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Lyrics
[verse 1] There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere In a distant land so many miles away Only Uncle Sam's great heroes get to go there Where I wish that I could also live some day I'd see Lincoln, Custer, Washington and Perry And Nathan Hale and Colin Kelley too!
[chorus 1] There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere Waving o'er the land of heroes brave and true.
[verse 2] In this war with its mad schemes of destruction, Of our country fair and our sweet liberty By the mad dictators, leaders of corruption Can't the U.S. use a mountain boy like me God gave me the right to be a free American And for that precious right I'd gladly die
[chorus 2] There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere That is where I want to live when I die.
[verse 3] Tho I realize I am crippled that is true, sir! Please don't judge my courage by my twisted leg Let me show my Uncle Sam what I can do, sir! Let me help to bring the enemy down a peg If I do some great deed I will be a hero And a hero brave is what I want to be
[chorus 3] There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere In that heaven there should be a place for me.
Analysis
“In this war with its mad schemes of destruction, Of our country fair and our sweet liberty By the mad dictators, leaders of corruption”
This catches my attention, because it really shows the listeners belief in the domino theory. Even though Korea is not directly attacking the United States, the author speaks as though it presents such a threat. This song is definitely very pro-war. It talks in the lines shown above about defending America. As well, the singer is
also constantly mentioning the glory and honor of serving and sacrificing oneself for America. It frames the Korean War as a place to prove ones patriotism, and never once questions the reasons behind the war. There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere supports the Truman Doctrine and the Domino Theory. In the fore mentioned quote it references mad dictators and leaders of corruption scheming to take down America. This reference to the communist force as corrupt and ambitious enemies that need to be stopped at all costs fits perfectly with said foreign policies.
This song answers both how war affects the individual and how war can be beneficial. For some war can be a way to express your patriotism and devotion to your country. As well it can bring you personal honor. The lyrics speak from the perspective of said person, as they pledge their allegiance and willingness to support the war effort. I disagree with this song for one simple reason. It over simplifies the concepts of war. It does not give a perspective of citizens on the battleground or families of dead soldiers. Overall, I appreciate the devotion said song expresses, but it feels blind and one sighted. It glorifies the subject of war beyond reasonable belief.