Waist Deep In the Big Muddy
Pete Seeger
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It was back in nineteen forty-two, I was a member of a good platoon. We were on maneuvers in-a Louisiana, One night by the light of the moon. The captain told us to ford a river, That's how it all begun. We were -- knee deep in the Big Muddy, But the big fool said to push on. The Sergeant said, "Sir, are you sure, This is the best way back to the base?" "Sergeant, go on! I forded this river 'Bout a mile above this place. It'll be a little soggy but just keep slogging. We'll soon be on dry ground." We were, waist deep in the Big Muddy And the big fool said to push on. The Sergeant said, "Sir, with all this equipment No man will be able to swim." "Sergeant, don't be a Nervous Nellie," The Captain said to him. "All we need is a little determination; Men, follow me, I'll lead on." We were, neck deep in the Big Muddy And the big fool said to push on. All at once, the moon clouded over, We heard a gurgling cry. A few seconds later, the captain's helmet Was all that floated by. The Sergeant said, "Turn around men! I'm in charge from now on." And we just made it out of the Big Muddy With the captain dead and gone. We stripped and dived and found his body Stuck in the old quicksand. I guess he didn't know that the water was deeper Than the place he'd once before been. Another stream had joined the Big Muddy 'Bout a half mile from where we'd gone. We were lucky to escape from the Big Muddy When the big fool said to push on. Well, I'm not going to point any moral, I'll leave that for yourself Maybe you're still walking, you're still talking You'd like to keep your health. But every time I read the papers That old feeling comes on; We're, waist deep in the Big Muddy And the big fool says to push on. Waist deep in the Big Muddy And the big fool says to push on. Waist deep in the Big Muddy And the big fool says to push on. Waist deep! Neck deep! Soon even a Tall man'll be over his head, we're Waist deep in the Big Muddy! And the big fool says to push on!
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9 facts about this song
Song Background"Waist Deep in the" Big Muddy is a 1967 anti-war song composed by renowned folk singer Pete Seeger. It was written during the height of the Vietnam War, conveying a strong message against the war's continuation.
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Lyrics InterpretationThe song uses analogy to criticize the Vietnam War. It tells the story of an army platoon training in the Mississippi River, where the officer ignores the dangers and eventually drowns, representing the misguided leadership during the Vietnam War era.
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TV ControversyPete Seeger's performance of the song was controversially censored when he appeared on CBS’s "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" in 1968 due to its critical stance on government policy. However, public outrage led to the song being aired when Seeger returned to the show the following year.
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Album Release"Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" was initially released as a single, but later became the title track on Seeger’s 1967 album, waiving its unique narrative style and powerful social commentary.
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Cultural ImpactThe song is considered one of the most powerful anti-war songs in history, and it played a significant role in turning public sentiment against the Vietnam War.
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Critics' ViewCritics have praised the song for its potent allegory and emotional resonance, as well as Seeger's direct yet subtle songwriting.
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Song Legacy"Waist Deep In The Big Muddy" continues to be remembered and referenced in popular culture and the music industry. It was covered by multiple artists including Richard Shindell and Ani DiFranco.
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Folk Music IconBesides this song, Pete Seeger was highly respected for his lifelong commitment to activism through music, and he's known for using his platform to address various social and political issues.
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Pete Seeger PerformanceDespite the controversy surrounding the song, Pete Seeger's passionate and authentic performances endeared him even more to fans and fellow activists who shared his sentiments.
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Citation
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"Waist Deep In the Big Muddy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31619813/Pete+Seeger/Waist+Deep+In+the+Big+Muddy>.
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