Ain't It Funny
Hazel O 'Connor Lyrics


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© Hazel O'Connor

Come and join the score (it's a) very holy core
(You must) Fight for freedom, Liberty (you must)
Fight for old men just like me
Now he's not in the mood (to fight)
But he'll give you clothes and food (Alright you see)
Someone else is making more than me
And that can't be Bold Economic Policy

Ain't it funny, ain't it shame
Why the fat man is snoring
You can die for his games (economy)
Ain't it funny, ain't it a joke
As you die for the fat man
He's lifting your joke

See I have no arm (for giving)
See I have no legs (to run away)
See I have no nose, no eyes
I hear no lies, I'm monkey wise
Guess I got my gun (You didn't run?)
Back in '41 (Where are you now?)
Now I wish I could just swim in the sun
Wondering what have I won
Cause it wasn't much fun at all

Ain't it funny, ain't it shame
Why the fat man is snoring
You can die for his games (economy)
Ain't it funny, ain't it a joke
As you die for the fat man
He's lifting your joke





Your country needs you today
Your country needs you to die

Overall Meaning

The song "Ain't It Funny" by Hazel O'Connor is a commentary on war, patriotism, and the sacrifices made by soldiers who are often fought for economic and political reasons. The first verse talks about the facade of war being a noble cause and an effort to protect freedom and liberty, but the reality is that many people fighting don't even fully understand why they are there. The line "Someone else is making more than me, and that can't be Bold Economic Policy" speaks to the economic drivers of war and how profiteering from war efforts can be a primary motivation.


The second verse takes on a darker tone, describing a disabled veteran from World War II who laments his experiences and thinks about how little he has truly gained from his service. The lines "See I have no arm, See I have no legs, See I have no nose, no eyes, I hear no lies, I'm monkey wise" is a reference to the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkeys and the societal tendency to turn a blind eye to the suffering of veterans. The song ends with a call to action, reminding listeners that governments use propaganda to paint war as a noble cause and that individuals need to question the true motivations behind sending soldiers to fight and die.


Line by Line Meaning

Come and join the score (it's a) very holy core
Join the fight for freedom, as it is a noble cause


Fight for freedom, Liberty (you must)
You are obligated to fight for freedom and liberty


Fight for old men just like me
Fight for the elderly, including myself


Now he's not in the mood (to fight)
He's not willing to fight at the moment


But he'll give you clothes and food (Alright you see)
He will provide you with basic necessities


Someone else is making more than me
Others are benefiting more than me


And that can't be Bold Economic Policy
This cannot be considered as good economic policy


Ain't it funny, ain't it shame
Isn't it ironic and shameful


Why the fat man is snoring
Why is the wealthy individual only resting, while others are risking their lives?


You can die for his games (economy)
People are losing their lives in order to benefit the economy


Ain't it funny, ain't it a joke
Isn't it absurd and laughable


As you die for the fat man
People are dying in order to benefit the wealthy


He's lifting your joke
The wealthy individual is benefitting from others' suffering


See I have no arm (for giving)
I am unable to contribute physically


See I have no legs (to run away)
I am unable to escape danger


See I have no nose, no eyes
I am lacking senses


I hear no lies, I'm monkey wise
I can perceive the truth, and am wise like a monkey


Guess I got my gun (You didn't run?)
I have my weapon, did you not escape danger?


Back in '41 (Where are you now?)
Back in 1941, where are you now?


Now I wish I could just swim in the sun
Now I wish for peaceful and enjoyable existence


Wondering what have I won
Questioning what has been gained from conflict


Cause it wasn't much fun at all
The experience was far from enjoyable


Your country needs you today
Your country requires your assistance currently


Your country needs you to die
Your country requires individuals to give their lives for a supposed greater cause




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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