Charles Ives - Nov. 2, 1920

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"It strikes me that some men and women got tired of a big job;
But, over there our men did not quit
They fought and died that better things might be!
Perhaps some who stayed at home are beginning to forget and to quit
The pocketbook and certain little things talked loud and noble
And got in the way; too many readers go by the headlines
Party men will muddle up the facts
So a good many citizens voted as grandpa always did
Or thought a change for the sake of changе seemed natural enough
"It's raining, lets throw out thе weather man
Kick him out! Kick him out! Kick him out! Kick him out! Kick him!"
Prejudice and politics, and the stand-patters came in strong
And yelled, "Slide back! Now you're safe, that's the easy way!"
Then the timid smiled and looked relieved
"We've got enough to eat, to hell with ideals!"
All the old women, male and female, had thier day today
And the hog-heart came out of his hole
But he won't stay out long, God always drives him back!
Oh Captain, my Captain!
A heritage we've thrown away;
But we'll find it again, my Captain, Captain, oh my Captain!"
 
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This song, composed by Charles Ives on November 2, 1920, reflects on the sacrifices made by men and women who fought and died for a better future, contrasting their bravery with the complacency and selfishness of those who stayed at home. The lyrics lament the tendency of people to prioritize material wealth and comfort over ideals and principles, as well as the influence of prejudice and politics on decision-making. The song also criticizes those who resist change and cling to the status quo out of fear or convenience. Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by those who strive for progress, the lyrics express hope that the values and heritage that have been neglected will be rediscovered and restored. The repeated refrain of "Oh Captain, my Captain!" serves as a call to action and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.

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Biography

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Arguably the first modernist composer, Charles Ives (1874-1954) was a solitary figure who composed in obscurity for most of his life. The son of a U.S. Army bandleader, Ives enjoyed a wildly successful career as an insurance executive. In his spare time, he composed music in a wide variety of genres that combined popular song, church hymns, military marches, and European art music in ways that used tone clusters, polytonality, and other techniques decades before they were adopted by European composers.