Pete Seeger Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Lyrics know the real meaning of Pete Seeger's Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Song lyrics
by Dheshni
Updated Dec 28, 2023
Pete Seeger Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Lyrics
It was back in nineteen forty-two
I was a member of a good platoon
We were on maneuvers in Louisiana
One night by the light of the moon
The captain told us to ford a river
That's how it all begun
We were knee deep in the Big Muddy
The big fool said to push on
Well, the Sergeant said, "Sir, are you sure
This is the best way back to the base?"
"Sergeant, go on, I forded this river
'Bout a mile above this place
It'll be a little soggy but just keep slogging
We'll soon be on dry ground"
We were waist deep in the Big Muddy
The big fool said to push on
Well, the Sergeant said, "Sir, with all this equipment
No man will be able to swim"
"Sergeant, don't be a Nervous Nellie"
The Captain said to him
"All we need is a little determination
Men, follow me, I'll lead on"
We were neck deep in the Big Muddy
The big fool said to push on
Well, all at once, the moon clouded over
We heard a gurgling cry
A few seconds later, the captain's helmet
Was all that floated by
The Sergeant said, "Turn around men
I'm in charge from now on"
And we just made it out of the Big Muddy
With the captain dead and gone
We stripped and dived and found his body
Stuck in the old quicksand
I guess he didn't know that the water was deeper
Than the place he'd once before been
Another stream had joined the Big Muddy
'Bout a half mile from where we'd gone
We were lucky to escape from the Big Muddy
When the big fool said to push on
Well, I'm not going to point any moral
I'll leave that for yourself
Maybe you're still walking, you're still talking
You'd like to keep your health
But every time I read the papers
Them old feeling come on
We're waist deep in the Big Muddy
The big fool says to push on
Waist deep, neck deep
Soon even a tall man will be over his head,
We're waist deep in the Big Muddy
The big fool says to push on
Pete Seeger Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Lyrics Meaning
"Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" by Pete Seeger is a powerful anti-war song that uses the metaphor of a military maneuver gone wrong to criticize blind obedience, poor leadership, and the consequences of unquestioningly following authority. The narrative unfolds during a river crossing in 1942, where a captain's insistence on pushing forward despite warnings leads to tragedy. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to question authority and consider the consequences of blindly following leaders into potentially disastrous situations.
Pete Seeger Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Lyrics Details
Artists
Pete Seeger
Release Date
2023
Available on
YouTube Music
Pete Seeger Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Lyrics Facts
Pete Seeger Waist Deep in the Big Muddy Lyrics - FAQ
Pete Seeger was born on May 3, 1919, at French Hospital.
Pete Seeger passed away on January 27, 2014, at the Washington Heights Family Health Center in New York, United States.
Pete Seeger was married to Toshi Seeger, and they were married from 1943 until Toshi's passing in 2013.
Pete Seeger was a member of The Weavers from 1948 to 1952 and The Almanac Singers from 1941 to 1942.
Pete Seeger, as a member of The Weavers, is notably known for their recording of Lead Belly's "Goodnight, Irene," which topped the charts for 13 weeks in 1950.