Despite characterizing jazz as "Entartete musik", ironically the Third Reic… Read Full Bio ↴Despite characterizing jazz as "Entartete musik", ironically the Third Reich had their own swing band for propaganda purposes. German propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels conceived of using the style in short wave radio broadcasts aimed at the United States and particularly the United Kingdom. British listeners heard the band every Wednesday and Saturday at around 9 pm.

The purpose of the band was to stir pro-Nazi sympathy, draw attention to World War II Allied losses, and carry Adolf Hitler's messages in an entertaining form. The songs stressed how badly the war was going for the target audience, and how it was only going to be a matter of time before they would be beaten.

Led by German accented front man Karl Schwedler ("Charlie"), conducted by Lutz Templin, and paced by drummer Fritz "Freddie" Brocksieper, the band included Kurt Abraham on reeds and Willy Berking on trombone. The group formed in 1940, making over 90 recordings between March 1941 and February 1943. Arrangements were by Templin, Willy Berking, and Franz Mück, with lyrics written by the Propagandaministerium. Schwedler was allowed permission to travel to neutral and occupied countries to collect jazz and dance music, which helped the band and propaganda ministry to craft more recordings.

Popular American swing songs - and popular British tunes/songs - were initially performed true to the original, until about the second or third verse which were replaced by pro-German lyrics and monologues. For example, in the tune You're Driving Me Crazy, Schwedler croons about the confusion of new love, and in the third verse continues: Here is Winston Churchill's latest tear-jerker: Yes, the Germans are driving me crazy / I thought I had brains / But they shot down my planes..." Later, the entire lyric would be modified, clearly based on the original. The band even recorded some "cover versions" of the originals, unaltered.

Indeed, anecdotal accounts indicate that Winston Churchill enjoyed the broadcasts, finding the lyrics hilarious.

Many of the members of Charlie and his Orchestra went on to successful careers in music after the war.

Macpherson Is Rehearsin
Charlie and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, McPherson is rehearsin'
And the bagpipes are reversin'
While McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
And from Edinburgh to Dundee
Every lad and every lassie
Knows McPherson is rehearsin' to swing

Oh, I dinna care, said Sandy

If the elders now approve
I've a chick where plans are dandy
And I'm in a mellow groove
Now the bonnie bonnie lassies
With the kilties on their chassis
Have forgotten all about the highland fling

Young and old folks get together
And there's truckin' in the heather
When McPherson is rehearsin' to swing

Oh, I dinna care, said Sandy
If the elders now approve
I've a chick where plans are dandy
And I'm in a mellow groove
Now the bonnie bonnie lassies
With the kilties on their chassis
Have forgotten all about the highland fling

Young and old folks get together

And there's truckin' in the heather
When McPherson is rehearsin' to swing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Charlie and His Orchestra's song "Macpherson Is Rehearsin'" describe the excitement and anticipation surrounding the practice sessions of a Scottish musician named Macpherson, who is rehearsing to play swing music. The bagpipes are being played in reverse, adding to the unusual and exciting sound of the music. Despite the disapproval of the elders, young people are eager to join in the fun, as they forget about traditional Scottish dancing and engage in new, more modern dances like the "heather truckin'". Sandy, the singer of the song, doesn't care about the disapproval from the elders, as he is more interested in spending time with his sweetheart and enjoying the new swing music.

The song reflects the cultural and musical changes that took place in Scotland during the 1930s and 1940s, as swing music became popular among young people, challenging traditional Scottish music and dance. The lyrics demonstrate the rebellious spirit of youth and their willingness to embrace new ideas and lifestyles, while also celebrating the enduring cultural heritage and traditions of Scotland.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, McPherson is rehearsin'
McPherson is practicing his music

And the bagpipes are reversin'
His bagpipes are playing in reverse

While McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
McPherson is practicing playing swing music

And from Edinburgh to Dundee
People from Edinburgh to Dundee

Every lad and every lassie
All the boys and girls

Knows McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
Are aware that McPherson is practicing to play swing music

Oh, I dinna care, said Sandy
Sandy doesn't care

If the elders now approve
If the older people give their consent

I've a chick where plans are dandy
He has a girlfriend with great plans

And I'm in a mellow groove
He's feeling relaxed and happy

Now the bonnie bonnie lassies
Now the pretty girls