Song of 59 Squadron, A

DESCRIPTION: "A squadron swept over the ocean, A squadron swept over the sea," and chased the Germans back to port. The singer wonders why the Germans hide during the day. All the men of Squadron 59 -- pilots, mechanics, etc. -- play their part
AUTHOR: Corporal Mack and Leading Aircraftmen Donning, Hemlsy, and Smith (source: Ward-Jackson/Lucas-AirmansSongBook)
EARLIEST DATE: 1967 (Ward-Jackson/Lucas-AirmansSongBook); reportedly from 1942
KEYWORDS: pilot technology derivative
FOUND IN:
REFERENCES (1 citation):
Ward-Jackson/Lucas-AirmansSongBook, pp. 211-212, "A Song of 59 Squadron" (1 text, tune referenced)
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" (partial tune)
cf. "Elmer's Tune" (partial tune)
NOTES [86 words]: According to Wikipedia, "Elmer's Tune," the melody for the larger part of this song, was written by Elmer Albrecht. Dick Jurgens orchestrated it, Sammy Gallop wrote lyrics, and Glenn Miller made it popular with a 1941 recording. The lyrics, which clearly inspired the "It's Just 59!" section of the chorus of this song, begin
Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune.... - RBW
Last updated in version 6.8
File: WJL211

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography