Yesteryears Underwear!
In 1917 George M. Cohan wrote a very popular tune, loved by the military and the general public alike. It was entitled "Over There." It was sung and appreciated during both World Wars. It encouraged young men to enlist for the fight against Germany. About the same time, some wag wrote different words to the original lyrics. Words, easy to remember, easy to sing, and easy to enjoy. Perhaps you have heard or even sung the words to "Under Wear." We use to enjoy singing loudly and exuberantly this one as boy scouts around the campfire. Take a look at "Under Wear," sung to the tune of "Over There:"
Underwear, Underwear
How I hate this darn, woolen underwear.
Oh, I wish I had gotten, a suit of cotton
Instead of this woolen underwear!
I'm scratching here, and scratching there
I'm scratching here, and there, and ev-ree where.
Yes, I wish I had gotten, a suit of cotton
Instead-of red, woolen underwear!
Underwear, Underwear
How I itch in my, woolen underwear.
Wish I had not forgot-ten, my suit of cotton
So I wouldn't itch everywhere.
Bee Vee Dee's, make me sneeze
When the breeze, from the trees, hits my knees.
Coming over, I'm coming over
In my gosh darn, it-chy woolen underwear!
Underwear, Underwear
Send a pair, send a pair, I can wear
For I left mine a flyin,' On the clothesline a dryin'
And now I need long underwear.
Underwear, Underwear
Get a pair, get a pair, anywhere
For the bugle's a blowin, ' So, I must be goin'
And I don't want to go there, bare!
Underwear, Long Underwear
How I itch in my woolen underwear.
How I wish I had gotten, grandpa's suit of cotton
So I wouldn't itch down there.
Mama Sent, Me Over Here
Wearing just my long, woolen underwear.
Oh, I wish she had gotten, me just some cotton
Instead of this woolen underwear.
Yes, Mama got me, Yes mama got me,
This long red hated, woolen underwear!
Underwear, Underwear, (softer) Underwear, (fade) Underwear, (whisper) Underwear.