World War I Music:
The "Overpriced Blues"

World War I music resurrected some of the previous wars' songs as well as a few new renditions of its own.

In addition to rationing , or doing without certain items in order to help the war effort, people had to adjust to an era of HIGH PRICES.

In 1919, after the war was over, there was an old song written bemoaning the rising cost of living in the U.S.A.

As was typical, music and humor provided needed relief from the hardships of daily life.


My Country 'Tis of Thee:
(Post - War Version)

The following lyrics were sung to the tune of "My Country Tis of Thee":

My country 'tis of Thee,
Land where things used to be - so cheap we sing:
Land where you once could buy,
Things that are now so high,
To Thee with many a sigh, our memories cling.

Thy children humbly crave,
To drag from out the grave,
At least one leg!
We do not ask to dine on flesh of beef or swine,
But give us, Lord Divine, One good fresh egg.

Some of Thy children swear
That what they eat and wear, Takes all their wad!
Others avow that they Eat only once a day-
And for it they cannot pay,
So Help Them God!!


Go from World War I Music to WWI Patriotic Songs

World War I Secular Songs

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Americana Music and Memories Home

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