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GUEST,gecko Origins: Hangin' on the Old Barbed Wire (56* d) RE: Lyr Req: If you want to see the general 19 Aug 12

Back in the early 1960s in London I went to a song recital/reading on themes of war and (I think) love, and was privileged to hear Robert Graves, poet and novelist (I, Claudius), sing this song. He fought in WWI (in the trenches, I believe) and sang with passion and bitterness. The lyrics I remember, though I can't be sure now which rank was attached to which conduct, are more or less:
    If you want to see the general, I know where he is,
    Pinning another medal on his chest.
    If you want to see the colonel, I know where he is,
    Dancing at the regimental ball.
    If you want to see the captain, I know where he is,
    Gone on another seven days leave.
    If you want to see the private, I know where he is,
    Hanging on the old barbed wire.

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