The music of WWII, and the role it played in the war.
Music plays an important role in our daily lives and can inspire one during both joyful or stressful times. The music produced during wartime can have special significance. It can be part of a propaganda campaign, lift the morale of soldiers and civilians, help record the emotions and events of the war, and remind people of better times.
The music of WWII was no exception to this. There were many patriotic, love and humorous songs written during this era, many of which still survive today, giving a glimpse back to the hearts and souls of the people of that era. Soldiers found that a rousing band playing during a route march would liven their steps. On the front lines, British soldiers would change words of popular songs to humorous lyrics to lift their spirits, favorites included “Kiss Me Goodnight, Sargent Major” and “The Siegfried Line (We're Gonna Hang Out The Washing On).
Propaganda was important during WWII. In America songs such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” sung by the Andrews Sisters and “I'll Be Seeing You”, sung by Ginger Rogers motivated patriotism in soldiers going off to fight in the war. The British instilled a love of country through such songs as “There will always be an England”, which was sung by popular vocalists of the era.
There were also many songs that related to the sentiments of the time, especially about separation from loved ones and the promise of Peacetime. “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “When The lights Go On Again” performed by various artists, were popular songs of this genre. They lifted people's spirits by singing of a return to normal life once the war is over.
Popular musicians and singers of this era such as Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn also produced music about the war. However, most people listened to them for entertainment and relaxation, often around the radio, while thinking of loved ones far away. Also, many people enjoyed escaping to night halls to dance and listen to the popular big bands of the era.
During WWII, the world was in turmoil, with people being separated from loved ones and many daily necessities being in short supply. It was the music and words such as these:
“There'll be bluebirds over, The the white cliffs of Dover, Tomorrow, just you wait and see.”
from “The White Cliffs Of Dover”, that helped people through these dark times.
*Please note references used in writing this article:
“Songs That Got Us Through WWII” a Rhino Records Compact Disc produced in 1990
www.jilldaniels.com/BRITISH%20ANTHEMS.htm
And from my father, Leon Gilgulin, a British Army WWII veteran.
this article is very well written. it helped me a lot on a project I\'m working on, thank you. It does a great job of really given strong points as to how music influenced the people during the war.
