Monday, January 26, 2009
Best Anti-War Song: "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda".
~~~~~~~~~~Feb 1977, National Stadium, Dublin~~~~~~~~~~
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Inspired by Gaye’s post today and her writing of Gallipoli and the battle that took place there, I tracked down the best version of this anti-war song – performed by Liam Clancy.
As Pete Seeger sung: “When Will We Ever Learn?”
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A fitting tribute to the senselessness of war and the very sadness of it and the waste of the young people we send of to fight for us, even when we don't ask for it, even when we don't want them to go. Lives are lost and we think in numbers as we only so many as opposed to the enemy who lost so many more. A dead kid is somebody's son or daughter and a horrible loss and can never be replaced, yet we act as if they are disposable items, replaceable by the next soldier. How truly pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved this song. None better than Liam Clancy to do justice to it. Thank you for this, WWW. x
ReplyDeleteCannon fodder, I so agree Irene. I guess that's why they're sold the concept of "a better life in the hereafter".
ReplyDeleteWe have to put an end to the senseless loss of life and limb.
XO
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Tessa:
ReplyDeleteThis and "Willie McBride" are so evocative of such short lives and the damage inflicted on them. And for what?
XO
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Great song. For me, the Clancy's could do nothing wrong.
ReplyDeleteYou'll not need me to express my opinion of war - again!
Oh I miss them so much, RJA. I saw them and Tommy Makem as many times as I could and once had the pleasure of a train ride to Holyhead with the great Liam. We spoke Irish all the way as he needed the practice. I have to admit to being more than a little in love with him but I was only 19 then! Lovely lovely man.
ReplyDeleteXO
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I don't know if you intended this but you actually posted that on Australia Day & it is an Australian song. I found a good clip by John Williamson, who I believe wrote the song.
ReplyDeletehttp://au.youtube.com/watch?v=E22gszljklc&feature=related
I enjoy reading your blog especially the stories from when you were younger.
thanks Debstar.
ReplyDeleteI loved the old photos on your clip and the rendition of the song.
Happy Oz Day!!
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War is so common there are many many excellent anti-war songs. I particularly like Pink's song I've Seen the Rain (actually a duet with her dad).
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard this song before, WWW. So sad. So beautifully sung.
ReplyDeleteWar is an abomination.
Nick:
ReplyDeleteIs there a link to this, I'd love to hear/see it.
XO
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T:
ReplyDeleteIt should be forever banned. And was it Dresden that started us bombing the innocents? Maybe it was prior to then.
XO
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Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cuv-WxM29DY
ReplyDeletethanks Nick, I love their voices together!
ReplyDeleteXO
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i used to listen to a recording of priscilla herdman singing this song. over and over and over again, until my brother took me aside and earnestly told me how irritating it was.
ReplyDeleteLaurie:
ReplyDeleteI never did hear her version but not surprising that you love the song too!!
XO
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