The A to Z of Wartime Song

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine hop into the world of one of WWII’s catchiest tunes: “Run, Rabbit, Run!”. Made famous by comedy duo Flanagan and Allen, the song took on a life of its own - boosting morale, teasing the Luftwaffe and even becoming a favourite of Winston Churchill.

They explore the song’s theatrical roots in Noel Gay’s The Little Dog Laughed, its transfo...

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine dive into the wonderfully absurd world of In the Quartermaster’s Stores - the endlessly versatile, delightfully chaotic list song beloved by soldiers, scouts and singers around the world.

They trace its murky origins, from WWI army camps to RAF hangars, sco...

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore one of the most famous morale-boosting anthems of the First World War: Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile.

They uncover the remarkable story of its creators - Welsh brothers George and Felix Powell -whose music hall careers and contrasting wartime paths tell a poignant tale of fame, conscience, and...

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine delve into the rousing WWI anthem “Over There”, written in 1917 by Broadway legend George M. Cohan.

They explore the song’s role as a call to arms for newly enlisted American soldiers and examine Cohan’s remarkable life as a performer, playwright, composer and the man who “owned Broadway”. From the showbiz roots of The Four Cohans to a ...

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the poignant and poetic “Now Is the Hour”, a wartime farewell song which started life in New Zealand.

They trace the tune’s journey from the 1913 piano piece “Swiss Cradle Song” through its Maori adaptation as “Po Atarau”, to its powerful role in farewelling ANZAC soldiers and its eventual transformation into the global hit we k...

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore one of the most iconic and romantic tunes of the wartime era - Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.” They trace the song’s evolution from a jazzy instrumental to a timeless anthem of love and longing, and reflect on the life and legacy of bandleader Glenn Miller, from his early days milking cows to buy a trombone, to his meteoric ...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history and emotional impact of wartime songs, focusing on the iconic “Lili Marlene”.  They discuss its origins, adaptations and the various artists who have performed it, including Marlene Dietrich and Lale Anderson. The conversation delves into the song's significance for soldiers during World War II and its lasting legacy in music history.

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In this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine discuss Ivor Novello’s 1914 hit “Keep the Home Fires Burning”.  They explore Novello’s life and WW1 service, his collaboration with lyricist Lena Guilbert Ford and her tragic death in a Zepplin raid on London in 1918.  Alongside this their conversation covers the sad tale of WW1 poet and composer Ivor Gurney and Novello’s connection to a...

In this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on Vesta Tilley’s 1907 hit “Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier”.  Along the way they discuss the life of Vesta Tilley, the use of Music Hall in recruitment for Kitchener’s Army in WWI and highlight a number of the trailblazing male impersonators and their contributions to t...

In this episode, hosts Tom Carradine and Lili Redman delve into the emotional and historical significance of the wartime song 'I'll Be Seeing You.' They explore its origins, the songwriters behind it and its impact during World War II. Their conversation highlights various interpretations and recordings of the song, emphasizing its universal themes of love, loss and hope. Through their musical analysis and personal ane...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on “The Handsome Territorial”.  They delve into the life of the songwriters Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, the evolution of the Hokey Cockey and the controversies surrounding it’s origins.  They look at the other popular dance crazes of the 1940s, analyze the music and lyrics of “The Handsome Territorial” and reflect on ...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on 'Good Night Children, Everywhere' and the legacy of Vera Lynn.  They discuss her early career, her contribution to entertaining the troops in WW2 and her rise to become the “forces sweetheart”.  Along the way their conversion delves into the experiences of child evacuees, an analysis of the song and the many recordings...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin’ from WW1.  They discuss the song’s inspiration in ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’, the life of the songwriter Jack Judge and the controversies surrounding song credit.  The conversation also touches on the rise of Tin Pan Alley, the prolific career of Billy ...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Everything Stops for Tea.' They discuss the cultural significance of tea during wartime, the life of Jack Buchanan and the impact of rationing on society. The conversation also delves into various musical versions and performances, highlighting the importance of these songs in lifting spirits during difficult times.

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In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on the song 'The Deepest Shelter in Town.' They discuss the impact of music during World War II, the life of performer Florence Desmond and the role of entertainers in boosting morale. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about their experiences on the London cabaret scene, the Blitz and it’s effect on Britain,...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer.' They pay tribute to John Paddy Hemingway, discuss the impact of the musician strike during WWII, and delve into the cultural significance of these songs. The conversation highlights personal stories, the diversity within the RAF, and the legacy of wartime music, showcasing how these ...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on “Bless ‘Em All” and its significance during World War II. They discuss the WWI origins of the song, its evolution through various artists and the role of ENSA in providing entertainment to troops. The conversation highlights George Formby's impact on wartime music and the various versions of 'Bless Them All' that have ...

In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on their cultural significance during World War I and II. They discuss the podcast's concept, the song 'Adolf', and the lives of notable figures like Annette Mills and Arthur Askey. The conversation delves into the role of variety shows, the impact of propaganda songs, and the legacy of entertainers like Billy Cotton. The...

Welcome to the A to Z of Wartime Song.  Let Lili and Tom take you on a journey through the songs that helped people laugh, cry and carry on during the dark days of the wartime.

Each episode they'll explore a different wartime song, unpacking its story, who sang it, and why it resonates with us and hopefully you today. Expect fascinating history, toe-tapping melodies and plenty of gossip along the way.

So whether you're a history bu...