The Army Life

"The Army Life" is a jaunty song which originated in World War II but has since come to be thought of as a folk song, with no confirmed author. As such, a precise history is difficult to document, even down to the title. It has been referred to, published, or recorded under various names based on lyrics, including "Gee but I Want to Go Home," "Gee Ma, I Wanna Go Home," "I Don't Want No More of Army Life," etc. and the title adjusted to fit any and all branches ("The Navy Life" and so on). While sometimes described as an American folk song, it was also used by Canadian and British troops. The earliest confirmed usage according to recordings or diaries is 1943, but since it was passed on from camp to camp (especially popular in training bases), it may well predate that.
The fundamentals of the song change little, however. Despite a rousing melody, it presents a litany of comedic complaints about military service, from food to commanding officers to living conditions, and the desire to go home. The earliest actual recordings were made by Leadbelly in 1944, but Oscar Brand, Pete Seeger, and other performers have also used it. One of the more notable later pop culture uses was in the fifth season M*A*S*H episode "Movie Night" (broadcast in 1977 but set during the 1950s). The cast takes turns singing verses tailored to their personal occupation or viewpoints.
==References==
*A variation of the song, using the same melody but new lyrics, is heard from Oscar's trash can in Sesame Street Episode 1554. The various human guests, having taken overnight residence due to previous circumstances, sing their jovial complaints about "trash can life." Only one full verse is heard, along with the refrain (still ending "Gee but I wanna go home!"), about how Mr. Hooper's coffee tastes like either motor oil or turpentine.
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Category:Sesame Street Songs
Category:Musical References