Saturday, October 06, 2007

Gone With the Draft


Back to WW2. This song was featured in the Burns' documentary. I tried the best that I could to match it with images pertaining to the draft and recruitment. American Memory at the Library of Congress was a source, but I always find that a difficult one to search.
Not many folks know how great a jazz instrumentalist Nat King Cole was before his fame as a vocalist. This goes back to the early 40's. The lyrics:
Gone, gone, gone with the draft,
Gone, gone, gone with the draft...
When skinny me went out with my honey, the boys all started to laugh;
But now it's not so funny - they're all gone with the draft.
As a shiek, I can't be beat - the boys all hand me a laugh.
But since I have got flat feet, I'm not gone in the draft.
(Bridge 1:)
I used to envy the fellows who had such fine physiques;
But all they can say is "Hello" on seven-fifty a week.
When the boys get back and see how I'm doin',
they'll be sorry they laughed;
'Cause one can't keep on wooing and still be gone with the draft.
(Instrumental Interlude: 1 Verse, 1 Bridge and 1 Verse)
When Franklyn D did sign the draft, the cats all had a chill;
The boys turned pale and ceased to laugh, 'cause this is a serious bill.
They now realize that skinny me was the luckiest one of all,
Who can stay at home with Minnie, while they face the cannon balls.
(Bridge 2:)
So boys, take it on the chin, and always wear a smile;
You'll find it hard to win carryin' fifty pounds for miles.
When your year of drill is up, you get your calves discharged,
You can come back home and freshen up, and run around at large.
(Coda:)
Gone, gone, gone, gone with the
Draft, draft, draft, draft.

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