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Kate Bush — Army Dreamers
Album: Never For Ever
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2033









Released: 1980
Length: 2:52
Plays (last 30 days): 0
(B.F.P.O)
(Army Dreamers)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(Mammy's hero)

Our little army boy
Is coming home from B.F.P.O.
I've a bunch of purple flowers
To decorate a mammy's hero.

Mourning in the aerodrome,
The weather warmer, he is colder.
Four men in uniform
To carry home my little soldier.

"What could he do?
Should have been a rock star."
But he didn't have the money for a guitar.
"What could he do?
Should have been a politician."
But he never had a proper education.
"What could he do?
Should have been a father."
But he never even made it to his twenties.
What a waste --
Army dreamers.

Tears o'er a tin box.
Oh, Jesus Christ, he wasn't to know,
Like a chicken with a fox,
He couldn't win the war with ego.

Give the kid the pick of pips,
And give him all your stripes and ribbons.
Now he's sitting in his hole,
He might as well have buttons and bows.

"What could he do?
Should have been a rock star."
But he didn't have the money for a guitar.
"What could he do?
Should have been a politician."
But he never had a proper education.
"What could he do?
Should have been a father."
But he never even made it to his twenties.
What a waste --
Army dreamers.
Oh What a waste of
Army dreamers.
Oh What a waste of
Army dreamers.
Army dreamers.
Army dreamers.

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.
Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(B.F.P.O)

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.

(Army Dreamers)

Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(Mammy's hero)

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.
Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(B.F.P.O)

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.

(Army Dreamers)

Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(Mammy's hero)

(B.F.P.O)
(No hard heros)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(Army Dreamers)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(No hard heros)
Comments (305)add comment
What a beautiful song :)
As a Vietnam Vet, it gets me!
Not many songs that round up to 7 in the ratings and have that many upvotes in the 1 and 2 category.  Interesting.
Heartbreaking
this is one of my fave RP finds. A beautiful song with a sad, melancholic topic and sentiment on a modern tragedy of lives cut short
Yet another example of a song I've heard countless times, but never paid attention to the lyrics until reading them (now) on RP. Thanks for continually expanding my mind! 
For whatever reason, I really don't like most Kate Bush songs. I just can't seem to get into her stuff. 

This song is the exception. It's super weird, and its specific weirdness just really works for me.
Thanks, Bill - haven't heard this in years!

Fantastic Song - Fantastic Album - Fantastic Artist!
Good lord, RP listeners, it seems like every other slightly left of centre woman gets unfavourably compared to Kate here (an exaggeration, but still), and then when I finally see one of her songs on the playlist, the average rating is a 6.6(!)

Anyway, 10 for me.
 westslope wrote:

Anybody like to toast Tony Blair?  


On 1 side or both?
 Freund wrote:
The song wasn't played anymore after the Falkland War. It was supressed. Moddi has made a whole and wonderful album of such songs. UNSONGS from 2016.
 A buddy of mine had a VW camper van and would stop at RV parks while travelling. One evening he had on The Pogues' 'Waltzing Matilda', and the chorus caught the ear of a nearby camper - an Aussie. The guy was all excited about hearing it, and came over to chat. Then the next verse started... He got very, very angry.
c.

The song wasn't played anymore after the Falkland War. It was supressed. Moddi has made a whole and wonderful album of such songs. UNSONGS from 2016.
 ziakut wrote:
I'm thankful there's a place where this hidden gem can be heard.
 Thats why we listen to this station

A poignant anti-war song, as relevant now as 40 years ago. Young men sent out on a wave of patriotism, coming back in boxes. If Bush's voice gets up your nose, just read the lyrics.
Not my favourite - but just listening with the volume up and it's a brilliantly crafted piece of art-pop... 8 from me
Gosh, I had to look this up.  I'm pretty sure I still have this album on vinyl.  I don't think I liked it very much when I originally bought it.  A bit ahead of time for my tastes at the time, perhaps.  Sure sounds good now.  Will need to dig it out and put it on!
real art
I'm thankful there's a place where this hidden gem can be heard.
Kate always looked/sounded like slightly deranged person. Bjork style. :)
 chyk5 wrote:

Agreed. This album is a beauty throughout. 
 
The distribution indicates that Kate divides opinion!

My vote is well into the right hand peak, but I understand that some may not like this, it's unique in style (which obviously some enjoy, and others do not).

I can't understand why so many '1's though, that's quite harsh for what is patently a well-crafted and unique piece of music, regardless of personal taste.
I reserve '1's for pop junk.
 Bambix wrote:
At the time I write this, the average rating is 6.3... I don't get why Kate Bush is so underrated. She's a damn genius to me :)
 
Agreed. This album is a beauty throughout. 
Nice to see some of Kate's more "challenging" work is still in rotation here at RP.
At the time I write this, the average rating is 6.3... I don't get why Kate Bush is so underrated. She's a damn genius to me :)
My Vote is a solid 8.5 - Check out video and then decide !
I don't get why this or ANYTHING by her is played here.... just annoying all around
Kate Bush seems to have spent a long time talking to birds
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim

 
This song very nearly put me off Kate Bush forever.
Thank you for playing this gem. I love this album so much. 
Yes! Kate Bush!
UGH. Been listening to RP all afternoon. This song came on (but my RP playlist wasn't up) and I said to myself, "YUCK. I'll bet this is Kate Bush." Bet won. Song muted. {#Frustrated}

EDIT: I totally appreciate the lyrics and intent of this song. But I cannot stand Kate Bush's voice or delivery. Can't think of a single Kate Bush song that I've ever liked.
ohhh I like it 
Very strange coverart...

 vanillagorilla wrote:
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim

 
{#Notworthy} 
lovely!
 DavidS_UK wrote:
Yet another great track by Kate, and ironically was very popular with the British Forces in Germany when it came out, was played on Beefers all the time!
..
And to resort to an earlier theme. One of those double summit songs - people either like it or hate it - which normally means it is challenging and interesting (which can be said about the majpority of Kate's songs)

 
Terrific comments David.  Thanks.

I am not surprised that Brit forces in Germany loved the song.  Me thinks that self-styled progressives, peace-niks and 'liberals' should spend more time talking to police and soldiers.  
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....
 
If you had heard this song when it was first released (or anytime in the ensuing 25+ years before that TV program began), you possibly wouldn't make that association.  Maybe so, though.
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim

 
HA!  That is EXACTLY what it sounds like!  I still like the tune though.
Yet another great track by Kate, and ironically was very popular with the British Forces in Germany when it came out, was played on Beefers all the time!
..
And to resort to an earlier theme. One of those double summit songs - people either like it or hate it - which normally means it is challenging and interesting (which can be said about the majpority of Kate's songs)
Anybody like to toast Tony Blair?  
 fredriley wrote:
An underrated but important anti-war song, as applicable now as it was back in the 80s as working-class boys (and a few girls) continue to be recruited into the army as cannon fodder (sorry, 'The Professionals') with false promises of glamour and learning trades. Instead they're sent off to far-off parts to get blown to bits, to blow others to bits, to get seriously traumatised, and return home to PTSD, homelessness and jail.

 
Well put. Thanks
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim
An underrated but important anti-war song, as applicable now as it was back in the 80s as working-class boys (and a few girls) continue to be recruited into the army as cannon fodder (sorry, 'The Professionals') with false promises of glamour and learning trades. Instead they're sent off to far-off parts to get blown to bits, to blow others to bits, to get seriously traumatised, and return home to PTSD, homelessness and jail.
Kate is pure and unequiv genius!
Wow. . .past me gave this a 3! And, I completely understand why past me did that. But I'm definitely enjoying the quirkiness of this today. . .
I understand Kate Bush is not everyone's taste, but still brilliant and unique. Thank you again Bill for playing the brilliant and unique in spite of negativity, long may you continue!
It's been so long since I've heard this song, I'd forgotten how good it was. Thanks for the reminder RP
Kate's not for everybody. If you aren't evolved enough to appreciate the value in the unusual,I feel bad for you.

Godawful voices, but great singers and musicians:
Dylan
Waits
...

You get the point.
This is a very interesting idea for a song. I wish there was a better form of that here. 
Uh oh, I just smashed the Mute Button!!!
OMG MAKE IT STOP! There are very few artists I can't stand, and she's one of them. PSD here I come...

Ouch.
my goodness those are some twisted creatures coming out from under Kate's skirt
Old school Kate!
Well, it's a nice experiment. Makes you listen and try to absorb. But...next! 
Respect the artist but hate the singing.
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....

 

Agree. {#Yes} 
I think Regina Spektor must have listened to this a lot when she was younger.
make it stop! make it stop!
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....

 
Really true LOL{#Bananajam}
 gresua wrote:
(One of ) My favorite song and just 6.1 points? My taste is corrupt: :(((

 
{#Wink}
Stick, In. The. Eye.
 chyk5 wrote:
It's bad because a minority of people think so? I really have to start looking at those ratings before forming my opinion. {#Ask}
 
Well said.
Typical of the album, this song is quirky but good.
Also, I love the cover artwork.
I'm not sure why anyone would actually listen to this on purpose. Sounds kind of like a semi-hip geisha girl.
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....

 
{#Roflol}
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....
My favorite song and just 6.1 points? My taste is corrupt: :(((
 LifeIsMusic wrote:
one of those songs that makes me wish there was a rating for "bizarre"
 
...yeah, but at least its a 'good bizarre', for my ears anyway.


 gosvimmink wrote:
yeah this is really bad. look at all those 1's
 
It's bad because a minority of people think so? I really have to start looking at those ratings before forming my opinion. {#Ask}

 jpfueler wrote:
... or likely they will be retired or shuffled to dead end positions...
 
So?  Are you saying they're more educated or more brainwashed?

yeah this is really bad. look at all those 1's
HEAVENLY!!!!!!!
one of those songs that makes me wish there was a rating for "bizarre"
Please,please more Kate!!!!
{#Hearteyes}
HELL NO!
Never known such an artist - ah yes she is an artist; to incite such  wide opinions. That's great and what makes music so good for the soul.
Boy, she really makes a person WORK for understanding sometimes... The lyrics are astonishing, but her uber-high-pitched voice on this track might turn some folks off. I found it a little obnoxious, but combined with those lyrics, I was willing to listen past the voice and get into the whole meaning.  This is a deceptive song. The vocals do remind me of munchkins, but the words are dark, questioning, and incredibly perceptive.

I hate it when Kate Bush messes with my head.
 GarageDragon wrote:
There's something about her voice that makes me want to hurt things.
 

Oh man. I am a huge Kate fan, but that is funny.

If the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic soundtrack had depressing antiwar protest songs, they'd sound a lot like this.
Makes me want to take an ice pick to my ears.  Horrid.
There's something about her voice that makes me want to hurt things.
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Is this playing at the correct RPM?
 

REAL gas music from Jupiter!!
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Is this playing at the correct RPM?
 
yep. 78

Is this playing at the correct RPM?
 More_Cowbell wrote:

But the munchkins can on this one!

 

Do you have something against munchkins?
 babyjuice wrote:
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
 
Agreed. What I like about RP is that they don't shy away from playing some of the more "challenging" cuts from artists like Kate Bush. Don't like it, go find a classic rock station. It's a free country.
 DELTA__9__FOOLS wrote:
Not feeling it... It's almost like an unappealing Joanna Newsom.
 
...kate bush is brilliant, no doubt, but her early work is really too precious-sounding for my ears, too...
 babyjuice wrote:
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
 
But the munchkins can on this one!

Bad!
My favorite Kate Bush tune ...
Brilliant and timeless!  Thanks, Bill.


Oh good heavens that was ridiculous! 
I've always wondered at the British stereotypic view of Soldiers. Much like the Leftists here, it is of ignorant fools who can't get real jobs or are tricked into joining. The Dregs, Losers, etc.
 As demonstrated by this portion:

What could he do? Should have been a rock star,
But he didn't have the money for a guitar.
What could he do? Should have been a politician,
But he never had a proper education.
What could he do? Should have been a father,
But he didn't even make it to his twenties.
What a waste,
Army Dreamers.


Yet if a Noble joins, it is seen as a character builder (though it is expected they be officers) and those like the Princes are looked down on if they choose not to serve.

Officers of both types in the US army (Noncommissioned and Commissioned) will not get very far in rank if they do not study a lot more than most regular people (and most of those deriding their intelligence) and for the highest promotions, degrees are required (Lt Commanders to get to Commander had best get a Masters, or likely they will be retired or shuffled to dead end positions). Some have multiples. I've seen Gunny's with three degrees in wide ranging thins like History, Lit, and Biology.

I love when Kate comes on... so we even each other out. Now, when Neil Young comes on, that's a different story. And I think mostly it's a story about a visceral impression. Neil Young's voice hurts me (though his lyrics are often great). Kate Bush's voice does not hurt me (at least not in the same way. When I try to sing with her I hurt my voice.)

 mfischler wrote:
i hate it when kate bush comes on
 


Where's Donald Sutherland and his "Rain Cannon?"
babyjuice wrote:
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
"at least not us losers on RP."--paraphrasing babyjuice. Come on, this is not genius, it is simply music that some like and some don't.
Darrooon wrote:
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Mourning in the aerodrome, The weather warmer, he is colder. Four men in uniform To carry home my little soldier. What could he do? Should have been a rock star. But he didnt have the money for a guitar. What could he do? Should have been a politician. But he never had a proper education. What could he do? Should have been a father. But he never even made it to his twenties. What a waste -- Army dreamers. Ooh, what a waste of Army dreamers.
Darrooon wrote:
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Mmmm, okay...... ("B.F.P.O.") Did-n-did-n-did-n-dum... Army dreamers. Did-n-did-n-did-n-dum... ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") Army Dreamers. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") No harm heroes. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") Army dreamers. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") No harm heroes. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") Mammy's darling. ("Mammy's hero.") Of course, it's hard to make out the lyrics without taking some more lithium.
Not feeling it... It's almost like an unappealing Joanna Newsom.
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
i hate it when kate bush comes on
Darrooon wrote:
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Dig. I looked them up. Wow.
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Oh, this is just awful.
lerxst wrote:
Worst song I have ever heard on RP.
Was this the first and only song you've ever heard here?! It must be if your taste is that poor.
Worst song I have ever heard on RP.
EssexTex wrote:
And people call Tori Amos nuts!
Kate is several steps above Tori. Unfortunately, that still puts her at about a 4... on a good day.
okay that's it. I'm out.
I love Kate Bush.
Watch the video on YouTube, it's great. This song's all about the young boys who get sent to war and never come back, and never get to be the men with careers, marriages, and lives they could have had. "What a waste". Very powerful in that unique Kate B. way.
this sounds like a television commercial jingle from when I was a kid, for real--- grrr, it's bugging me! Anyone?
She is such a clever musician but her voice is most likely her best asset! I love this whole album...I love the cover's artwork too!
Good song from a wonderful album. I have just realised that Breathing isn't on the RP playlist, I ought to upload it.
very very cool song!
I LOVE THIS SONG (and I'm not afraid to say it)
And people call Tori Amos nuts!