1339. I Don't Want to Be a Soldier (Traditional English)

Also known as "I Don't Want to Join the Army", this song was popular with the soldiers in both the first and second world wars. I first heard it in Joan Littlewood's Musical, "Oh, What a Lovely War!" (1963), a stage show based on a 1961 radio play by Charles Chilton and later made into a movie (in 1969). It is also in Frank Lynn's collection, "Songs For Singing".

The song, or at least the second verse, is probably a parody of "I'll Make a Man of You", another WW1 song featured in "Oh, What a Lovely War!"

For lyrics and chords of all my songs, please see my website: http://www.raymondcrooke.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• ww1
• lovely
• war
• army
• ukulele

[sumerias1]

Another rilly neat post. Boy, you've got some staying power. I can only hope to one day make it to my 1339th song. This is a really peppy number! I like it lots :)

[raymondcrooke]

@sumerias1 I did plan to stop at 1001, but it's hard to break the habit!

[clivedavies3]

nice one

[raymondcrooke]

@clivedavies3 Thank you.

[1952banjo]

Really love these songs!!! 

[raymondcrooke]

@1952banjo Somehow I can't imagine you singing this one!

[sumerias1]

@raymondcrooke I understand. I'm only a 'lil past 100 and I get really fidgety if I miss a day or two. You're great and a continuing inspiration!

[raymondcrooke]

@SirCoughsalot It's a very English one. Certainly fun to sing.

[raymondcrooke]

@blinddrunkal I remember it was a very enjoyable show when I saw it here in Melbourne. The film was pretty good too. Thanks for your comment, Alan.

[SirCoughsalot]

Now that's a song I can get behind!