Just when you thought I couldn't get any more diverse, today I'm going to introduce the song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," a Civil War song actually written right in the middle of the Civil War (1863). It was written by Patrick Gilmore, but I think we know him better as Louis Lambert.
Context
Normally we think of this song as a Confederate song, because of the "Johnny" part (i.e., "Johnny Reb"). Actually, though, "The first page of the song... bears a dedication at the top 'to the army and the navy of the Union'" (youtube.com video description).
"Johnny" could have been "Gilmore's future brother-in-law, a Union army officer" (youtube.com video description). However, the Library of Congress website explains that the song "became popular with northerners and southerners alike." At its most basic form, the lyrics to this song simply "expressed people's longing for the return of their friends and relatives who were fighting in the war" (wikipedia.org).
Now, with all of that in mind, watch this video of Ronnie Gilbert singing "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."
Commentary
After listening to this song, it's easy to see why both the North and South would pick it up. It's not specifically obvious which side the song is for - even the line that says, "to place upon his loyal brow" could be taken as being loyal to the Confederacy. "Johnny" is also such a normal name that it could be meant for either side (despite the whole "Johnny Reb" thing). Even if Gilmore wrote it with the Union in mind, I think it fits anyone anywhere that is waiting or has ever waited for a loved one to return from war. Instead of dwelling on "what if he never comes back," this song is very optimistic and hopeful. I'm sure it lifted the spirits of those on both sides who had husbands, fathers, and brothers fighting during the Civil War.
Honestly, even if it's not the "style" of music we usually listen to now, I think the message of this song - about celebrating a loved one's return - is one that we can remember in our time. We also have people fighting, even if it's not here in America. Instead of listening to songs that complain about the war, maybe we should be listening to songs like this that celebrate the soldiers' bravery.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Johnny_Comes_Marching_Home
Yet another example of a song we have heard all our lives and never known the politics behind. I wonder where the "ants go marching one my one" thing came in. I think I like the version you have here much better. At least it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to put myself in this time period - in the shoes of a young wife, or sister, or mother of a civil war soldier - I think this would have been my favorite song. Only because it is so hopeful and cheery about such a bleak situation. In times of desperation, you have to hold tight to any hope you can find. After a firm faith in God must come a cheerful heart, especially in hard times. Otherwise there is no impriving the situation. Once again, it's all about attitude, and I think that this song is an example of how to make lemonade out of life's lemons. :)
Lauren, I like what you said about "make lemonade out of life's lemons"!
ReplyDeleteThis song reminds me much of Irish music. You can almost dance with it. It is very similar to Bluegrass because of the instruments they used in this song.
Just like Allie said, it's optimistic and hopeful. It makes anybody, including me, believe that Civil War is gonna be over soon. When you don't have anything to hold on to, there is one thing will keep you going. FAITH!