Wake up America !

[thereallyniceman]

Here is an interesting tune that Steve has found lurking in the depths of the archives!

 

During the First World War (1914-1918), America initially remained neutral and was not involved with the fighting until the April 6^th 1917. America had up until then had helped supply Britain the allied forces. The people of America had not wished to become involved, but the feelings shifted and songs like this one must have been issued to help change the public attitudes.

 

The lyrics don’t pull any punches either:

 

 

Have we forgotten, America -  the battles our fathers fought?

Are we ashamed of our history- In the peace that fighting brought?

Must we laughed at, America, while our swords turn weak with rust?

Is the blood of our fathers wasted? - And how have we treated their trust?

Is Columbia the gem of the ocean? -  Is Old Glory the pride of the free?

Let’s forget every selfish emotion - United forever let’s be!

 

CHORUS

Wake up, America, if we are called to war.

Are we prepared to give our lives – for our sweetheats and wives?

Are our mothers and our homes worth fighting for?

Let us pray, God, for peace, but peace with honour,

But let’s get ready to answer duty’s call

So when Old Glory stands unfurled, Let it mean to all the world

America is ready----that’s all!

 

 

 

Steve describes it as a “rousing and jingoistic March” that goes well on the banjo!

 

I have added to the MUSIC LIBRARY along with a midi file of his arrangement.

[Mike Moss]

I love me some rousing and jingoistic music on the ole banjo -- the only musical instrument that sounds like an angry sergeant-major!

[Jody Stecher]

Have we forgotten, America, the grammar what our four fodders brought?

Is we ashamed of the proper talk in the teach our teachers taught?

Must we laughed at, America, while ….oh never mind

[Jody Stecher]

He's angry because the *be* in "we be" has gone AWOL.

Mike Moss said:

I love me some rousing and jingoistic music on the ole banjo -- the only musical instrument that sounds like an angry sergeant-major!

[Steve Harrison]

I couldn't resist doing this one..it does demonstrate what can be arranged for banjo with a bit of thought..I expect all of our American members to sing along!..If you had an American 'Last night of the Proms', then this could be your Rule Britannia.

[thereallyniceman]

Thank you Sgt Stecher.

I have had the typist taken out and shot.

Jody Stecher said:

He's angry because the *be* in "we be" has gone AWOL.

Mike Moss said:

I love me some rousing and jingoistic music on the ole banjo -- the only musical instrument that sounds like an angry sergeant-major!

[Trapdoor2]