Dominik’s Radio Times

Show

RNR War

Programme
Roots And Roads
Date
No date recorded
Length
58 min

About this show

Introduction

In this episode of Roots and Roads, Dominik and guest Tom Lehrer discuss the representation of war and soldiers in music, contrasting patriotic glorification with satirical perspectives. Dominik reflects on growing up under the communist regime in Czechoslovakia and his observations of military celebrations in the US. The conversation explores the human cost of conflict through songs by Pete Seeger and Toby Keith.

In this episode of Roots and Roads, Dominik and guest Tom Lehrer discuss the representation of war and soldiers in music, contrasting patriotic glorification with cynical or satirical perspectives. Dominik reflects on his upbringing in Czechoslovakia under a communist regime and his observations of military culture at US airports. Tom Lehrer adds a humorous observation regarding the US Army's prohibition of discrimination based on ability. The discussion covers the human cost of conflict, featuring music selections including Pete Seeger's 'Waist Deep in the Big Muddy' for its depiction of the senselessness of war and Toby Keith's 'American Soldier' as a reflection of American patriotism.

Topics

  • The representation of war and soldiers in music
  • The contrast between cynical/satirical views of war and patriotic glorification
  • The human cost and senselessness of conflict

Participants

  • Dominik
  • Tom Lehrer

Names are taken from the archive as written and may include spelling variants.

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RNR War

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Passages from the broadcast

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Taught and was all explained to us of the glory of the Red Army, and of course the reality was anything but glorious. But nevertheless, without them.

Not only do they prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, creed, and color, but also on the grounds of ability.

Selected music

War And Soldiers

  1. 1
    Partisan's Song · Red Army Choir

    Why it was chosen Dominik was taught the song while growing up in Czechoslovakia under the communist regime.

  2. 2
    Waist Deep In The Big Muddy · Pete Seeger

    Why it was chosen One of Dominik's favorite songs on the topic of the senselessness of war.

  3. 3
    What Did You Learn In School Today · Tom Paxton

    Why it was chosen Illustrates how people are taught how to think to suit those in power.

  4. 4
    It Makes A Fellow Proud To Be A Soldier · Tom Lehrer
    No sample is available for this selection.

    Why it was chosen Discusses the cynicism that's involved in war.

  5. 5
    American Soldier · Toby Keith

    Why it was chosen Represents the American sense of patriotism and soldier glorification.

  6. 6
    Arlington · Trace Atkins

    Why it was chosen To pay more attention to the well-being of soldiers after they come back, specifically those in Arlington Cemetery.

  7. 7
    Soldier Of The Great War · Robert MacInty
  8. 8
    God Bless The Soldier · Rhonda Vincent
  9. 9
    Soldier's Things · Tom Waits
  10. 10
    Chorny Voron · Shana Bichevskaya
  11. 11
    Great War · Jennifers
  12. 12
    Joshua For Battle Of Jericho · Paul Robertson

    Why it was chosen To finish the theme with a war that is long, long gone.