The Muse Dons Khaki: American Songs and Music of World War I
The Muse Dons Khaki: American Songs and Music of World War I
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Date
1963
Authors
Kelly, Jacquelin Joan
Advisor
Prange, Gordon W.
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
During the years 1917 and 1918 the United States
participated in a "war to end all wars." During the conflict
the government deliberately enlisted the power of song both
at home and on the fighting front to help in the great task
of winning the war.
The idea of organized singing in the training of the
U. S. Army was comparatively new at the time America entered
World War I, but it soon came to be recognized as an integral
part of the training itself. The government encouraged
singing in the army both on marches and in leisure-time
groups because it contributed substantially to the enjoyment,
contentment and efficiency of the soldier.
The ballads, however, that eased tired muscles after
a long days march and boosted morale after a day of heavy
fighting were not government sponsored songs, but parodies
and GI folk songs that the Sammies themselves composed.
These ditties gave glimpses of the real army, the friendly
rivalry between the various branches and the traditional
humor of the service. Such songs, though lusty and bawdy,
preserved for posterity the spirit of the A.E.F. Then, too, songs and music proved to be of great value
to the "stay-at-homes" during World War I. Our "army of the
interior" responded readily to the stimulus of music. It
participated in "Liberty Sings," "Bond Singing," and "Four-minute Singing" in the nation's theaters. The civilian
community wanted to sing popular patriotic songs because it
then felt a closer relationship to loved ones who were in
service. In addition, song fests satisfied man's natural
craving for security and inspiration.
During the American period of the war, Tin Pan Alley
rushed to the fore and supplied the country with no less
than nine thousand songs from 1917 to 1919. Such ditties
buoyed up sunken spirits, boosted morale, and made for a
united force on the home front.
Songs are usually a yardstick of the times and give
us a clue as to what the entire populace is thinking or how
it feels about certain issues. The songs and music of our
country from 1914 to 1919 reflected not only the history
but moods, manners and impulses that constituted the American
way of life. In 1914 and 1915 our songs exhibited a staunch
pacifism and a fervent desire to remain aloof from the
political entanglements in Europe. However, in 1916, 1917
and 1918 the pacifism which had been exhibited earlier
in our songs gave way to a surging pride and a firm determination
to win the war. Then in 1919 our songs reflected
the relief and happiness that came when the task of war was
over. Music during World War I was not a luxury or a gift
but a necessity. Songs were indispensable to our armed
forces, but they were also a necessity for those who had to
remain behind, to hope, to pray and to wait.