“Damn the Filipinos”
Description
"In that land of dopey dreams, happy peaceful Philippines," the singer complains of the hardships suffered by American soldiers and of the lack of social grace of the natives. He calls for "civiliz[ing] them with a Krag" and curses them repeatedly
Notes
During the Spanish-American War, almost the entire population of the Philippines welcomed the Americans as liberators. The Americans didn't live up to their part of the bargain, though; independence was not granted for half a century.
As a result, a strong resistance movement arose under Emilio Aguinaldo (1870-1964). Aguinaldo originally fought against the Spanish (from 1896), then turned against the Americans. He was captured in 1901, but the resistance movement lasted much longer. - RBW
Historical references
- 1898 - Spanish-American War results in American occupation of the Philippines.
References
- Lomax-ABFS, pp. 547-548, "Damn the Filipinos" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, DAMFILIP*
- Roud #15578
- BI, LxA547