November 8, 2015

 

 

‘Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler’,

came from this popular war-time team.

Flanagan and Allen’s song later becoming,

the famous ‘Dad’s Army’ signature theme.

 

So many messages of love and hope,

came through in song and verse.

Every Service represented,

as families feared for the worse.

 

‘Won’t you come home ‘Bill Bailey’,

begged some desperate girl,

whilst ‘Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny’,

had another lass in a whirl.

 

‘Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run’,

came this early vegetarian cry,

from someone who couldn’t bear,

to see it cooked slowly, in a pie.

 

And saucy songs aplenty;

a guaranteed morale wager.

‘Ain’t she sweet’ coming to mind,

and ‘Kiss me goodnight, Sergeant Major’.

 

‘Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye,

sang our Gracie, the Queen of Rochdale.

‘Anchors away, my Boys’, a popular anthem,

as the Royal Navy ships set sail.

 

More encouraging unforgettable favourites,

like ‘Hang out the washing on the Siegfrid Line’,

kept the troops entertained, along with,

‘Bless em’ all’ and ‘You are my sunshine’.

 

And three more memorable songs

throughout this time could be heard:

‘The White Cliffs of Dover and ‘In the Mood’,

and also ‘Bye, Bye Blackbird.

 

The Cockney’s, as ever, came good,

with ‘Doing the Lambeth Walk’,

and ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Vera Lynn,

had loved ones choked and unable to talk.

 

Vera’s ‘Yours’ (til the stars have lost their glory)’

also having the same effect.

And the king of wartime hits – Glenn Miller,

having so many songs on which to reflect.

 

Pulling into ‘Tuxedo Junction’, his

‘Chattanooga Choo-choo’ did chug.

And after alighting from the ‘Trolley Song’,

he reached for his ‘Little Brown Jug’.

 

Effortlessly, came more of his hits.

His place in history made.

With ‘Moonlight Becomes You’,

and also ‘Moonlight Serenade.

 

Glenn also said to ‘Accentuate the Positive’,

was the right thing to do,

before letting us into a secret,

that he had a girl in ’Kalamazoo’.

 

We can only surmise on something,

that we’ll never for certain know,

as to whom owned the telephone number

‘Pennsylvania 6 – 5000 ?   (oh, oh, oh.)

 

The Andrew Sisters did their bit

with ‘The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’.

And ‘Everything Stops for Tea’

from Jack Buchanan brought much joy.

 

‘When the Blue of the Night’ also,

ensured Bing Crosby was right there.

And Anne Shelton was convinced

‘A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square’.

 

Let’s not forget about ‘London Pride’;

which was a very patriotic hit,

from Siamese-cat loving, Noel Coward:

Our very own lyrical wit!

 

And songs about ‘That Lovely Weekend’,

and ‘I’m looking over a four leafed clover’,

kept everyone’s spirit alive,

whilst longing for war to be over.

 

And many guys telling girls that they had,

the ‘Cutest Little Baby Face’.

And saying ‘Yes Sir, that’s my baby’

as photo’s shown, to pals, back at base.

 

Many more songs of optimism,

such as ‘Roll out the Barrel’.

And ‘My Old Man said follow the Band’,

they sang, as they marched in Forces apparel.

 

And Mothers having a heck of a time,

keeping their daughters indoors,

‘Yes, my darling daughter’, they answered,

as ‘Mama, may I go out dancing’, each implored.

 

‘Any Old Iron’, and ‘As time goes by’

more songs everybody knew.

Along with ‘Working for the Yanky Dollar’, and

‘You’ll never know just how much I miss you’.

 

War, they say is necessary,

but war is never pretty.

So much devastation, as

buildings bombed in every city.

 

We must never forget the bravery,

shown by those who fought and fell.

In an attempt to keep us free,

they gave their all, and went through hell.

 

Written by Harriet Blackbury.  Nov 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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