Willing Conscript

Annotation

Iconic American contemporary folk singer, Pete Seeger (born 3 May 1919 in Manhattan, New York, USA, died on 27 January 2014, same location) played a key role in the 1950s contemporary folk revival and the 1960s anti-war and Civil Rights movement. He often wrote political songs, protesting against war, segregation, and calling for environmental protection. (1) His body of songs referencing the Vietnam War is significant in both themes and volume [currently 18 identified]: "The Willing Conscript" on the album Broadside Ballads Volume 2 (1963); "Beans in My Ear", "King Henry", and "The Draft Dodger Rag" on the Dangerous Songs!? (1966); "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" and "Down By the Riverside" on the album Waist Deep in the Big Muddy and Other Love Songs (1967); "Backlash Blues", "Talking Ben Tre", and "The Torn Flag" on the album Pete Seeger Now (1968); "Anti-Vietnam Songs / Waist Deep in the Big Muddy / Arts in a Changing Society / Violence and Protest" featured on the live album Sings and Answers Questions (1968); "Bring Them Home" and "Ballad of the Fort Hood Three" on the album Young vs. Old (1969); "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" (1970) [promo single-only]; "Last Train to…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Draft Songs

Iconic American folk singer, Seeger played a key role in the 1950s folk revival and the 1960s anti-war movement. He often wrote political songs, protesting against war, segregation, and calling for environmental protection. (1) Released in 1963 (Folkways Records # FW05302), on this album Seeger played songs that first appeared in Broadside Magazine. Produced by Sis Cunningham, the booklet said that "this banjo picker can tell you...there has been a flood of new songs written in the USA during the last year...from this record I hope you get an idea of the wide ranging talents of the songwriters". This included the well-known conscription / draft song "The Willing Conscript" composed by Tom Paxton. The lyrics and music first appeared in Broadside # 28 (in June 1963), and this was the first recording / release on the song. It took a satirical approach to the draft, with sharp lyrics about a draftee off to war, who needed to learn how to kill: "I'll need instruction, sergeant, for I've never killed before".

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

About the artist

Born 3 May 1919 in Manhattan, New York, USA, died on 27 January 2014, same location

Themes

Draft · Anti-War

In collections

Draft Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs · Pete Seeger Songs