 - 01:05 AM (#818735) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: DADGBE Damn it Spaw, you just can't seem to keep your mind out of the sewer. I like that about you. |
05 Nov 02 - 01:35 AM (#818750) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: Little Hawk LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!! Bomb Iraq is indeed the panacea for all of Dubya's woes. Thank God for Iraq! Without Iraq what would America do? Hmmmm... Can anyone say "Iran"? Or Libya? Or Syria? Or... Well, maybe we can find someone in South America to go after too, if all else fails. How about Chavez? Warm up them choppers, boys! We're goin' in! - LH |
05 Nov 02 - 02:24 AM (#818765) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: catspaw49 I think Carlin has it figured out.....We're big on bombing brown people. The way I see it myself is that if you got a country with brown people, we'll bomb the livin' shit out of you. Now we're no longer too big on yellow people because after WWII, we met with limited success in bombing yellow people. Now if you have really black people in your country, you probably don't have enough GNP to make it worthwhile and probably don't have anything we want. The exception to this is South Africa but bombing them is out of the question as we have to have somewhere in the world we can point to as a place where we stood up to the old goverment in favor of civil rights for the masses. It wasn't working too well at home here so we had to go elsewhere. Red people are a possibility now. Before a few years ago, we had managed to put them in places within our own country that were about uninhabitable, but they persisted in trying to make a go of it and now that gambling has made them wealthier, I'd say they are a legitimate target. Of course we won't do that. Not because we don't want to bomb them, but since they've improved the value of the shitty real estate we stuck them with, we wouldn't want to screw up the investment. Far better if we just relocate them again. White folks are pretty much out of the picture too anymore since no one can understand the new Eurodollar and besides, they haven't had a really persistent fuckwit like Hitler in a long time. Most can't even measure up to Mussolini, a completely lame and ignominius asshole that could really have made it big in the past decade in the former Yugoslavia. I mean there are some white countries we could bomb, but we're making too much money selling them weapons and such so they can protect themselves from each other. No, the real target has to be the brown countries......They're all that's left. Spaw |
05 Nov 02 - 01:12 PM (#819145) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: Hollowfox DAMMITALL! Now I can't get that #$!@% song out of my head!! |
14 Nov 02 - 10:48 AM (#825865) Subject: Lyr Add: If you're War-Happy and you know it... From: Scabby Douglas I was passed this on via email today... if it's already appeared in any threads I apologise for duplications.. Cheers Sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It Clap Your Hands" If we cannot find Osama, bomb Iraq. If the markets hurt your Mama, bomb Iraq. If the terrorists are Saudi And the bank takes back your Audi And the TV shows are bawdy, Bomb Iraq. If the corporate scandals growin', bomb Iraq. And your ties to them are showin', bomb Iraq. If the smoking gun ain't smokin' We don't care, and we're not jokin'. That Saddam will soon be croakin', Bomb Iraq. Even if we have no allies, bomb Iraq. From the sand dunes to the valleys, bomb Iraq. So to hell with the inspections; Let's look tough for the elections, Close your mind and take directions, Bomb Iraq. While the globe is slowly warming, bomb Iraq. Yay! the clouds of war are storming, bomb Iraq. If the ozone hole is growing, Some things we prefer not knowing. (Though our ignorance is showing), Bomb Iraq. So here's one for dear old daddy, bomb Iraq, From his favorite little laddy, bomb Iraq. Saying no would look like treason. It's the Hussein hunting season. Even if we have no reason, Bomb Iraq. Cheers Steven |
14 Nov 02 - 11:27 AM (#825906) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're War-Happy and you know it.. From: Bat Goddess Yes -- a thread from about a week ago, but I didn't trace it and I can't remember the name. I posted this version (second version on the thread): Sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It.." The George W Fight Song! If you're happy and you know it, bomb Iraq (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, bomb Iraq (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, and you really want to show it If you're happy and you know it, bomb Iraq If your equities are falling, bomb Iraq If your equities are falling, bomb Iraq If your equities are falling, and your losses are appalling If your equities are falling, bomb Iraq If the euro keeps on climbing, bomb Iraq If the euro keeps on climbing, bomb Iraq If the euro keeps on climbing, put your trust in W's timing If the euro keeps on climbing, bomb Iraq If the GDP is shrinking, bomb Iraq If the GDP is shrinking, bomb Iraq If the GDP is shrinking, and W's back to drinking If the GDP is shrinking, bomb Iraq If my polls are falling, bomb Iraq If my polls are falling, bomb Iraq If my polls are falling, and the Congress is a-stalling If my polls are falling, bomb Iraq If the GOP is hurtin', bomb Iraq If the GOP is hurtin', bomb Iraq If the GOP is hurtin', and November looks uncertain If the GOP is hurtin', bomb Iraq If the talk has turned to Harken, bomb Iraq If the talk has turned to Harken, bomb Iraq If the talk has turned to Harken, and that Krugman-dawg is barkin' If the talk has turned to Harken, bomb Iraq Are they checking Halliburton? bomb Iraq Are they checking Halliburton? bomb Iraq If they're checking Halliburton, and for Cheney jail looks certain If they're checking Halliburton, bomb Iraq If your brother is a turkey, bomb Iraq If your brother is a turkey, bomb Iraq If your brother is a turkey, and Florida's gone bazerk-y If your brother is a turkey, bomb Iraq If the pundits call you "moron," bomb Iraq If the pundits call you "moron," bomb Iraq If the pundits call you "moron," then it's time to get your war on If the pundits call you "moron," bomb Iraq If Noelle gets caught with crack, then bomb Iraq If Noelle gets caught with crack, then bomb Iraq If Noelle gets caught with crack, and the twins drop booze for smack If Noelle gets caught with crack, then bomb Iraq To get drilling in the Arctic, bomb Iraq To get drilling in the Arctic, bomb Iraq You can run us out of oil, with the Mid-East all aboil To get drilling in the Arctic, bomb Iraq ....Add your own verses! |
14 Nov 02 - 05:41 PM (#826298) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're War-Happy and you know it.. From: DADGBE Yo Scabby, Thanks for the lyrics. I started the other thread on this subject "If you're happy and you know it" is its name. Hey Joe, how does one make a link to a thread? Best, Ray |
14 Nov 02 - 05:46 PM (#826305) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're War-Happy and you know it... From: catspaw49 Make a link by clicking on Make a Link and following the instructions. It's no longer needed to know the html....just put in the URL in the slot and whatever you want it to say in the other. The whole thing is a copy and paste operation now....Give it a try. Spaw |
15 Nov 02 - 10:38 AM (#826899) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're War-Happy and you know it.. From: DADGBE Thanks 'Spaw. I tried that but couldn't get the blamed thing to work so here the entire other thread copied in. Subject: If you're happy and you know it... From: DADGBE - PM Date: 04 Nov 02 - 05:20 PM I combined the two threads, and deleted the messages DADGBE copy-pasted. -Joe Offer-
Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... |
15 Nov 02 - 11:22 AM (#826927) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: DADGBE Thanks for the technical assistance Joe. Now if you can teach me how to sing bass... |
10 Dec 02 - 04:29 PM (#844851) Subject: If You're Happy and you Know it From: GUEST,Frank Sung to the tune: "If You're Happy And You Know It Clap Your Hands" If we cannot find Osama, bomb Iraq. If the markets hurt your Mama, bomb Iraq. If the terrorists are Saudi And the bank takes back your Audi And the TV shows are bawdy, Bomb Iraq. If the corporate scandal's growin', bomb Iraq. And your ties to them are showin', bomb Iraq. If the smoking gun ain't smokin' We don't care, and we're not jokin'. That Saddam will soon be croakin', Bomb Iraq. Even if we have no allies, bomb Iraq. From the sand dunes to the valleys, bomb Iraq. So to hell with the inspections; Let's look tough for the elections, Close your mind and take directions, Bomb Iraq. While the globe is slowly warming, bomb Iraq. Yay! the clouds of war are storming, bomb Iraq. If the ozone hole is growing, Some things we prefer not knowing. (Though our ignorance is showing), Bomb Iraq. So here's one for dear old daddy, bomb Iraq, From his favorite little laddy, bomb Iraq. Saying no would look like treason. It's the Hussein hunting season. Even if we have no reason, Bomb Iraq. |
10 Dec 02 - 04:46 PM (#844860) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: DADGBE refresh |
10 Dec 02 - 04:48 PM (#844864) Subject: RE: If You're Happy and you Know it From: GUEST I would say, LOL, but it's far too near the truth for that. Thanks for posting that, Frank. Not that it'll change anything |
10 Dec 02 - 05:11 PM (#844880) Subject: RE: If You're Happy and you Know it From: DADGBE Hi Frank, Just refreshed another thread of the same title. Maybe the inimitable Joe Offer will combine them. I've been collecting verses to this for some time now. Here's the whole list: Are they checking Halliburton?... and for Cheney jail seems certain Be the king of the world... murder Muslim boys and girls Constitution be damned... The whole world's your Promised Land Here's one for dear old daddy… From his favorite little laddie Even if we have no allies… From the sand dunes to the valleys If Afghanistan is rubble… and rebuilding's too much trouble If Noelle gets caught with crack… and the twins drop booze for smack If Saddam is getting bossy… we'll just go round up a posse If the corporate scandals growin'… And your ties to them are showin' If the country's in recession… then distract them with aggression If the euro keeps on climbing… put your trust in W's timing If the generals all say no… come on, what the hell do THEY know? If the GOP is hurtin'... and November seems uncertain If the GOP is shrinking... and W's back to drinking If the oil men need protection... and they'll buy your reelection If the ozone hole is growing… Some things we prefer not knowing… though our ignorance is showing If the polls are falling... and the Congress is stalling If the pundits call you moron... then it's time to get your war on If the stock market's falling... and the economy's appalling If the smoking gun ain't smokin'…we don't care, and we're not jokin'… that Saddam will soon be croakin' If the stock market's tanking... send some yanks in tanks a'clanking If the talk has turned to Harken… and that Krugman-dawg is barkin' If the terrorists are Saudi… and the bank takes back your Audi… and the TV shows are bawdy If they call you a draft dodger… just run up the Jolly Roger If you cannot catch Osama… distract em all with drama If you cannot find Osama… If the markets hurt your Mama If you can't take out Osama... nuke a starving Baghdad mama If you want to be a hero… and your IQ's nearly zero If you want to sell more gas... and you wanna kick some ass If you want to sell more oil... send our boys to foreign soil If your brother is a turkey... and Florida's goin' berserk-y If your daddy starts to nag bad… you can bomb the beast of Bagdad… after all, he tried to bag Dad If you're falling in the polls... and you want to take control If you're now friends with the Russians... an' you need a foe worth crushin' If your equities are falling… and your losses are appalling If you're trying to please daddy… say Saddam is such a baddie If your manhood seems uncertain and there's no more Iron Curtain Kill Iraqi civilians... help your pals steal billions Saying no would look like treason… it's Hussein hunting season… even if we have no reason So to hell with the inspections… let's look tough for the elections… close your mind and take directions So you can sell more oil... spread uranium on their soil The generals all wanna... use their missiles, guns and bombas To divert public attention… from the doings of your henchmen To get drilling in the Arctic… you can run us out of oil… with the Middle East a-boil Want to be a Texas Ranger… while staying out of danger While the globe is slowly warming… Yay! The clouds of war are storming You couldn't catch Osama... so send in the bombers You were AWOL from the service... now you make the whole world nervous Your election was a farce... but now you'll kick Iraqi arse |
10 Dec 02 - 05:14 PM (#844882) Subject: RE: If you're happy and you know it... From: GUEST,Edgar Guest If your happy with the Bushes, bomb Iraq If your sitting on your tushes, bomb Iraq If you don't care who you vote for There'll be time to hold the coat for The hawk who tries to push us 'nto Iraq. |
10 Dec 02 - 05:21 PM (#844886) Subject: RE: If You're Happy and you Know it From: nutty Great song Frank ...... I think I'm going to be singing that one .... who can I credit with the composition. |
18 Dec 02 - 02:47 PM (#849748) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Joe Offer Somebody brought this song to our song circle Friday - the "cannot find your Osama/hurt your mama" version. DADGBE wasn't there to share his verses, or to hear us sing his New Year's song. I got the impression the version may have come from http://moveon.org/, but I couldn't find it there. Nonetheless, it's a good site to take a look at. -Joe Offer- Threads combined ot keep all the verses together. Messages below are from a new thread. -Joe Offer- |
23 Jan 03 - 03:36 AM (#872623) Subject: Lyr Add: Bomb Iraq song forwarded From: Bluesmike Hi crew A mate of mine in Mongolia -of all places forwarded this to me From : David O'Connor Don't know who wrote this, but it bears a few repetitions David BOMB IRAQ To the tune "If you're happy and you know it" If you cannot find Osama, Bomb Iraq. If the markets are a drama, Bomb Iraq. If the terrorists are frisky, Pakistan is looking shifty, North Korea is too risky, Bomb Iraq. If we have no allies with us, Bomb Iraq. If we think someone has dissed us, Bomb Iraq. So to hell with the inspections, Let's look tough for the elections, Close your mind and take directions, Bomb Iraq. It's "pre-emptive non-aggression", Bomb Iraq. Dubya's personal obsession, Bomb Iraq. They've got weapons we can't see, And that's good enough for me 'Cos it'all the proof I need Bomb Iraq. If you never were elected, Bomb Iraq. If your mood is quite dejected, Bomb Iraq. If you think Saddam's gone mad, With the weapons that he had, (And he tried to kill your dad), Bomb Iraq. If your corporate fraud is growin', Bomb Iraq. If your ties to it are showin', Bomb Iraq. If your politics are sleazy, And hiding that ain't easy, And your manhood's getting queasy, Bomb Iraq. Fall in line and follow orders, Bomb Iraq. For our might knows not our borders, Bomb Iraq. Disagree? We'll call it treason, Let's make war not love this season, Even if we have no reason, Bomb Iraq. If you're running out of oil, Bomb Iraq Weapons sales gone off the boil? – Bomb Iraq! If the corporate agenda Says you've got to be a spender But the dollar's on a bender Bomb Iraq! If you've got a tiny penis Bomb Iraq Go on, prove you're not a genius - Bomb Iraq Silence any desperate prayer that you may have a brain up there Make the ex-free world despair Bomb Iraq! Taste the blood of little children: Bomb Iraq Pay your Yankee kids to kill 'em: Bomb Iraq If your bombs were really smarter They'd lock onto you for starters And avert your planned disaster Bomb Iraq Guarantee your place in Hell: Bomb Iraq Take your White House staff as well – Bomb Iraq Dick Chaney just ain't nice Nor is Condoleeza Rice And it's Rumsfeld's bad advice to Bomb Iraq If you're still in any doubt Bomb Iraq Though the people all want out, Bomb Iraq We're all gi-ving our best shot to * Urge you seriously not to Even if you feel you've got to Bomb Iraq * This line is tricky if you don't get the emphasis right: "We're all" is two short (unstressed) syllables, and the first syllable of "gi-ving" is stressed. The next stress, and change of pitch, falls on "shot". The last three lines all flow together without any pause between. Cheers K |
23 Jan 03 - 03:58 AM (#872639) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Bomb Iraq song forwarded From: Bullfrog Jones Nice one. But will we have time to learn it before he does? BJ |
23 Jan 03 - 04:14 AM (#872643) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Bomb Iraq song forwarded From: winterchild LOL!! Mind if I copy that to some 'filker friends? WinterC |
23 Jan 03 - 05:27 AM (#872677) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Bomb Iraq song forwarded From: Wolfgang Good song, but much stronger without the last four verses. Wolfgang |
23 Jan 03 - 05:50 AM (#872686) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Bomb Iraq song forwarded From: Doobie If you are into the sentiments expressed in 'Bomb Iraq', you might like to check out the 'Blood Spattered Banner' and maybe pass it on. |
23 Jan 03 - 02:50 PM (#873101) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Cornflake My group modified the song somewhat by adding a bridge and tinkering with the lyrics. When we played it, about two-thirds of the audience loved it and about one-third hated us. Here's the variant for what it's worth. When the corporate scandals grow, bomb Iraq When your ties to Enron show, bomb Iraq When you sense dissatisfaction Give the voters a distraction With some military action--bomb Iraq If Dakota's short of rain, bomb Iraq Blame pollution on Hussein, bomb Iraq When recession is full-blown And stocks are sinking like a stone Think with your testosterone--bomb Iraq Bridge And if reporters question you about tariffs or Peru And you've no idea what the answer is Do not fret, just stay calm Change the subject to Saddam And how your weapon's bigger than his Do a favor for your dad, bomb Iraq Seems he's still a little mad so bomb Iraq You can settle an old score If you send our kids to war Hey, no need to ask what for--bomb Iraq This song can't be sung enough or in enough versions to suit me. |
27 Jan 03 - 05:37 PM (#876079) Subject: BS: Parody 'If you're happy .. bomb Iraq From: Nemesis A friend passed this onto me today: Sing: To the tune of "If you're happy and you know it" If you cannot find Osama, bomb Iraq. If the markets are a drama, bomb Iraq. If the terrorists are frisky, Pakistan is looking shifty, North Korea is too risky, Bomb Iraq. If we have no allies with us, bomb Iraq. If we think someone has dissed us, bomb Iraq. So to hell with the inspections, Let's look tough for the elections, Close your mind and take directions, Bomb Iraq. It's "pre-emptive non-aggression", bomb Iraq. Let's prevent this mass destruction, bomb Iraq. They've got weapons we can't see, And that's good enough for me ! 'Cos it'all the proof I need Bomb Iraq. If you never were elected, bomb Iraq. If your mood is quite dejected, bomb Iraq. If you think Saddam's gone mad, With the weapons that he had, (And he tried to kill your dad), Bomb Iraq. If your corporate fraud is growin', bomb Iraq. If your ties to it are showin', bomb Iraq. If your politics are sleazy, And hiding that ain't easy, And your manhood's getting queasy, Bomb Iraq. Fall in line and follow orders, bomb Iraq. For our might knows not our borders, bomb Iraq. Disagree? We'll call it treason, Let's make war not love this season, Even if we have no reason, Bomb Iraq. |
27 Jan 03 - 05:43 PM (#876086) Subject: RE: BS: Parody 'If you're happy .. bomb Iraq From: Rustic Rebel That about sums it up doesn't it Hille! Peace, Rustic |
27 Jan 03 - 06:56 PM (#876149) Subject: RE: BS: Parody 'If you're happy .. bomb Iraq From: Herga Kitty Hille - It's getting around - I was sent it on Friday. And Tim Brooks (who wrote "So far from home" and "the Devil and York Minster) sang it at Herga this evening. Kitty |
27 Jan 03 - 08:54 PM (#876225) Subject: RE: BS: Parody 'If you're happy .. bomb Iraq From: Stewie First rate. Thanks. --Stewie. |
27 Jan 03 - 09:11 PM (#876234) Subject: RE: BS: Parody 'If you're happy .. bomb Iraq From: Bob Bolton G'day Hille, It circulated in Australia 19/20 January (back when it was only 18 January in the US of A). The author is John Robbins. Regards, Bob Bolton |
27 Jan 03 - 11:13 PM (#876282) Subject: RE: BS: Parody 'If you're happy .. bomb Iraq From: JennyO Someone sent this to the Solidarity Choir last year. There a few versions around, with extra verses and such. Jenny |
29 Jan 03 - 11:43 PM (#878186) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Charlie Baum One of the more fascinating things about this song, some folklorists have recently taken note of, is the tremendous number of variants. In an age of internet transmission, where it is very easy to pass along the song verbatim and accurately without any alterations, people are still taking the time to alter the verses and rewrite them, as well as to write new verses. Some of the earliest version's verses didn't scan very well but have been rewritten to better fit the meter. It becomes a study of folk transmission and folk processing, despite this being an era of written transmission and e-mails. --Charlie Baum |
30 Jan 03 - 09:39 AM (#878419) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Charlie Baum Here is the note from Lisa Null that got me started on thinking about the non-simple transmission of these lyrics-- [begin quote from Lisa Null, with her permission] Is anyone saving several dated versions of the Bush Song as they move around the internet? I have seen may versions of this song since it began making the rounds about three months ago and never have I seen the folk transmission work more quickly or effectively through transmission.....even without the orality so often assumed to do the polishing (though perhaps, as I did, people tried to sing the earlier versions and found they couldn't fit the words to tune very well so changed them orally and simply transcribed an oral act)....any way selectivity is at mercifully at work here( fewer choicer verses), the symbolic language pithier, the scansion better, the topicality at once more focused and more universal.....and this does seem to be an incremental job (unless some sage is responsible for all the significant updates)---- Perhaps an example that the screaming, dancing throngs are indeed alive and doing their thing. [end quote] --Charlie Baum |
14 Feb 03 - 04:47 PM (#890569) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Ed. |
24 Feb 03 - 08:46 AM (#897219) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: GUEST,Felipa Environmental version "War destroys environment," say the greens, "don't bomb Iraq!" Bush says "I don't know what you mean, I'll bomb Iraq We wouldn't limit CO2, now this is nothing new, So this is what we'll do, we'll bomb Iraq." With uranium depleted bomb Iraq We cannot be defeated, bomb Iraq Children dying of leukaemia, the result of our mania But we won't take the blame, ah - bomb Iraq Destruction of the water supply, bomb Iraq, Will cause even more people to die, bomb Iraq, Our lifestyle depends on oil, to the victor goes the spoil, Though in Hell we may boil, bomb Iraq. We need to test new weapons, bomb Iraq Who cares about inspections?, bomb Iraq Our soldiers they need practice of all the latest tactics So we'll test our new weapons, and bomb Iraq Feb 15 verses People on the streets say "Don't Bomb Iraq" Pastors in churches pray "Don't Bomb Iraq" If our leaders pay attention, it is just to mention, It's still their intention to bomb Iraq. Masses in their millions came out, don't bomb Iraq "Not in our name" they did shout, "Don't bomb Iraq" Blair says "I see your point of view, but this we've got to do, Though your numbers aren't few, we'll bomb Iraq." Bush and Blair put on their act, clap your hands We must weed supposition from fact, don't clap your hands, So many stories they tell us, trying hard to sell us Reasons ever-changing to - bomb Iraq. People of the world, they don't like -don't bomb Iraq Threats of pre-emptive strike - don't bomb Iraq If the bombs you stay, peace yet might win the day List' to what we say - don't bomb Iraq But yet we'll make you heed, don't bomb Iraq No war for the sake of greed / Pay attention to real needs, don't bomb Iraq Inspections are in place; attack and you'll loose face, Of humanity show a trace, don't bomb Iraq The 'Imperialist Hegemony' verses And after Iraq let's bomb Syria, Bomb Iraq Whip up more 'Axis of Evil' hysteria, Bomb Iraq Our might knows no border, In search of a new world order; Who comes next - after we - Bomb Iraq? Don't forget Libia, Iran and Saudi - bomb Iraq Any country that don't do what it ought-y, bom Iraq France, clean up your act, lest you face our attack - Who comes next - after we - Bomb Iraq? [alternative tune "You cannae throw your granny off the bus" (she'll be coming round the mountain); some of the 'Bomb iraq' refrains may be omitted] I think the song would be best sung among a group with individuals contributing their own verses, some made up on the spot. I found it easier to compose my own verses (above) than to learn the ones already contributed to the threads. Also, a lot of the existant verses use the cliché of a war planned to distract the public's attention from failings elsewhere in the political arena, and I don't think that formula fits in this instance. In practice, I would sing an eclectic mix of verses that I like best, not including all the ones I've offered about and despite what I said about formulas I do start with "If you cannot find Osama. ..." Are there versions going around in other countries, in different languages? I've made up several Irish-language verses too; 'bualadh bos' means 'clapping hands' , applause, and doesn't sound too unlike 'buille Bush', Bush's strike; 'buile Bhush', Bush's madness, 'Buail Bush' - defeat Bush. So for instance - "Ní dhéanfar ar ár son é, 'buille Bush'" (It won't be done in our name, Bush's attack - repeated) - Eitleáin cogaidh ar an tSionainn, in ainneoin neodracht s'againn (Warplanes on the Shannon [airport], despite our neutrality] Ní dhéantar ... |
24 Feb 03 - 11:55 AM (#897372) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Thomas the Rhymer I find this one deliteful! You were AWOL from the service... now you make the whole world nervous And this; If you want to be a hero… and your IQ's nearly zero Ain't this remarkable? I heard an excellent version of this on the super popular corporate owned Seattle grunge radio station durring peak hours yesterday (on Sunday) it had a verse like... "...and they tried to kill your dad" It was done in Exagerated 'folk' style, and I laughed so hard! |
24 Feb 03 - 01:42 PM (#897490) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (anti From: DADGBE We all started singing this because it mirrored our sentiments and is so easy to modify. Now it's going around the world as rapidly as the new, speedier forms of communication can transmit it. Thanks to all of you who have kept it going by singing it, teaching it and writing new verses. Keep it up! Thanks especially to Charlie Baum and Lisa Null who have pointed out that its dissemination is a perfect and very speedy example of folk process. |
24 Feb 03 - 03:32 PM (#897597) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Felipa see Hille Jan 23 for a "tried to kill your dad" verse, Thomas |
10 Mar 03 - 05:02 PM (#906817) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Big Mick In the other thread that was going, my good buddy Jed asked how come political hate songs got back into a music thread. This is one of those rare times he and I must disagree. Jed, political attack songs are so prevalent as to be a genre on their own. I remember many such parodies when the Republicans were spending millions of dollars pursuing Clinton that they could use right now to fund the "war" effort. We shouldn't be denigrating other opinions. There are many good, honest people in this country that view this thing as a very poor move. Music should be one of the mediums they use to voice that concern. Mick |
11 Mar 03 - 05:09 AM (#907136) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: GUEST,Felipa Another new song, "Duct Tape" by Suffet, which could be a version of "If you cannot find Osama" is on the thread Duct tape for homeland security The Duct Tape thread is labelled a BS thread, which in Mudcat parlance means a thread discussing something besides music, song and folklore. But with Mudcatters involved in the discussion, BS threads can become song threads; there are FOUR songs/poems so far contributed to that so-called BS thread. And there is a poem based on Dr Seuss at the Grinch(BS: Iraqi War with apologies to Dr Seuss) which I don't think should have been labelled BS to start with as the first contribution is a substantial poem. |
16 Mar 03 - 03:37 PM (#911401) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: Felipa Cheney/contract verses War and destruction, bomb Iraq Brings jobs in re-construction, bomb Iraq Halliburton and Bechtel - are sure that they'll do well, War is a big sell/just swell,so bomb Iraq We shall have a building boom, bomb Iraq For big business, war's not doom, bomb Iraq Lives for oil is not fair trade, but for those who make the grade Fortunes can be made, bomb Iraq |
20 Mar 03 - 11:40 AM (#914570) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: GUEST,Peacenik they do a very simple call and group response version at out anti-war rallies. Each verse is basically one line repeated. Most of us are learning in traditional folk fashion through oral transmission - If George Bush is a cowboy, shout Yee Hah - Yee Hah! (repeated ... ) If Tony Blair's a poodle, go woof-woof - Woof Woof If this war is about oil, shout No War! - No War! |
20 Mar 03 - 11:46 AM (#914577) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: dick greenhaus Old, but applicable: Christians At War John F, Kendrick (IWW Songs, 9th. Edition, 1916) Onward, Christian soldiers! Duty's way is plain; Slay your Christian neighbors, or by them be slain, Pulpiteers are spouting effervescent swill, God above is calling you to rob and rape and kill, All your acts are sanctified by the Lamb on high; If you love the Holy Ghost, go murder, pray and die. Onward, Christian soldiers! Rip and tear and smite! Let the gentle Jesus bless your dynamite. Splinter skulls with shrapnel, fertilize the sod; Folks who do not speak your tongue deserve the curse of God. Smash the doors of every home, pretty maidens seize; Use your might and sacred right to treat them as you please. Onward, Christian soldiers! Eat and drink your fill; Rob with bloody fingers, Christ okays the bill, Steal the farmers' savings, take their grain and meat; Even though the children starve, the Saviour's bums must eat, Burn the peasants' cottages, orphans leave bereft; In Jehovah's holy name, wreak ruin right and left. Onward, Christian soldiers! Drench the land with gore; Mercy is a weakness all the gods abhor. Bayonet the babies, jab the mothers, too; Hoist the cross of Calvary to hallow all you do. File your bullets' noses flat, poison every well; God decrees your enemies must all go plumb to hell. Onward, Christian soldiers! Blight all that you meet; Trample human freedom under pious feet. Praise the Lord whose dollar sign dupes his favored race! Make the foreign trash respect your bullion brand of grace. Trust in mock salvation, serve as tyrant's tools; History will say of you: "That pack of G.. D.. fools" |
20 Mar 03 - 12:28 PM (#914616) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: GUEST applicable, unfortuneately yes, but does it belong to this thread, Dick? |
27 Mar 03 - 07:35 AM (#919477) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: If you're happy and you know... (antiwar) From: BanjoRay A friend has just sent me an Old Time version Ray (+) SHOCK AND AWE To the tune 'Peg and Awl' (the bracketed + means repeat 'Shock and Awe'). If you cannot find Osama, (+). If the markets are a drama, (+). If the terrorists are frisky, Pakistan is looking shifty, North Korea is too risky, (+). If we have no allies with us, (+). If we think that someone's dissed us, (+). So to hell with the inspections, Let's look tough for the elections, Close your mind and take directions, (+). It's pre-emptive non-aggression, (+). To prevent this mass destruction, (+). They've got weapons we can't see, Ain't that the proof we need, If they're not there, they must be, (+). If you never were elected, (+). If your mood is quite dejected, (+). If you think Saddam's gone mad, With the weapons that he had, And he tried to kill your dad, (+). If corporate fraud is growin', (+). If your ties to it are showin', (+). If your politics are sleazy, And hiding that ain't easy, And your manhood's getting queasy, (+). Fall in line and follow orders, (+). For our might knows not our borders, (+). To disagree will be treason, Let's make war not love this season, Even if we have no reason, (+). |