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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: reggie miles Date: 23 Mar 03 - 06:43 PM In response to the Happy Spring! thread this one came to mind. Sung to the melody of Springtime For Hitler and Germany from the movie The Producers by Mel Brooks. Springtime For Geedubya and USA by Reggie Miles 2003 USA was having trouble, what a sad, sad story Needed a new leader to restore its former glory Where, Oh where was he? Where could that man be? We looked around and then we found The man for you and me. And now it's.. Springtime for Geedubya and USA Our homeland is happy and gay We're marching to a faster pace Look out, here comes the master race Springtime for Geedubya and USA Winter for Iraq and France Springtime for Geedubya and USA Come on, Americans, go into your dance I was born in a Texas gorge, and that is why they call me George Don't be stupid, be a smarty, come and join the Republican party Springtime for Geedubya and USA Goosestep's the new step today Bombs falling from the skies again Dow Jones is on the rise again Springtime for Geedubya and USA Patriots are sailing once more Springtime for Geedubya and USA Means that soon we'll be going We've got to be going You know we'll be going to WAR! |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: gnomad Date: 23 Mar 03 - 08:02 PM EG - The Gift of Years, yes Bogle again, and another strong contender. Some talent he has. Unusual in that it is a song from the viewpoint of a survivor, long after the event, I like it a lot. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: The Walrus Date: 23 Mar 03 - 08:03 PM How about Mike Harding's "Bomber's Moon? Walrus |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,toasties@post.com Date: 24 Mar 03 - 12:15 AM All entries are terrific. I haven't found one I disagree with. On an old Irish Rovers album called "Tales to Warm Your Mind" is one called "The Village of Brambleshire Wood" that may qualify. It always moved me. Another one, which may surprise, is "Taps". Anytime I hear it I know someone is being laid to rest. After 25 years in the Army, I've buried far too many. I have yet to make it through without crying for a life that ended or changed far too soon. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,saulgoldie (guess my cookie went away) Date: 29 Mar 03 - 12:57 PM Oooh, oooh, just remembered: "Powder Monkey" by Schooner Fare. About using children as soldiers. Again, perhaps not "the greatest", but certainly worth including in a list. And also again, I have a transcription with chords, etc... |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Strupag Date: 29 Mar 03 - 01:11 PM This thread has grown some since I last looked at it! Forgive me if I have missed it already but how about "There were Roses" by Tommy Sands. It's got the line, "Another eye for another eye untill everyone is blind" |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: gary213 Date: 29 Mar 03 - 03:45 PM I heard North sea gas sing a song called The strangest dream. Here's what i can remember Last night i had the strangest dream i'd ever dreamt before i dreamt the world had all agreed to put an end to war i dreamt i saw a crowded room, And the room was filled with men and the paper they were signing said they'd never fight again and when the paper was all signed and a million copies made they all shook hands and bowed their heads and gratefull prayers were said and the people in the streets below were dancing round and round and guns and bombs and uniforms were scattered all around last night i had the strangest dream i'd ever dreamt before i dreamt the world had all agreed to put an end to war i dreamt i saw a crowded room and the room was filled with men and the paper they were signing said they'd never fight again. If only dreams came true......... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT LIFE FOR A SOLDIER (G Papavgeris) From: George Papavgeris Date: 29 Mar 03 - 05:09 PM OK, I've been owing the 3rd installment, so here it is. Heavier than the other two, and I have been criticised for the fourth verse by those who would be heros in their dreams. But I stand by it, it's my view; and its borne out by several friends and acquaintances who have been in real wars; and at the end of the day I love the damned too, not just the angels... WHAT LIFE FOR A SOLDIER What life for a soldier when soldiering's over? What life for a fighter when fighting is done? As you put the gun down, what dreams for the future? What plans for the peacetime you helped bring around? As home you return now all covered in glory For helping the wrongs of this world to put right When you try to sleep it's a different story The battles you fought now you'll fight every night. You come back a hero, with medals to prove it; Your friends they will praise you, your family proud. But no praise can cover the sounds of your nightmare The shots that you fired in your ears will ring loud. No reason or logic, your training took over; It was you or him and the better man won. But louder than gunshots the sound that will haunt you: Your enemy calling in some foreign tongue. You don't speak his language, but you can be certain He called for his mother, a lover or wife. You know you would do just the same if you were him, If all you had left was one second of life. Though letting him go then it would have been treason Your dreams from his voice now will never be free. When life you have taken, no matter the reason, The man that you were you no longer can be. Please don't get me wrong, for I'm not criticising. You did what you had to, and you did it well. His death I am mourning, but only in passing. It's just that I feel that I'm sharing your hell. To know that despite of all my good intentions, If I was in your place I'd do just the same. I would pull the trigger without any questions; And knowing all that is what fills me with shame. Copyright 2003 George Papavgeris Fire at will... |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: sharyn Date: 29 Mar 03 - 10:09 PM El Greko, I posted a new anti-war song on another thread. You can find it (I hope) under brand new anti-war song. Sharyn |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Art Thieme Date: 30 Mar 03 - 02:14 PM The greatest anti-war song is the one that changes the minds of all the hawks, and like the lion with the lamb, induces those carnivorous birds to bed down serenely with the doves !!! Art Thieme |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I AIN'T MARCHING ANYMORE (Phil Ochs) From: Jazzyjack Date: 30 Mar 03 - 04:01 PM I AIN'T MARCHING ANYMORE Written by Phil Ochs As recorded by Phil Ochs on "I Ain't Marching Anymore" (1965) 1. Oh, I marched to the battle of New Orleans At the end of the early British wars. The young land started growin'. The young blood started flowin', But I ain't a-marchin' anymore. 2. For I've killed my share of Injuns in a thousand different fights. I was there at the Little Big Horn. I heard many men a-lyin'. I saw many more a-dyin', But I ain't a-marchin' anymore. CHORUS: It's always the old to lead us to the wars. It's always the young to fall. Now look at all we've won with the sabre and the gun. Tell me, is it worth it all? 3. For I stole California from the Mexican land, Fought in the bloody Civil War. Yes, I even killed my brothers And so many others, But I ain't a-marchin' anymore. 4. For I marched to the battles of the German trench, In a war that was bound to end all wars. Oh, I must 'a' killed a million men, And now they want me back again, But I ain't marchin' anymore. CHORUS 5. For I flew the final mission in the Japanese skies, Set off the mighty mushroom roar. When I saw the cities burnin', I knew that I was learnin' That I ain't a-marchin' anymore. 6. Now the labor leader's screamin' when they close the missile plants. United Fruit screams at the Cuban shore. Call it "Peace" or call it "Treason." Call it "Love" or call it "Reason," But I ain't a-marchin' anymore. No, I ain't a-marchin' anymore. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: MAG Date: 31 Mar 03 - 01:58 PM At Open Mike last night I sang one I heard at Singtime Frolics just last week: very new, very topical. "Freedom Toast" by Zeke Hoskin. Zeke is another live wire I ws very glad to meet st Singtime. For his stuff you can go to companyhalt.com. -- enjoy! He has (lots) more. I sang the Pat Humphrey song mentioned above, also. (and one for my friend Trish, who just came out of 3 weeks in critical care. Waft positive vibes, please.) |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Felipa Date: 31 Mar 03 - 02:39 PM the line "I Ain't Marching Anymore" isn't applicable to a lot of us who are still participating in anti-war marches! There are a lot of newer songs which I don't know well, but if we don't go beyond the 80s, my vote would also be for "Masters of War". Yes, Ringer, it is about arms manufacturers and profiteers, but it also seems applicable to politicians and military hawks. I make a number of small changes when I sing the song, and now I am singing "all the power you had/made" or "all your power on earth" instead of "all the money you made won't buy back your soul", even though the "money" goes better with the word "buy". But then I always thought it strange to "hurl" fear, although the metaphor is nicely warlike, reminiscent of grenades. That verse about fear to bring children into the world is the one that has always stuck in my mind. And it is lines like that which make the song as anti-war as anti-arms race/business. I don't like the "my" in "you play with my world like it's your little toy", but it is easy to substitute with "the". A couple of songs worth adding to the honourable mention list are "Andora" and Woody Guthrie's "I've Got to Know". |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,1969 draft resister Date: 31 Mar 03 - 05:00 PM Thanks to all for their contributions, especially for reminders of the Phil Ochs and Buffy Ste. Marie classics, which hadn't crossed my mind in years. (The Bob Dylan classics & Country Joe McDonald's one great contribution are touchstones from that era that I *never* forgot, while I've only heard Bogle's wonderful tunes in much more recent years.) I have to go along with Bennet Z., who votes for the simplest songs for their sing-along-ability. The sheer intensity of experience that comes from being part of a large group united in anti-war fervor *and* in song -- to me -- outweighs whatever eloquence might be involved in any of those long poems set to music. That said, my #1 fave has to be "Down By the Riverside" for its wonderfully rousing musicality. The tune offers so much more room for vocal harmonies, counterpoint, and general soulful improvisation than, for example, the lachrymose "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Unfortunately, not everyone who hears it, or even who knows it well enough to participate, thinks of this old favorite as "anti-war." I don't know what they think "I ain't gonna study war no more" means, but they somehow manage to completely miss the point. Must be the same mentality that prompts a certain US President to believe that the thoughts that come into his head encouraging invasions and bombing runs are direct personal communications from the Prince of Peace Himself.... |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,trish Date: 07 Jun 03 - 12:00 PM Normandy Orchards and My Son John (comes home today) are a couple more worth listening to. Closer to home there's a beautiful song about the "Troubles" in Ireland I'm not sure of the title but the chorus is And there were roses, roses And the tears of the people fell together |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Ely Date: 07 Jun 03 - 06:32 PM Another vote for "Where Have All the Flowers Gone". I also like the satire "Benjamin Bowmaneer" (from the Golden Ring series). These aren't anti-war songs, but I recently got bullied into performing "Vacant Chair" and "Faded Coat of Blue" and had everyone in tears. I don't think it was my singing, either. I have a pretty good immunity to Victorian schmaltz but can't get through "Faded Coat if Blue" without choking. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Joe Offer Date: 07 Jun 03 - 06:52 PM My vote for most powerful anti-war song is Song of Peace (Finlandia). Many of the major churches have this song in their hymnals. It's hard to believe that anybody could sing this song and still believe in war. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Amergin Date: 07 Jun 03 - 06:56 PM I don't know Joe....The Ballad Of Bobby and June from A Mighty Wind is pretty powerful stuff... |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Bert Date: 08 Jun 03 - 01:13 AM If you introduce it by reminding the audience of the many millions of young men who sung it in WWI but never returned; "Untill we meet again" makes a very good anti war song. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 08 Jun 03 - 02:28 AM waltzing,mmatilda=E.Bogle. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Gurney Date: 08 Jun 03 - 04:51 AM I'll go along with Banjomad about 'The Old Mans Tale,' although it isn't strictly anti-war, it a powerful and emotive song. The lyrics in DT may have four verses collated. I remember verses going: At the age of twelve I left the school, and went to find a job. with growing kids, my Ma was glad of an extra couple of bob' ............................................................ ............................................................ and I struggled through the 30's, out of work now and again, I saw the Blackshirts marching, and the things they did in Spain. I brought my kids up decent, and I taught them wrong from right, but Hitler was the man who came and taught them how to fight. Has anyone a better memory of it? |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Donuel Date: 08 Jun 03 - 09:10 AM Sad, powerful and emotive anti war songs have their place but there is noting more derisive than an anti song to laugh in the faces of the mongers. The sad anti war song somehow is self defeating and self effacing. Tom Lehrer captured the rag time tone of FOX news network coverage of war - 20 years ago: So long Mom I'm off to drop the bomb so don't wait up for me although you may swelter way down in your shelter you can see me bum bum bum on your TV you'll see us attack frontally reporting contrapuntally with sickening finality the cities we have lost No need to miss a single moment of the agonizing Holocaust... Tom also had that classic line of "20 million tons of well done steak" Capturing the cowardice and invisibility of todays bio war threats in humor is sure to be a hit... ANTHRAX IS EASY We like enemies large not little ity bitish. We'll try to be strong we're just a mite scared best way I know is with a good song: I paid a toll, I got some change, I went to town and bought some stuff and then I took the train I ate a burger, a soda, and crap I shouldnt oughta , cuz now I got the anthrax and I'm wondrin where its from... [CHORUS] Anthrax is easy if you're startin to sneeze your gonna wonder if you'll ever grow old. Anthrax is easy cuz its cured with Cipro and not contagious like the uncommon cold - like SARS - not contagious like the uncommon cold I went to work, and like a jerk, I used the water fountain and got somthin on my shirt and in a letter, I opened, I really should know better, but Ed McMann just said I'd won and now I'm wondrin where its from .. .(chorus) I came right home , I used the phone, I called my doc in quarantine and asked him for some pills and in the bathroom, later, I used some toilet paper now I've got a sore not there before I'm wondrin where its from. ( chorus) I watched the news, took off my shoes, I took a shower for an hour then I went to bed but in my dreams, I screamed , the duct tape burst its seams, We're told we should beware the air you don't know where its been (chorus) In the morning, I got changed, I went to town and bought some stuff and then I took the train I ate a pizza, eclair, and some stuff that had grown hair, but now I got the anthrax and I'm wondrin where its from... Anthrax is easy if you're startin to sneeze your gonna wonder if you'll ever grow old. Anthrax is easy cuz its cured with Cipro and not contagious like the uncommon cold - like SARS - not contagious like the uncommon cold [-take it james- piano riff-],,I'm telling ya they make buggers...[-more piano-]... every wheeeeere. cough cough cough Dhakman 2001 edit 2003 |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LAST NIGHT I HAD THE STRANGEST DREAM From: annamill Date: 08 Jun 03 - 10:32 AM Bill Sables was singing "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" the first time I heard it and cried. Big Mick was singing "There Were Roses" the first time I heard it and cried. I hesitate to submit this entry, but the first time I heard it I cried. I have never forgotten it. It is simple, yet powerful. To me at least.
LAST NIGHT I HAD THE STRANGEST DREAM
Last night I had the strangest dream I'd ever dreamed before.
And when the paper was all signed, and a million copies made,
Last night I had the strangest dream, I'd ever dreamed before. *
When I awoke, 'twas but a dream, and peace a dirty word. * "Last Night I Had a Happy Dream" was given a new lease, when Ed McCurdy rewrote it as a peace song. The last verse was added by Linda Hirschorn. Love, Annamill |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Jeri Date: 08 Jun 03 - 11:18 AM Anna, I'm glad you did submit it - it gets my vote as one of the greatest. So does 'Finlandia', posted by Joe. Sometimes we need to get angry, and sometimes we need to be sad, but hopes and dreams are also needed to make change possible. Also, 'Recessional' by Kipling/Bellamy. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SEVEN GOOD SOLDIERS From: Gavin Date: 08 Jun 03 - 07:12 PM What a great thread - reminded me of loads of songs I thought I'd forgotten. One not mentioned so far (I think); one special to me - not necessarily cos it's the best - but for a "personal resonance". Don't know whose it is though! Eric Bogle again? SEVEN GOOD SOLDIERS An autumn evening, golds and blues, and the air all around is still. Seven bright stars, they lie beneath seven white crosses on a hill. Seven young men went driving on, into the evening's hue; Ever onwards followed the call, seven roses that never did bloom. Trusting in others their wealth and power, here's to damnation they cheered As a prayer in the leaf of their Bibles black, to a God unseen but well feared. Please don't grieve for me, dear; our mission it soon will end The squaddy's letter it lay by his side, as the bullets they blew out his brain. Seven brothers that lay side by side, united by a bloody long war. Seven good soldiers, seven dead men, none knew what the hell they died for. An autumn evening, golds and blues, and the air all around is still. Seven bright stars, they lie beneath seven white crosses on a hill. All best - Gavin |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Seaking Date: 08 Jun 03 - 07:50 PM Paul Simon's 'On the side of a hill' I started playing this again recently as it fitted the mood. On the side of a hill in a land called somewhere A little boy lies asleep in the earth While down in the valley a cruel war rages And people forget what a child's life is worth On the side of a hill a little child weeps And waters the grave with his silent tears While a soldier cleans and polishes his gun that ended a life at the age of seven years And the war rages on in a land called somewhere And generals order their men to kill and to fight for a cause they've long ago forgotten while little boy lies on the side of a hill It's a long time since I heard the original but that's what i remember of it. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Amergin Date: 08 Jun 03 - 08:27 PM Tom Paxton says that he was brought to tears by a letter a vietnam vet sent to him, telling him that the vet had his own Jimmy Newman...and that the irony was that the previous night they were discussing another one of Paxton's songs.. as for anti war...well there is Jacob's Ladder (Not In MY Name) by Chumbawamba...i really love the line sooner or later puppy dog leader we'll try you for murder.... and there is bogle's As If They Know...about the horses that were sent to world war one...but never came back... and though not really anti war...but anti a unfortunate side effect of the red necked paranoia of war...there is Manzanar...about the Japanese being imprisoned by the State...for being Japanese... |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,Gerry McGuinness Date: 09 Jun 03 - 01:17 AM All the above are appropriate, some very moving. What about "Eve of Destruction" from the late sixties, sung by Barry McGuire (?). I recall it was banned by the BBC for a while. The first line was "The Eastern world, it is expoldin'..", then later it went on to say "..you're old enough to kill, but not for votin'..." John Lennon's "Imagine" is another good one. On the lighter side, there is Tom Paxton's "Lyndon Johnstone told the nation", "Willing Conscript", What did you learn in school today, all on his "Aint that News" album. And more recently, "There's a better way" (Niall Toner Band) |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Donuel Date: 09 Jun 03 - 10:43 AM Who killed my child The baby's thrilled to walk Her eyes surprised with earthly delight. I melt with pride at her first free flight. On TV Dick Cheney chokes "We'll lose more lives here than those overseas" I believe he speaks of disease. A briefing at work today would make an athiest pray I am but bare brittle bone "Hon, can you put her on the phone?" An age of conquistadors when tribes were murdered 9 out of 10 from disease That cold history, now makes me freeze In sane times the insane mom would drown a helpless child. "Sweetie you're fine" I pretend Could I watch her agony to the end? Behind lead eyes I keep secret If the crime is small pox Could I end her torture at all costs? Baby remember when you walked? Shhh it'll be fine. Here honey take this, It will help us sleep forever I will be right behind you and not have long to weep Don Hakman 2001 |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Donuel Date: 09 Jun 03 - 11:19 AM opps, here is the full version not the early draft... The baby's thrilled to walk Her eyes surprised with earthly delight. I melt with pride at her first free flight. On TV Dick Cheney chokes "We'll lose more lives here than those overseas" I believe he speaks of disease. A briefing at work today would make an athiest pray I am but bare brittle bone "Hon, can you put her on the phone?" "Hi sweetie its mommy You don't feel good? You will be just fine" In the age of conquistadors tribes were murdered 9 out of 10 from disease. Now that its real I feel my heart freeze. In sane times only the insane would drown a helpless child. "Sweetie you'll be fine" I pretend Could I watch her agony to the end? Behind lead eyes I keep secret the crime is proven small pox Could I end her torture at all costs? "Baby remember when you walked?" Shhh it'll be fine. Here honey take this, It will help us sleep forever I will be right behind you and not have long to weep, i'll not have long to weep i'll not... Don Hakman 2001 |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,banjoman Date: 09 Jun 03 - 01:50 PM Couldn't disagree with any of the choices on this thread. However. I always think Tom Paxton's "Who's Garden was This" has an awful lot to commend it although I,m not sure it was ever meant as an anti war song - more about the after effects of a lot of human actions on this planet. Great thread and it reminded me of a lot of songs I'd forgotten about |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Mark Ross Date: 09 Jun 03 - 02:04 PM Did anyone mention Derrol Adams' PORTLAND TOWN ? Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Henrik W. Date: 09 Jun 03 - 03:07 PM Well, Eric Bogle must be the master - glad to see someone remembered "The Gift of Years". But I am still amazed that no one has mentioned Ewan MacColl's Jamie Foyers about the Spanish Civil War: Far dístant, far distant lies Foyers the brave No tombstone memorial shall hallow his grave His bones they lie scattered on the rude soil of Spain For young Jamie Foyers in battle was slain etc. Henrik W. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Jacqk Date: 25 Nov 03 - 01:25 PM I have a song which hasn't been mentioned yet. Folk-singer/ethinic singer Lila Downs sings traditional songs from south of the US border, and writes her own. This one is haunting, the affects of war. Any errors in transcription are mine. Smoke (Acteal) [Lila Downs, Paul Cohen] Chorus: How dark is the smoke that falls from the sky and soaked in our blood are the feathers of time. How dark is the smoke that falls from the sky And soaked in our blood are the feathers of time. More women and children were killed on that night More than they could count when they threw 'em in trucks Some children were kneeling the saints were all calm Machetes and gunshots reveal all the blood Oh great cave of smoke, oh children of stones What beautiful birth, so short is your [robe] The papers recounted the story we know yet silence is deep as the hundreds of souls And the hundreds of hopes of our people Chorus Now every one's waiting and hoping for justice but will there be goodness where men kill their own? Our wise people say that the mouth of the earth Has swallowed her fruit, but the eagle and snake Will stand for the truth, when the mother of corn has spoken Oh axe of our fire bring justice to life For we know that power was once sacrifice And it was sacrifice and it was sacrifice Of our people. Chorus Copyright © 2001; Narada Productions, Inc. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Jacqk Date: 25 Nov 03 - 01:32 PM I was probably wrong for saying songs from south of the border for singer Lila Downs; she has done incredible things with Woody Guthrie songs as well. The album I refer it is caled "Border" or "La Linea". Jack |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,Big Jim from Jackson Date: 25 Nov 03 - 01:35 PM Have you heard the duo Small Potatoes sing Rich Priezioso's song "A Thousand Candles, A Thousand Cranes"? This is the most gentle and optimistic anti-war song in a long time. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Peace Date: 25 Nov 03 - 01:40 PM Shel Silverstein" "Business Goes on as Usual". (At least I think it was his). I learned it from Joe Frazier of the Mitchell Trio in the 1960s. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,Susanne (skw) abroad Date: 25 Nov 03 - 05:05 PM Gavin, Seven Good Soldiers was, iirr, written by Scotsman Iain MacDonald - or was it another Mac? Can't look it up before Saturday, but it's been recorded by Dick Gaughan. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: akenaton Date: 25 Nov 03 - 09:03 PM Eric Bogle is a genius..When I first heard"The band played Waltzing Matilda",sung by June Tabor live,I was in tears,and that doesnt happen often. My favourite??......"All the fine young men"......Eric Bogle |
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Subject: Lyr Add: TOO MUCH FOR OUR WHISTLE (Bob Clayton) From: Songster Bob Date: 25 Nov 03 - 10:46 PM Folks have chimed in with some of their own anti-war songs, so here's one of mine. I tried for memorable and singable: Too Much for Our Whistle Tune: Red River Valley It was Ben Franklin who told it, A tale from when he was a boy. Bright pennies lay there in his pocket When he spotted a wonderful toy. A bright, shiny whistle – he bought it, But his brothers told him with a laugh, "You paid far too much for your whistle; You could have had it for half!" Chorus: Are we paying too much for our whistle? It's a question heard all 'round the earth. Are we paying too much for our whistle? Is it costing far more than it's worth? When you see a car ad on your TV – "No interest, and no money down!" Do you rush right down then and buy one, And drive it all over the town, Where you're joined by all of those others, In long lines just going nowhere? Then think of the words of Ben Franklin, As you gasp for a breath of fresh air. Chorus The president called him, "A monster." The president said, "He's a threat!" And "We've got to invade them to save us" From the weapons we haven't found yet. Our forces used "shock and awe" tactics – We rolled over their army with ease, And took quick control of the oil fields We need to feed our SUVs. Chorus Copyright ©2003 Bob Clayton I have others. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CONSEQUENCE (Bob Clayton) From: Songster Bob Date: 25 Nov 03 - 10:49 PM A second one, this dates from the first Gulf War. I keep trying to update it, but words fail me: Consequence A madman in desert sun, sand in the gears; Fighting a far-off foe. Why are we here? A small country overrun, the iron heel ground Her people into the dust; darkness came down. A madman in desert sun, sand in the gears; Fighting to free a land, that's why we're here. We're really not welcome here, our ways are too strong. Religions and cultures clash; we can't help but be wrong. A madman in desert sun, sand in the gears; What can be truly gained? Why are we here? Other small countries near, endangered by might. A line must be drawn and held; we must make the fight. A madman in desert sun, sand in the gears; "No passaran," we cry! That's why we're here. It wasn't so long ago, in this wasted land, Another war raged unchecked, and we played a hand. Weapons were bought and sold, or traded for oil. Profits in a prophet's land; the soul for the soil. A madman in desert sun, sand in the gears; We helped make him what he is, that's why we're here. Copyright © 1991, Bob Clayton. All Rights Reserved. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,guest rod Date: 26 Nov 03 - 01:48 PM Folkies probably won't remember it but there was a song by a soul singer -was it Martha Reeves? about a woman whose son has been killed in Vietnam.She's in the hairdresser when she gets the news - her friends tell her how proud she should be .It's called Should be Proud ,I think : They tell me I should be proud/ They say I should be proud/but my son wasn't fighting for me /he was fighting for the evil of society. Are there any soulsters out there know anything about the song? I agree with all the fine choices on this thread -I'd go along with Jonny I hardly knew you for number one. Burns' Come Ye Jacobites by Name deserves a mention . What makes heroic strife famed afar famed afar?/what makes heroic strife famed afar?/what makes heroic strife to whet the assassins knife/ and hunt the parents life wi' bloody war ,bloody war/ to hunt the parents life wi' bloody war |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: s6k Date: 26 Nov 03 - 03:04 PM Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms and i have to say the lyrics to the black eyed peas song where is the love are very clever - just because its commercial doesnt mean it should be ignored :) Brothers In Arms (M.Knopfler) These mist covered mountains Are a home now for me But my home is the lowlands And always will be Some day you'll return to Your valleys and your farms And you'll no longer burn To be brothers in arm Through these fields of destruction Baptism of fire I've watched all your suffering As the battles raged higher And though they did hurt me so bad In the fear and alarm You did not desert me My brothers in arms There's so many different worlds So many different suns And we have just one world But we live in different ones Now the sun's gone to hell And the moon's riding high Let me bid you farewell Every man has to die But it's written in the starlight And every line on your palm We're fools to make war On our brothers in arms Also, my favourite song of all time! |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Uke Date: 26 Nov 03 - 06:33 PM Here's a classic traditional one below that no one's mentioned, from the singing of Sally Sloane called 'My Son Ted', also known as 'Mrs McGrath'. Also, how about songs written by actual soldiers? Does anyone know any 'post-able' ones? There was apparently a WW2 soldier's anti-war parody of Gracie Fields "Bless 'Em All" called "F*** 'em All"... MY SON TED "Oh, Mrs. McGrath," the sergeant said "Would you like to make a soldier out of your son Ted With a scarlett coat and a big red hat Now, Mrs. McGrath, wouldn't you like that?" With a too-ri-ra, fol-the-diddle-da, Ri-fol-the-riddle-dolly-di-do. So, Mrs. McGrath lived on the seashore For a space of seven long years or more Till she saw a big ship sailing into the bay "Here's my son Teddy, wisha clear the way" Chorus "Oh captain dear, wherever you be Have you been sailing on the Mediterranean Or have ye any tidings of my son Ted Is the poor boy living or is he dead?" Chorus Then up comes Ted without any legs And in their place, he has two wooden pegs She kissed him a dozen times or two Saying "Holy Moses, is it you!" Chorus "Oh then were ye drunk or were ye blind That ye left your two fine legs behind Or was it walking upon the sea Wore your two fine legs from the knees?" Chorus "No, I wasn't drunk and I wasn't blind When I left my two fine legs behind For a cannon ball on the fifth of May Took my two fine legs from the knees away" Chorus "Oh, then, Teddy my boy," the widow cried "Your two fine legs were your mumma's pride Them stumps of a tree wouldn't do at all Why didn't you run from the big cannon ball?" Chorus "All foreign wars I do proclaim Between Don John and the King of Spain And by heavens I'll make them rue the time That they swept the legs from a child of mine." Chorus Oh, then, if I had you back again, I'd never let you go to fight the King of Spain, For I'd rather have my Ted as he used to be Than the King of France and his whole navy" Chorus |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,ebenstevens@hotmail.com Date: 01 Dec 03 - 07:46 PM i do not know the name of the group, or many of the words, but the ending, after the battle: the valley people, after killing the mountain people, turned over the 'stone' to get the treasure: "peace on earth was all it said" i leave the details to someone else. |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Amos Date: 01 Dec 03 - 08:11 PM Ed McCurdy's "Last Night I had the Srangest Dream" has got to be the most elegant peace song ever. In my humble opinion.... A |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Dave Hanson Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:33 AM Pete Seegers original version of ' Where Have All The Flowers Gone ' eric |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: ThomasO Date: 02 Dec 03 - 11:14 AM Are you sure that Eric Bogle wrote 'And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' I'm sure i saw it it Soodlums Irish Ballads published in 1982 Oak. And i thought they were all trad? t |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: GUEST,Frankham Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:55 PM A couple of unusual candidates might be: "Ragapati Ragava Rajah Ram" (an appeal to unite Muslims and Hindus in India) which was one of Mahatma Ghandi's favorite songs. I like "Verner Von Braun" by Tom Lehrer. ( A comment on the defense industry). Frank Hamilton |
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Subject: RE: Greatest Anti-War Song Ever? From: Strupag Date: 02 Dec 03 - 06:08 PM Absolutely certain Thomas O! |
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