In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
Rotation Blues
Bill Monroe Lyrics
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I′m a lonely soldier sittin' in Korea
I′m a lonely soldier sittin' in Korea
But rotation's comin′, so I shouldn′t have no fear
Just a few more weeks and rotation's gonna set me free
Just a few more weeks and rotation′s gonna set me free
I got the rotation blues
I′m gonna pack my bags and sail back over the sea
I'm gonna pack my bags and sail back over the sea
′Cause the A-frames in Korea just don't look good on me
Rotation better hurry up and set me free
Rotation better hurry up and set me free
'Cause the honey pots in Korea done started smellin′ good to me
Now that rain in Korea sure gets cold and wet
Now that rain in Korea sure gets cold and wet
And the rotation papers sure are hard to get
I got the rotation blues
The lyrics of Bill Monroe's song, Rotation Blues, tell the story of a soldier sitting in Korea, waiting for his rotation so he can return home. He sings about the loneliness of being so far away from home but finds hope in the fact that rotation is coming soon. The soldier packs his bags, ready to sail back over the sea because the A-frames in Korea just don't look good on him. The honey pots and the rain in Korea are the only things that give him comfort in his misery. The rotation papers also prove to be a source of difficulty as they are hard to obtain.
The song portrays the longing of a soldier for his homeland and his impatience as he waits for his rotation. It also highlights the challenges that soldiers face, both physically and mentally, while being stationed in a foreign land. The lyrics suggest that the soldier finds solace in the simple things that remind him of home, like the smell of the honey pots or the comfort of a warm bed.
Overall, Rotation Blues is a poignant reflection on the sacrifices that soldiers make and the difficult conditions they face while serving their country. It reminds us of the importance of valuing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the rotation blues
The singer is feeling discontent and anxious about their current situation and is desperately waiting for their rotation to happen.
I'm a lonely soldier sittin' in Korea
The singer is a soldier who is currently in Korea and feels isolated and alone.
But rotation's comin', so I shouldn't have no fear
Despite feeling lonely, the singer is confident that their rotation is coming soon and they should not be worried.
Just a few more weeks and rotation's gonna set me free
The artist is eagerly looking forward to their rotation, which will allow them to leave Korea and return home.
'Cause the FEC is too far east for me
The artist is not comfortable being stationed in Korea and is eager to leave because the location is too far east for their liking.
I'm gonna pack my bags and sail back over the sea
The singer is excited about returning home and is ready to pack their bags and leave Korea.
'Cause the A-frames in Korea just don't look good on me
The singer dislikes their living quarters (A-frames) in Korea and cannot wait to leave behind the uncomfortable conditions.
Rotation better hurry up and set me free
The artist is impatient and wants their rotation to happen as soon as possible so they can leave Korea and return to their normal life.
'Cause the honey pots in Korea done started smellin' good to me
The artist is referencing the local women in Korea and has become attracted to them during their time there. They're eager to leave before they become too attached.
Now that rain in Korea sure gets cold and wet
The artist is referring to the rainy season in Korea, which is uncomfortable and unpleasant to endure.
And the rotation papers sure are hard to get
The singer is having difficulty obtaining their rotation papers, which is causing them additional stress and anxiety.
Writer(s): Stewart Powell
Contributed by Henry D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.