Post by andrew on Feb 7, 2021 21:35:19 GMT -5
It seems every war since at least the late 17th century has spawned popular songs that are associated with them - though not necessarily about them. From patriotic jingles like "Yankee Doodle" and "Rule Britannia" to the sad laments like "Aura Lea" or the Russian "Katyusha" - even songs like "Lili Marlene", wildly popular on both sides of the front. But what are the origins of this phenomenon? Was it always a thing? What are the earliest examples of songs made popular by the war they were associated with? And what are your favourites?
The 1938 song "Katyusha" - a ballad of longing by a woman waiting for her soldier became a massive favourite in World War 2 for obvious reasons. Played fast, it's a popular tune for that curious sort of Russian solo dancing, but played slow it's a very sad song. One can easily imagine the lonely soldier with concertina or balalaika playing for his comrades.
The 1938 song "Katyusha" - a ballad of longing by a woman waiting for her soldier became a massive favourite in World War 2 for obvious reasons. Played fast, it's a popular tune for that curious sort of Russian solo dancing, but played slow it's a very sad song. One can easily imagine the lonely soldier with concertina or balalaika playing for his comrades.