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Draft Dodging Songs?
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Subject: Lyr Add:Draft Doder's Farewellg From: Charley Noble Date: 26 Nov 02 - 08:35 PM Given the present international climate, it might be useful to post some draft-dodging songs for the next generation. Here's one that I put together during the Vietnam War Era (copy/paste into WORD/TIMES/10 to set the chords correctly): DRAFT DODGER'S FAREWELL (By Charlie Ipcar © 1974 Tune: after Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm") Dm-------C-------Dm-------------C-----Dm I'm leaving Monday morning, headed for the North, -----------------C----Dm-------------------C-------Dm 'Long a road I've often traveled, while tripping back and forth; ------------C------Dm----------------C-------Dm I'll cross the old St. Lawrence, roll on to Mon-tre-al F------Dm-F------Dm-------------C---Dm There I plan to settle down, give them all a call. Chorus: F-------------------------Dm---------------C--Dm Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more, more, more, -----------------------------------------C-------Dm Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more; Dm---------F---------------------Dm----------------C----Dm Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more, more, more, ------------F-----------------------C-----------Dm Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more! Now my draft board's very busy, they work both day and night, They need warm bodies for our mighty nation's fight, Well, my body's cold and shivering when I think of all they do, So I'm leaving Monday morning, gonna leave this song with you. (CHO) I saw the recruiting sergeant, I asked him for advice, He said, "The Peace Corps full of Commies, son, I'll find you something nice; Right here on this dotted line your name you must sign, Don't ask me where you're going, I just know your luck is fine!" (CHO) "Sit right down," the doctor said, "Tell me all the news; Do you love your mammie? Did you ever have the blues? Tell me all about yourself, how you live your life, Did you ever wet the bed, and why don't you have a wife." (CHO) "Now listen, Doc, I had a dream just the other day, I dreamed that I was a spy for the CIA, Our President, he says to me, 'You're gonna need both fists, For I'm sending you down to Lansing town to look for Communists!'" (CHO) "I walked into a tavern there, stepped up to the bar, My steel-trap mind could tell that there was trouble not too far, Then the whole place exploded, there was Commies everywhere, I said, 'I'm from the CIA!' They didn't seem to care." (CHO) "Get your pad," nurse, the doctor said, "I think this boy's insane; Evil spirits have infused the soft spots in his brain; He's obviously insecure, I bet he sucks his thumb; He's an unpatriotic, no-good, bearded, rotten bum. So I'm leaving Monday morning, heading for the North, 'Long a road I've often traveled, while tripping back and forth; I'll cross the old St. Lawrence, roll on to Montreal There I plan to settle down, give them all a call. Final Chorus: Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more, more, more, Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more; Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more, more, more, Don't want my draft board to worry 'bout me any more! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Bob Bolton Date: 26 Nov 02 - 09:26 PM G'day Charley, Wasn't there a fairly classic Draft Dodger's Rag (Paxton ...? Ochs ...?) around if those days. I do remember singing it, with a degree of relish back in 1971, to a young Septic ... oops - Yank (bit of local rhyming slang sneaking in there) in the British Leyland canteen. He (son of a US Navy Base Commander, then in the Philipines) plaintively asked: "Do you mean an ... A-merican ... wrote that ... ?"! BTW: I quite like yours, as well! Regards, Bob Bolton |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Greg F. Date: 26 Nov 02 - 10:21 PM Draft Dodger Rag is Phil Ochs- & its in the DT HERE |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Bob Bolton Date: 26 Nov 02 - 11:49 PM G'day Greg F, Thanks - I wasn't able to get any response at all from a search on the DT - it just locked up short of opening ... a "phrase" search died totally and even a single letter search didn't look like opening in the next half hour ... and I was running out of lunch time! I didn't persist, as I was sure I had the song - somewhere - in an old, tattered (and decidedly 'foxed') volume. Regards, Bob Bolton |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Leadfingers Date: 27 Nov 02 - 02:59 AM Does Tom Paxtons Talking Vietnam Pot Luck Blues count as a draft dodger song>??? |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 27 Nov 02 - 07:26 AM Arlo Guthrie - Alice's restaurant - must be on the list. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Wolfgang Date: 27 Nov 02 - 08:58 AM Well, not draft dodging, but outright desertion. There's a German song about a successful desertion from the US Army. Here are the first two verses. The guy ends living happily in France in verse 4. P.T. (Franz-Josef Degenhardt) P.T. aus Arizona, P.T. from Arizona von dem Stamme der Apachen from the Apache tribe lebt ziemlich gut in K-Town, Germany. lived quite well in K-town*, Germany War G.I. und bei der Army, was GI and in the army na, und Sehnsucht nach den Staaten well, and homesick for the states hatte P.T. der Apache eigentlich nie. P.T. was nearly never. Nur im Herbst, wenn Vögel schrien, Only in the fall when the birds called über K-Town südwärts zogen and flew to the South over K-town* sagte P.T. manchmal leise zu sich 'uff' P.T. said uff to himself und dann trank er einen Bourbon, then he had a Bourbon setzte sich in seinen Chrysler sat in his Chrysler und führ rüber nach Karlsruhe in den Puff. and drove over to Karlsruhe to the whorehouse. P.T., P.T. das hat dem P.T. gut getan, yes, that did P.T. good das hat dem P.T. gut getan. Doch im Jahre 66 But in the year of 66 als die Vögel wieder schrien when the birds called again sollte P.T. mit den ander'n nach Vietnam. P.T. was called upon to go with the others to Vietnam P.T. sagte dreimal 'uff', P.T. said three times uff trank sehr viel Bourbon und war voll drank a lot of Bourbon and was filled up als er um Mitternacht in Karlsruhe ankam. when he arrived in Karlsruhe at midnight Und es war die rote Rita, And it was Red Rita sie versteckte ihn im Wandschrank, who hid him in her wardrobe denn der CIA der zögert sicher nicht, for the CIA doesn't hesitate doch die suchten nicht sehr lange, but they didn't search for long denn die Mädchen sprangen ihnen for the girls jumped them gleich mit ihren nackten Ärschen in's Gesicht. soon with their naked arses in the faces. P.T.... Wolfgang |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Wolfgang Date: 27 Nov 02 - 08:59 AM I forget to explain K-town*. That's Kaiserslautern, for you can't expect a G.I. to memorise a four syllable German town-name. Wolfgang |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Charley Noble Date: 27 Nov 02 - 10:26 AM Wolkgang- Nice ones! My big brother spent some time in Kaiserslautern in the mid 1960's, in the MP, which for him meant Motion Pictures although he almost ended up in the Military Police by mistake. Certainly the songs by Phil Oaks and Arlo Guthrie are the best known draft dodging songs in the folk song community. Also Jim Kweskin's recruiting song, "Fixing to Die Rag," might also be included. I bet there are even some songs that go back to the Civil War, not to mention "I Don't Want My Boy to be a Soldier" in the first World War. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: BuckMulligan Date: 27 Nov 02 - 01:32 PM Draft Dodger Rag was by Phil Ochs - best cover was by Chad Mitchell Trio. G G#/A I'm just a typical American boy from a typical American town D7 G I believe in God and Senator Dodd and keeping old Castro down G# A And when it came my time to serve I knew better dead than red D7 G But when I got to my old draft board, buddy, this is what I said: G Sarge, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen G#/A And I always carry a purse D7 I got eyes like a bat, my feet are flat, and my asthma's G getting worse G# A O think of my career, my sweetheart dear, and my poor old invalid aunt D7 Besides, I ain't no fool, I'm a goin' to school, and I'm G working in a defense plant I've got a dislocated disc and a racked up back I'm allergic to flowers and bugs And when the bombshell hits, I get epileptic fits And I'm addicted to a thousand drugs I got the weakness woes, and I can't touch my toes I can hardly reach my knees And if the enemy came close to me I'd probably start to sneeze (chorus) I hate Chou En Lai, and I hope he dies, but one thing you gotta see That someone's gotta go over there and that someone isn't me So I wish you well, Sarge, give 'em Hell Yeah, Kill me a thousand or so And if you ever get a war without blood and gore Well I'll be the first to go (chorus) |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: beadie Date: 27 Nov 02 - 01:49 PM We can't forget the classic, "Oh Lord, I'm Fixin to Die Rag" (also known for its leadin; "The F-*-*-* cheer") popularized by Country Joe McDonald and the Fish at Woodstock: ". . . . And its one, two, three, what're we fighting for, Don't ask me, I don't give a damn, next stop is Vietnam. And its five, six, seven, open up the pearly gates, Ain't no use to wondering why, whoopee, we're all going to die." |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Gareth Date: 27 Nov 02 - 02:51 PM I don't want to join the army "I don't want to join the army, I don't want to go to war I'd rather hang around Piccadilly Underground Living off the earnings of a high-class lady I don't want a bayonet up my **se hole I don't want my b*ll*cks shot away No, I'd rather stay in England In merry, merry England, And fornicate my f**king life away. Monday I touched her on the ankle Tuesday I touched her on the knee On Wednesday, success, I lifted up her dress On Thursday I saw it, Cor Blimey! Friday I laid my hand upon it Saturday she gave my balls a twitch On Sunday after supper, I rammed the f**ker up 'er And now I'm paying thirty bob a week .... Cor Blimey! Call on the army and the navy, call on the rank and file Call on the territorial army, they face danger with a smile You can call upon the boys of the old brigade To set old England free You can call upon my brother, my sister and my mother, but for f**ks sake don't call me." Hmmm! Squadies version of that old WW1 music hall song, but I think it fits. Gareth |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: GUEST Date: 27 Nov 02 - 03:12 PM "Valiant Conscript" "Willing conscript" (T Paxton) "Ballad of F.D.R" all in the DT |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: GUEST Date: 27 Nov 02 - 04:06 PM "The Regular Army, Oh" "Just Behind the Battle Mother" "Grafted Into the Army" (Root) "Is There Anybody here?" (Ochs) "I Ain't Marching Anymore" (Ochs) all in the DT |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Charley Noble Date: 27 Nov 02 - 04:19 PM Any more from the "Group W Bench"? Remember, the original focus was DRAFT DODGING, which reminds me, aren't we all dodgin', dodgin', dodgin', dodgin! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: beadie Date: 27 Nov 02 - 04:27 PM Talk to me about dodging. After flunking out of my chosen institution of higher learning (for spending entirely too much time getting high) in 1965, I joined the Air Force so the Army wouldn't have a chance to draft me. The flyguys sent me to Montana(!) for three years and then, wonder of wonders, to Canada (Goose Bay, Labrador) . . . and I didn't even have to take advantage of Pres. Carter's amnesty. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: HuwG Date: 28 Nov 02 - 08:37 AM Gareth, a shortened (or perhaps Bowdlerised) version of the song you posted is in the Digitrad at I don't want to join the army. WW1 ? It is in several books of WW2 songs and ditties, but that doesn't necessarity mean that it was not from the previous round, and came out of retirement. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Gareth Date: 28 Nov 02 - 02:02 PM Huw - yes WW1 - you'l find a version in the libretto of "Oh Oh Oh ! Wot a Luverly War". Gareth |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Jim McLean Date: 28 Nov 02 - 04:42 PM This is a song I wrote after being imprisoned in Barlinnie Gaol, Glasgow, in 1957 after registering as a concientous objector. I didn't agree with the British involvement in Egypt at the time or much else, come to think about it. TALKIN' CONCHIE BLUES. To stay out of trouble and keep your nose clean, You must go to church, sing 'God Save The Queen' Short back and sides, you know what I mean, Be British! (or American) I'll tell you what happened to a pal of mine, Who didn't believe in war or crime, But he found out if you want to GET some time, Ask a policeman! He wouldn't fight and he wouldn't run, Didn't want to hold no army gun, So they put him in jail, called him a cowardly bum! Unpatriotic! The warden took him to his place, Where a wooden board filled a corner space, But no white sheets nor fancy lace, He was a CONVICT! A guy in the same cell was kicking up a fuss, He said he was only waiting for a bus, When the cops came along and done him for 'sus' 'Suspicion' they call it; 12 months pokey! He cursed and he swore and he kicked up a row, 'Cause he didn't have no screwin tools on him anyhow, But the cops put a jemmy in his pocket and said, 'You got one now!' NO chance. Well my conchy pal did his time without hate, He reckoned all he had to do was wait ---- and wait, And then he got out -- but they turned him at the gate! Another charge, remission gone! Well they tried to break him, they told him he was sick, They tried to break him with many a kick, But he just laughed, he ain't that thick! And now he's out, Clear conscience, Freedom Fifgter, Jim McLean |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Nov 02 - 05:00 PM Thanks, Jim. Seem to recall one from Si Kahn about a grandfather of his crossing the border into Finland to escape being drafted into the Czar's army. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: raredance Date: 28 Nov 02 - 11:15 PM 'Crossing The Border" by Si Kahn is on the 1982 LP "Doing My Job" (Flying Fish 221) and on the CD "In My Heart, A Retrospective" (1994, Philo PH 1169). The lyrics are on inserts to both, I'll type in later unless someone with a scanner puts them in first. rich r |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: raredance Date: 28 Nov 02 - 11:17 PM I checked and the words are in the database, so nobody gotta do nothin' rich r |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: raredance Date: 28 Nov 02 - 11:41 PM Here's one from the opposite viewpoint of most of those above. It has been suggested that it was written in a German prison during WWII. DEAR DRAFT DODGER (tune: Utah Carl) I'm writing this short letter, And every word is true, Don't look away, draft dodger, For it's addressed to you. You feel at ease and in no danger, Back in your home town, You've cokked up some pitiful story So the draft board would let you down. You never think of real men, Who leave home every day, You think only of their girlfriends You can take when they're away You sit at home and read your paper, you jump and yell, "We'll win!" Just where do you get that "we" stuff? This war will be one by men. Well, that's all, Mr. Slacker, I suppose your face is red? America is no place for your kind, And I mean every word. So in closing, Dear Draft Dodger, Just remember what I say -- Keep away from my girl, you dirty bum, For I'm coming home someday. (spoken): Sincerely yours, A. Kriegie source: The Wild Blue Yonder: Songs of the Air Force - C.W. Getz (1981 Redwood Press) rich r |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Charley Noble Date: 29 Nov 02 - 09:19 AM Thanks, Rich, for tracking down "Crossing the Border" in the DT and for the anti-draft-dodging song. I seem to recall a lot of songs about unwilling conscripts and pressed sailors, which I suppose could be appropriately added to this thread. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Greg F. Date: 29 Nov 02 - 11:05 AM Poem rather than song, but it would be worth setting to music if some enterprising soul wanted to take it on:
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i sing of Olaf glad and big
his wellbeloved colonel(trig
straightway the silver bird looked grave
but--though all kinds of officers
our president,being of which
Christ(of His mercy infinite)
preponderatingly because - e.e.cummings |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: leprechaun Date: 29 Nov 02 - 10:44 PM I think "Arthur McBride" fits this category. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: w0bbly Date: 29 Nov 02 - 10:56 PM Got one to add: Stung Right by Joe Hill. WWI draft-doging song by one of the IWW's greatest songwriters. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Nov 02 - 10:20 AM And Jez Lowe's "Old Bones" with regard to advice to the young. Never ran across the e.e. cummings' poem. Good suggestion. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Greg F. Date: 30 Nov 02 - 12:00 PM TYPO! just noticed a mistake in the second line of Ochs' Draft Dodger Rag in the Mudcat; it's not Senator Todd, but Senator DODD: THOMAS J. DODD (1907-1971)Democrat Senator from Connecticut, critic of the Kennedy Admin. for not being "tough enough" on Cuba, defender of the 1965 invasion of the Dominican Republic, staunch supporter of the Johnson and Nixon administrations' Viet Nam Policies, and censured by the Senate for diverting public funds for private use. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: raredance Date: 30 Nov 02 - 11:31 PM Some years ago, I reformulated the Dodger song with elements of Hoyt Axton's "Greenback Dollar", especially the tune. Here is the verse that pertains to this thread. The general is a dodger, Yes, and I'm a doger too. He'll march you up and he'll march you down And he'll put you under ground, poor boy, He'll put you underground. And I don't give a damn about Selective Service Dodge the draft if I can. Just a wailing song and a 4-F card Are the only things I understand. rich r |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Jim Krause Date: 01 Dec 02 - 03:44 PM Some verses I once penned to Charlie Poole's You Ain't Talkin' to Me.
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: Charley Noble Date: 01 Dec 02 - 08:20 PM Thanks, Jim! Nice to get a fresh song. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: GUEST,boromir Date: 02 Dec 02 - 08:36 AM Best ever? Sit Down Young Stranger by Gordon Lightfoot |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: GUEST,Gerry Date: 07 Jun 17 - 03:17 AM The verse that Jim Krause posted here back in December 2002 got included in Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize speech, but attributed to Charlie Poole. |
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Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs? From: oldhippie Date: 07 Jun 17 - 07:58 PM "A Very Nice Country" - Oscar Brand. Lyrics in this thread: http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=69798 thread.cfm?threadid=69798 |
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