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Wartime Memories Singing Group

Updated: Sep 26



Singing is a great way to bring people together and create a sense of community which was vital in war time and is still vital today.


Community singing played a significant role during wartime. Here are some ways in which it helped:

Boosting morale: Singing together as a community can create a sense of unity and boost morale among individuals. It provides emotional support and a sense of belonging, helping people cope with the challenges of war.


Fostering camaraderie: Community singing brings people together, fostering camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose.


Providing an emotional outlet: Singing allows individuals to express their emotions and find solace during difficult times. It can provide an emotional outlet for soldiers and civilians alike, helping them cope with the stress and trauma of war.


Preserving cultural identity: Singing traditional songs and anthems can help preserve cultural identity during times of conflict. It serves as a reminder of shared heritage and values, instilling a sense of pride and resilience.


Boosting patriotism: Community singing often involves patriotic songs that inspire a sense of national pride and unity. These songs can evoke strong emotions and motivate individuals to contribute to the war effort.


Community singing during wartime has been described as a powerful tool for uplifting spirits, fostering solidarity, and providing comfort in challenging times. Source
“Music was used as a way to help soldiers cope and deal with the traumas, stress, and issues brought on by war… Music was used during wars dating back thousands of years ago… Music played a much bigger role [during World War II]… Patriotic songs were an integral part of the war since it helped remind people and soldiers what and why they were fighting for.” Source
“Community singing was seen as an important way to keep up morale during the war.” Source
“Music is now used as a way for [soldiers] to cope and deal with the stress of war.” Source

Join the session to learn or remember these favourite songs from World War Two. The sessions will end with a small soiree in remembrance of those who were lost with donations made for The Poppy Appeal.


White Cliffs of Dover by Vera Lynn: Another classic song by Vera Lynn, this one is about the beauty of the English coastline and the hope that it brings to those who are far away from home. Lyrics Link :


Long way to Tipperary is perhaps the best-known song of the First World War. It was written by Jack Judge and Harry Williams as a music hall song in 1912. Jack Judge is rumored to have been challenged to write a song overnight for a bet and converted an existing song by the duo, ‘It’s a Long Way to Connemara’.” Lyrics Link :


We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn: This song was a hit during World War II and became an anthem for soldiers and their families. It’s a song about hope and the belief that we will see our loved ones again someday. Lyrics Link :


Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag became very popular during World War I and boosted British morale despite the horrors of war 1. It was one of many music hall songs aimed at maintaining morale, recruiting for the forces, or defending Britain’s war aims. Lyric Links :


Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye is a song written by Phil Park and Harry Parr-Davies. It was made popular during the Second World War by Gracie Fields and appeared in her 1939 film "Shipyard Sally"1. The song is a heartfelt farewell, expressing the hope for luck and a cheerful goodbye as someone embarks on a journey Lyric Link :


Run Rabbit Run is a song written by Noel Gay and Ralph Butler. During World War II, the lyrics were changed by Flanagan and Allen to poke fun at the Germans, with lines like "Run, Adolf, run, Adolf, run, run, run…". The song became popular during the war and was used as a defiant dig at the allegedly ineffectual Luftwaffe. Lyric Link :


Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree by The Andrews Sisters: This song is about a woman who warns her lover not to sit under an apple tree with anyone else but her. It’s a playful song that’s sure to get everyone singing along. Lyric Link :


Download a booklet with all the lyrics in to bring along or request a printed and bound copy in the Academy. There is a £2.50 charge to cover printing a binding costs. All the lyrics are available online with source links shown.

WW2 Lyrics Booklet
.pdf
Download PDF • 307KB


Book your place today.




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