Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'

Subject: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: GUEST,HoracePWood
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 01:58 AM

I remember something close to these lyrics from around 1967. I think I saw them in a Mad magazine, or something similar. They were to be sung to the tune of some popular song. Anyone remember the magazine or the song?

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Brendy
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 03:07 AM

The words are in the DT

B.

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Brendy
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 03:15 AM

Somewhat related: Country Joe and the Fish

B.

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: NH Dave
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 07:16 PM

I've heard it sung TTA, "Tea for Two."

Dave

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: rangeroger
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 11:54 PM

I used to live in Fallbrook,CA, home of the Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station. Deposited on the grounds of the station were canisters containing 33 MILLION gallons of napalm left over from the Vietnam war.

When it was finally decided to do something about disposing of it, nobody could figure out how to transport the stuff along America's highways.They didn't think the public would allow said transportation.

Finally a company came up with a plan to separate out the components ( basically vaseline,gasoline, and styrofoam ) on site, and recycle those compnents.

Unfortunately it was found that the Johnson's Kangaroo Rat,an endangered species had madehomes under the pallets of napalm canisters.It was going to cost millions of dollars to remediate their habitat so the recyclers backed out of the project.

When I moved to Idaho in '91, they still hadn't gotten rid of it, and I don,t know its disposition at this time.

Better living through chemistry.

rr

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 04 Dec 00 - 08:41 AM

I heard the lyrics or a varient used as marching cadence and that is most likely where they got their start. Most cadences come about from the spur of the moment and get a dapted as time progresses. As you likely know, Horace, cadences are basic call and response songs set to a march step. The version in the DT is most likely a green beret or Phoenix varient although put stock on the former. I would have to say it originally started as an Air Force or Naval Aviation cadence Although it could be MArine Corps issue (Marine pilots are considered NAval Aviation.) I hope it helps. Kindest reguatds, Neil

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: annamill
Date: 04 Dec 00 - 09:17 AM

Just wonderful!

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 10:41 AM

The "Nape" song to the tune "Tea for Two" is different song.
Here is a transcription of "Nape Is Great" sung by Mark Atherton
and The Sandies recorded on the cd Commando Sing: Korat Royal
Thai Air Force Base, 27 October 1974.

Nape is Great
(Tune - Tea for Two)

Da-da-ta-ta... TITS!

Nape is great, so hit my grids
It burns, it bakes, it sticks to kids
Nape is great, so drop it on their heads
(watch 'em burn and see their guts pop out)

When you drop a can or two
It hits their bods and sticks like glue
Nape is great so drop their acne too!

And the corsaires beat the bantoos
Every week, with the all whistle(?)

And there was Ardvark
Swinging on the outhouse door
Without their wingtrail (?)
And there was Herpes (?)
Always looking mighty poor

.

The ? indicate lines that are uncertain.

I can't find earlier references for "Nape is Great" earlier than
this 1974 recording. It shows up in later fighter pilot song books.

The "Ta-da-da-ta TITS!" was a common intro to a drinking song.
The ending ditty "Swinging on the outhouse door" was a common way
to end a drinking song.

Outhouse door: https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=28655

Subject: RE: Tune for of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 12:52 PM

Napalm Sticks to Kids
First of the Ninth Chorus

Napalm Sticks to Kids Lyrics
We shoot the sick, the young, the lame
We do our best to kill and maim
Because the kills all count the same
Napalm sticks to kids

Flyin' low across the trees
Pilots doing what they please
Droppin’ frags on refugees
Napalm sticks to kids

It made us feel so good inside
When the strong men wept and the women cried
But what we really like is the children fried
Napalm sticks to kids

See that family over there?
Watch me get 'em with a pair
Blood and guts just everywhere
Napalm sticks to kids

CIA with guns for hire
Montagnards around the fire
Napalm makes that fire higher
Napalm sticks to kids

Children suckin' on a mother’s tit
Gooks down in a 50 pit
DOW Chemical doesn't give a shit
Napalm sticks to kids

You might also like
Attack some kids when you go downtown
By throwing some candy on the ground
Then grease 'em when they gather 'round
Napalm sticks to kids

A squad of 'Cong in the grass
But all the fighting's long since past
Crispy critters in a mass
Napalm sticks to kids

Loaches out to have a blast
Drop some peon, kids en masse
Send the remains to the Chief of Staff
Napalm sticks to kids

Oxcars rollin' down the road
Peasants with a heavy load
They're all V.C. when the bombs explode
Napalm sticks to kids

Shootin’ women’s lots of fun
Try killin' one that’s pregnant, son
You'll get two for the price of one
Napalm sticks to kids

Flyin' low and feelin' mean
See that family by the stream?
Drop some napalm, hear ’em scream
Napalm sticks to kids

See that gook down on his knees?
Launch some flechettes in the breeze
Find his arms nailed to the trees
Napalm sticks to kids

N.V.A. are all hardcore
Flechettes nail 'em to the jungle floor
Throw them psyops out the door
Napalm sticks to kids

Eighteen kids in a no-fire zone
Books under arms and goin' home
Last in line goes home alone
Napalm sticks to kids

Chuck's in a sampan sittin' in the stern
But he don't think his boat will burn
Them fuckin' gooks will never learn
Napalm sticks to kids

See the little kids jump and shout
Drop some napalm without a doubt
Watch 'em try and put it out
Napalm sticks to kids

I've been around, some things I've seen
But the people who are mighty mean
The gooks you kill, they make you clean
Napalm sticks to kids

I've only seen it happen twice
But both times it was mighty nice
Shootin' peasants plantin' rice
Napalm sticks to kids

Napalm, son, is lots of fun
When dropped from a bomb or shot from a gun
It gets the gooks when they're on the run
Napalm sticks to kids

Some people say it's not so neat
To watch gooks burnin' in the street
But burnin' flesh smells mighty neat
Napalm sticks to kids

Gooks in the open, makin' hay
But I can hear them gunships say
"There'll be no Chieu Hois today"
Napalm sticks to kids

Shoot some civilians where they sit
Take some pictures as you split
All your life you'll remember it
Napalm sticks to kids

They'se in good shape for the shape they'se in
But they'se no way that they can win
With napalm rollin' down their skin
Napalm sticks to kids

(laughter)

Transcribed from "Napalm Sticks to Kids", as recorded live by the First of the Ninth Chorus —
an impromptu group formed by troopers of the 1st of the 9th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division. Tape obtained in 1970 at Phuc Vinh, South Viet Nam.

Listen online here: https://archive.org/details/first_of_the_ninth_napalm_sticks_to_kids


Any help identifying the tune is appreciated.

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 12:57 PM

Compare the above "Nape is Great" & "Napalm Sticks to Kids"
with the following cadence:

one that used to aggitate the officers.
to the tune of Camptown Ladies/Races.

Napalm sticks to little kids DOO DAH DOO DAH.
Napalm sticks to little kids all the Doo Dah day.
Watch 'em burn so bright.
Watch burn all night.
Napalm sticks to little kids all the Doo Dah night.
(insert Lt. Capt. etc instead of kids)

Posted to mudcat by GUEST,nitram578 on December 14, 2006.

https://mudcat.org/detail_pf.cfm?messages__Message_ID=1909953

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 01:09 PM

Sung to the tune of "Jesus loves the little Children."

Napalm sticks to little children.
All the the little children of the World.
Red and yellow
Black and white
Look the same when they ignite.
Napalm sticks to little children of the world.

Posted by 03USMC, on May 25, 2005. to the military-quotes.com forum.

See here: https://www.military-quotes.com/forum/trying-find-rest-cadence-t10956.html

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 01:17 PM

An early reference:

"It's 'Napalm Stickes To Kids' On Skytroopers' Hit Parade" by John E. Woodruff. pg A8, Baltimore Sun, June 15, 1970.


See here: https://baltimoresun.newspapers.com/search/?query=napalm%20sticks%20to%20kids


Lydia Fish in her "Folksongs of Americans in the Vietnam War: Bibliography" has this incorrectly listed as

Woodruff, John E. "Songs Helicopter Pilots Sing on Flag Day in Vietnam: 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'" Baltimore Sun, June 15, 1970.

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 05:08 PM

Flying low and feeling mean (Flying low and feeling mean)
Spot a family by the stream (Spot a family by the stream)
Pick out a pair and hear them scream (Pick out a pair and hear them scream)
'Cause napalm sticks to kids! ('Cause napalm sticks to kids!)

Family of gooks are sitting in the ditch (Family of gooks are sitting in the ditch)
Little baby sucking on his mama's tit (Little baby sucking on his mama's tit)
Chemical firms don't give a shit (Chemical firms don't give a shit)
That napalm sticks to kids! (That napalm sticks to kids!)

Call & response cadence to the tune of "Sound Off" from the movie "An Officer & a Gentleman", 1982.

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 05:51 PM

I first learned mine from Texas A and M students (NEVER heard even
a cuss word from an C Springs Cadet they are officers from the start)
The songs are still sun at A and M "Fish Camp" to get pumped for the
school year and the right to cry hoooaaahhaaa. They are sung amongst
the students not the brass.

"Flyin' low and feelin mean!
(Flyin' low and feelin mean!)
See that family by the stream!
(See that family by the stream!)
Drop some napalm, hear 'em scream!
(Drop some napalm, hear 'em scream!)
Cuz napalm sticks to kids!"

"Flyin my Cobra in the sun!
(Flyin my Cobra in the sun!)

Waxin' gook families just for fun! (Waxin' gook families just for fun!)
Pregnant bitch scores 'two for one'!
(Pregnant bitch scores 'two for one'!)
Cuz napalm sticks to kids!"

"Mama-san, Papa-san layin' in bed!
(Mama-san, Papa-san layin' in bed!)
Three gook babies layin by their head!
(Three gook babies layin by their head!)
Five quick bursts and they all lay dead!
(Five quick bursts and they all lay dead!)
Cuz napalm sticks to kids!"

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Original post by GUEST,.gargoyle, September 5, 2007.

See here: https://mudcat.org/detail_pf.cfm?messages__Message_ID=2141309

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 07:08 PM

OUR NAPALM BOMBING

Mr. YOUNG of Ohio. Mr. President, in
Vietname a popular song blaring from tape
recorders in GI hooches or sung by
helicopter pilots goes something like this:

Napalm sticks to kids, napalm sticks to kids,
When'll those gooks ever learn?
We shoot the sick, the young, the lame,
We do our best to kill and maim.
Because the "kills" all count the same,
Napalm sticks to kids.

In a Saigon officer's club, with officers
entertaining their Vietnam gal guests
the GI orchestra did not play this popular
song. Also it is a good bet marines
in our Embassy at Sagon do not
customarily sing "Napalm Sticks to Kids"
at least unless Ambassador Bunker's
away. Another of the many verses is:

Blues (helicopter gunships) out on a road[?] recon.
See some children with their mom
What the hell, let's drop the bomb,
Napalm sticks to kids.

A helicopter pilot with acess to a typewriter
made mimeographed stencil copies
of the song. He wanted the song printed.
Those officers in charge of headquarter
mimeograph machine refused permission
saying, "that's not official business."

August 4, 1970. Congressional Record -- Senate. Pg 27216.

See here: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Congressional_Record/kuPZa7LRhHEC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22napalm+sticks+to+kids%22&pg=PA27216&printsec=frontcover

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 09 Jul 23 - 08:13 PM

See the family beside the stream,
flyin' high and feelin' mean.
Pick one out and watch 'em scream,
Yo, Oh! Napalm, it sticks to kids.

See the hippies upon the hills
Smokin' grass and poppin' pills.
Don't they know that drugs can kill,
Yo, Oh! Napalm, it sticks to kids.

See the women beside the river,
washin' clothes and cookin' dinner.
Pick one out and watch her quiver,
Yo, Oh! Napalm, it sticks to kids.

See the baby in its mother's arms,
Ain't never done no one no harm.
Barbecue baby ain't got no charm,
Yo, Oh! Napalm, it sticks to kids.

See the orphans in the school,
Don't they know that they're all fools.
Burnin' flesh, it smells so cool.
Yo, Oh! Napalm, it sticks to kids.

See the kiddies in the street
Cryin' and lookin' for som'in to eat.
Drop trick toys that look real neat
Blow up in their face and make 'em all meat.

See the choppers come and go,
Oh they're flyin' much too low.
Rotor blades are not too slow.
Heads go flyin' to and fro. 18

18 This cadence and similar cadences in the appendix were performed at the Naval Academy from the early
'70s, but recent years have seen efforts to prohibit them. Although not as popular as they once were, they
continue to be called in basic training programs.

Carol Burke, "Marching to Vietnam", The Journal of American Folklore, 1989.

Access JSTOR here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/541782

Subject: RE: Origin of 'Napalm Sticks to Kids.'
From: Jack Horntip
Date: 10 Jul 23 - 07:23 AM

NAPALM
(Tune: The Good Ship Titanic)

It was up by Sopori where the Yalu meets the sea
I was out on a recce to see what I could see
When I spied a farmer nan with his pitchfork in his hand
It was sad when my napalm went down.

CHORUS: It was sad, oh it was sad
It was sad when my napalm went down (hit the farmer)
There were husbands and wives
(Itty bitty children lost their lives )
It was sad when my napalm went down!

It was up by Kuniri where I won my D.F.C.,
I was out on a recce to see what I could see
When I spied a church below and I let my rockets go
It was sad when those rockets went down.

CHORUS: It was sad, oh it was sad
It was sad when those rockets went down (Hit the steeple)
All the people ran like hell
When those rockets hit the bell
It was sad when those rockets went down.

It was up by Sinanju when I knew that I was through
The 50's and 40's had shot my turbine through
It was when I hit the silk - oh my God I strained my sdlki
It was sad when that pilot went down!

CHORUS: It was sad, oh it was sad
It was sad when that pilot went down (hit the bottom)
There were husbands and wives
(Itty bitty children lost their lives)
It was sad when that pilot went down.

(49th Fighter-Bomber Wing)

Pg 16, Stovepipe Serenade: A collection of fighter songs. 1954 edition.

See online here: https://archive.org/details/1954stovepipeserenade/page/16/mode/1up

This early version is set in Korea. Later versions of this "Napalm" song are set in Vietnam. Note that Napalm was invented in 1942 and, according to the Napalm wikipedia article, widely used in the Korean War.