War Baby

Annotation

War Baby (SSS International Records # SSS 707). Dee Mullins (1936-1991), from Grafford, Texas, member of late 50s duo Dee & Patty. Country music, Nashville, Tennessee. Composed by Donnie Fritts, produced by Shelby Singleton. About different wars over the generations. Child born during Second World War, whose father died fighting. During Korean War, the baby is old enough to understand. By time of Vietnam, the baby is old enough to fight. Referred to Vietnam as "defenseless country" in which its people were "fighting for their land" (obviously meaning the South Vietnamese, not the north). Referred to Korea as a fight for "freedom and liberty". And the war baby seemed to understand Now in 1967, war baby is a man Another defenseless country is fighting for their land But the war baby is not a war baby anymore... War baby, are you ready to go?"

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs

War Baby (SSS International Records # SSS 707). Dee Mullins (1936-1991), from Grafford, Texas, member of late 50s duo Dee & Patty. Country music, Nashville, Tennessee. Composed by Donnie Fritts, produced by Shelby Singleton. About different wars over the generations. Child born during Second World War, whose father died fighting. During Korean War, the baby is old enough to understand. By time of Vietnam, the baby is old enough to fight. Referred to Vietnam as "defenseless country" in which its people were "fighting for their land" (obviously meaning the South Vietnamese, not the north). Referred to Korea as a fight for "freedom and liberty".

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: In 1942, 43, and 44 / Our country was fighting in the Second World War / The world was scared and battle worn / But still there were babies being born /War baby, war baby, war is all you know / Where did your daddy go? / In 1951, 52, and 53 / There were people being denied their freedom and liberty / So our country gave them a helping hand / And the war baby seemed to understand / Now in 1967, war baby is a man / Another defenceless country is fighting for their land / So again our country marched to war / But the war baby is not a war baby anymore... / War baby, are you ready to go?

Notes

SSS International SSS 707 (711-56), Side A, vocal; "War Baby" (Donnie Fritts), 2:15, Raleigh Music Inc. (BMI); produced by Shelby S. Singleton Jr. for Shelby Singleton Productions, Inc., New York - Nashville. [From the record sleeve and labels]

About the artist

Dee Mullins (born Dwight Mullinax, 4 July 1937, Gafford, Texas; died 13 March 1991) was an American country singer and songwriter who recorded for SSS International in the late 1960s, charting with 'The Continuing Story of Harper Valley PTA'. 'War Baby' was issued on SSS International SSS-707. [Source: Discogs; Praguefrank's Country Music Discographies; Billboard]

Themes

Patriotic · WW2 · Korea

In collections

US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]