Today, I have been thinking of folk songs that recall the sentiment of anti-war protest and I can think of no more poignant an example than a song by contemporary songwriter, John McCutcheon, called “Christmas in the Trenches.” Perhaps, the inclement weather and the chill and rain have led me to think of this song that holds so much meaning. It is based on a true event of World War I. On Christmas Eve, 1914, both German and British troops took a brief respite from the war to share cigarettes, play soccer, and sing Christmas carols. In the morning, it was back to fighting as usual, but, with a new appreciation for the individuals involved. A new thought crossed their minds: Whose family members would be affected by any casualties?
When conflicts arise, the gang mentality grows into a “them or us” theme. Social isolation, shunning, and hatefulness are all part of the human plan to punish others. Solitary confinement, and isolation from comrades, in scary situations, such as being kept prisoner of war, can have serious mental consequences for the victim. It is easier for humans to persecute other people when those “others” are seen as “different than (us).” The dividing factors can be related to race, geographic location, religion, politics, or policy. Alternately, the dispute can be an inherited feud, like the Hatfields and McCoys.
Many folk songs that were written during the 1960s and 1970s carry a social message. Dylan’s “With God on Our Side,” is an example. “Carry It On,” is another social protest song. Joan Baez sang, “We are the children of darkness.” Indeed, with the Vietnam War hanging over our heads, it certainly seemed like a time of darkness. Music is oft used to convey personal interpretations of the current personal feelings of the masses. Any example of that is represented by the song that asks, “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning,” shared right after 9-11.
To be memorable, a song must have one or more statements that can be accepted as universally true. In this case, the last two lines of “Christmas in the Trenches” serve well:
“Those who call the shots won’t be among the dead or lame; on each end of the rifle, we’re the same.”
I love this song, but moreover, I really like a current video on YouTube that features old photos that represent the scenes mentioned in the song. Here is a link, but if the link does not work, just key the song title into an Internet search engine, and with any luck, you will find this slice-of-life video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTXhZ4uR6rs
Patricia Cummings
