Smack Dab In The Middle: Design Trends of the Mid-20th Century - Vol. 6

This Month: "When The Lights Go On Again": The Songs Of World War II

February 3, 2011

"We’ll meet again,
Don’t know where, don’t know when,
But I know we’ll meet again
Some sunny day."
"We’ll Meet Again"
by Ross Parker/Hughie Charles, 1939
Sentimental…patriotic…heartfelt…and, above all, optimistic. Those words best describe the songs that kept spirits high during the darkest days of World War II. For U.S. servicemen and women overseas, as well as for folks "back on the homefront," popular music provided an ongoing reminder of what the fight "over there" was all about.
Patriotic tunes are among the songs most regularly identified with the 1940’s. Many, such as "We Did It Before and We Can Do It Again," served a generic role as musical morale boosters. Day-to-day military life received its musical due in songs ranging from the humorous ("Ten Little Soldiers on a Ten Day Leave"), to the inspirational ("Say a Pray’r for the Boys Over There"), to the heartrending (Bob Wills’ "White Cross on Okinawa," which concludes "There’s a White Cross tonight on Okinawa, and a Gold Star in some Mother’s home").
Life on the homefront was also fair game for ‘40’s songwriters, offering a glimpse of domestic demands during wartime. Planting a "Victory Garden"? So was the energetic "girlie" in "Up to Her Heart in Victory," defiantly "waving her scallions at Hitler’s battalions." Working on the assembly line? Join the vocalist in "On the Swing Shift," (enthusiastically noting that "life is fine with my baby on the swing shift"), or the hard-working, dog-tired riveter belting out "Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet!"
The "girl back home" was featured in many ‘40’s songs, whether rhapsodizing about her dreamboat in "He Wears a Pair of Silver Wings," or bouncily proclaiming "He’s 1-A in the Army and He’s A-1 in My Heart." One of the most poignant girl-back-home songs, "P.S. I Love You," by Gordon Jenkins and Johnny Mercer, actually made its debut in 1934. Wartime separations, however, gave new meaning to such lyrics as "Dear, I thought I’d drop a line - the weather’s cool, the folks are fine. I’m in bed each night at nine. P.S. I love you." In World War II America, that simple message made "P.S." a hit all over again.
A chuckle went a long way toward relieving stress. Whether clever, corny, or downright silly, ‘40’s novelty tunes were guaranteed day-brighteners. Some has a military theme ("The Canteen Bounce"). Others poked barbed fun at the enemy ("Der Fuehrer’s Face," introduced by none other than Donald Duck!) "The Machine Gun Bounce" even made use of nonsense syllables, with its hilarious (and nearly unsingable) vocal "ack-acks."
Regardless of topic, the underlying theme of the World War II popular song was an unflagging faith in the future. I once had the opportunity to ask Patti Andrews, lead singer for the Andrews Sisters, if she could sum up the spirit of that time. Patti thought for a moment, then responded, "We were all working together - working together for something good - and we found such happiness in that."
Whether assembling a collection of ‘40’s favorites for display, or just gathering an assortment of sheet music to "try at home on your own piano," you’ll find the songs of World War II provide a vivid glimpse at a time long past. What was important to these folks? What brought smiles to their faces? What brought tears to their eyes? And what, more often than not, made their hearts burst with pride? The answers are all there, waiting to be deciphered, and enjoyed once more, in the music of "the greatest generation!"
"When the lights go on again, all over the world,
And the ships will sail again, all over the world -
Then we’ll have time for things like wedding rings,
And free hearts will sing,
When the lights go on again, all over the world!"
"When the Lights Go on Again (All Over the World)"
by Ed Seiler/Sol Marcus/Bennie Benjemen, 1942
Editor’s Note: Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous Shiffer books on mid-twentieth century design, and an ongoing correspondent for the "Schroeders" and "Antique Trader" Guides. He also, (as you can tell), loves the music of the 1940’s. Please address inquiries to: donaldbrian@webtv.net.
All photos by Donald-Brian Johnson.
Donald-Brian Johnson

Donald-Brian Johnson

Donald-Brian Johnson is a nationwide columnist, and the co-author of numerous Schiffer books on design and collectibles. His most recent, "Postwar Pop," is a collection of his columns.

 

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