Songs took a very important role in world wars. It was a great tool to convey a message or to do protest along with that it gave an idea of the war through it.
First World War and Second World War, it is not needed to utter that both the time were such a cruel time for the whole universe. People from every corner took part in it in their own form. Not only with guns and bombs, but people took songs as a weapon too. There have been a lot of songs released in that particular time to do protest certain things. Renowned poets and singers composed various songs which helped to make a big difference through it.
In both the world wars there have been innumerable songs released. Some got even more popular that shaped the war. Some famous songs are-
First World War songs-
Keep the Home Fires Burning:
One of the renowned and famous songs of the First World War is ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’. The song has been composed by Ivor Novello and penned by Lena Guilbert Ford. First, in 1914 the song has been released as ‘Till the Boys Come Home’. The soundtrack became popular in the United Kingdom. On the track, it has been said that wait for the soldiers of the nation who are fighting for the country. By this song, they are trying to motivate the soldiers to fight the opponent.
Pack Up Your Troubles:
The song ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’ is a very famous song that was released in 1915. The full name of the song is ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag, and Smile, Smile, Smile’. The soundscape has been composed by Felix Powell and written by the Welsh songwriter George Henry Powell. The inspiring song has been featured in the American show called Her Soldier Boy. This particular song has been made in different languages too which got more popularity in different regions and parts of the world.
Noël des enfants:
‘Noël des enfants’, the patriotic song has been released in the year of 1916. It has been written and composed by Claude Debussy. This track has a different perspective of war. Most of the songs were made to encourage the soldiers but this song has portrayed a completely different picture. The world war was a major reason for to shortage of food. A lot of people were dying for it. By this song, Claude Debussy tried to say that on Christmas the children of France don’t want toys but they want the bread to live on and to win in the war.
Over There:
In the year 1917, the song ‘Over There’ has been released. The song was popular in both the world wars in the United States. This hasn’t been used in the Vietnam War but later it was used in the September 11 terrorist attacks. This track has been written by George M. Cohan. The reason behind making this song is to influence the American young talents to join the war and fight for their nation. It has inspired more people to go for the battle.
Slavic Woman’s Farewell:
‘Slavic Woman’s Farewell’ is a Russian patriotic march. The song has been written in the year 1912 the time of the First Balkan War. Later in 1915, it has been used in the First World War too. This has been made to give tribute to the Slavic women who accompanied their husbands in the First Balkan War. It has been composed by Vasily Agapkin. This march was used as an unofficial anthem of Admiral Kolchak’s White Army. Later the song has been remade with different lyrics in the time of different wars.
Second World War Songs-
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy:
The ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ is a song from the Second World War. The song has been recorded in 1941 by The Andrews Sisters. It has been written by Don Raye and Hughie Prince. This song has got immense popularity in the United States and made it to the U.S. pop singles chart in number six.
Don’t let’s be Beastly to the Germans:
‘Don’t let’s be Beastly to the Germans’, song has been published in the time of the second world war in 1943. This exemplary track has been composed by the singer-songwriter Noël Coward. This hasn’t got popular at that time but later in the live performance, it got a massive response. But in the future, this song got banned by the BBC due to some reason.
Katusha:
The Russian song ‘Katusha’ got released in the year of 1938. It is a soviet folk-based song and military march. The march has been composed by Matvey Blanter and written by the Russian author Mikhail Isakovsky. This track got popular in the time of the Second World War. It is one of the popular war songs of that time.
Kiss me Goodnight Sergeant Major:
The song ‘Kiss me Goodnight Sergeant Major’ is a Second World War song. The track has been published in the year 1939. It has been written by Art Noel and Don Pelosi. This track has been followed by another soundscape ‘Good Morning Sergeant Major’ which was released in 1940.
Bella Ciao:
‘Bella Ciao’, the Italian protest folk song has been sung in the 19th century. The song has been sung by the profound mondina singers. It has been made to do the protest against the worse condition of the paddy fields in northern Italy.