As I was growing up in the '60's, I spent a good amount of time listening to (and stealing) my older brother's record collection. He had an interesting mix of music, some of which was of little interest to me. But I really enjoyed the folk music. The Limeliters, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, The Weavers, and some short-lived groups as well.
One of the latter, The Raunch Hands, had an album "Against the World" which I played almost to death. I would like to share one song with you which seems fitting in today's political climate.
All we need is for Certain People to decide to hold hearings to determine if notable figures are patriotic enough, then this song could be re-released.
The song is entitled: "The Old House Un-American Activities Committee" or more simply, "The HUAC."
I have done my best to remember the lyrics, I hope that I have done it justice.
So please pull out your songbooks and join me below the fold.
The Old H-U-A-C
(The Raunch Hands)
Now I’m a college student
And I've come to sing a song
I've always been a liberal
I never thought it wrong
But I have come to tell you
Take warning now from me
Or you may have to tangle with
The old H-U-A-C.
Now, I am only eighteen years
Of age as of this date
It's hard to see how I could be
A danger to the state
But that's what the committee said
And so it has to be
For their sources are of
Unimpeachable integrity.
H-U-A-C, H-U-A-C
What a lucky thing it is for you and me
That our freedoms are well guarded
By politically retarded
Men of unimpeachable integrity.
I went and joined the picket line
Because I'd like to see
No more discrimination
If our land is really free
I'd like to see them put an end
To weapons testing too
But they say this is a dangerous
Subversive point of view.
I tried to be progressive
But I never was a red
I thought the first amendment
Meant exactly what it said
But now that that's gone out of style
There's just one thing to do
Be silent or conservative
The choice is up to you.
H-U-A-C, H-U-A-C
They're just lookin' out
For guys like you and me
So become reactionary
And of progress be most wary
Keep our country true and brave
And strong and free.
So listen to my warning
And reject each liberal view
And praise the men who govern us
No matter what they do
But even this is not enough
For those who would go far
You'd better make your mother
Join the local D A R.
Now please don't tell them who
It was that wrote this song
If anyone should ask you
Tell them I have moved along
I'm sorry that I have to leave
The evening has been great
But I have been subpoenaed
And I really can't be late.
Not much would have to be altered to make this song current. I find that sad, and a bit frightening.