Charlie Boy
The Lumineers. Lyrics
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Kennedy made him believe we could do much more
Oh
Lillian, don't hang your head, love should make you feel good
In uniform you raised a man, who volunteered to stand
Oh
Play the bugle, play the taps
Make your mothers proud
Raise your rifles to the sky boys
Fire that volley loud
News was bad on Upland Ave.,
Metuchen mourn our loss
Sons rebelled, while fathers yelled,
And mothers clutched the cross
Oh
Play the bugle, play the taps and
Make your mothers proud
Raise your rifles to the sky boys
Fire that volley loud
"Charlie Boy" is a song that explores the impact of war on families and communities. The song addresses two characters, Charlie and Lillian, who represent a father and mother who have lost their son in war. Charlie was the first born in 1944, and he is portrayed as a young man who had high hopes for his country due to President Kennedy's inspirational words. However, he loses his life in battle, leaving behind his mother, Lillian, who raised him to be a brave soldier. The song highlights the emotional toll of war on parents who lose their child and shows that love is a powerful force that can provide comfort in times of grief.
The first stanza of the song refers to Charlie's birth year, which was a time of hope and promise. President Kennedy's leadership left a significant impression on Charlie, leading him to believe that he could make a difference in the world. However, these aspirations were cut short when he went to war and lost his life. The second stanza is directed towards Lillian, who is urged not to mourn her son's death. Instead, she should focus on the love she shared with him during his life. She is reminded that the brave soldier who fought for his country was raised by her.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of honoring soldiers through military customs. The bugle and taps symbolize the final farewell to the fallen soldier, and the rifle volley is a salute to his bravery. The song depicts how the loss of a soldier affects not just his family but also his community.
Line by Line Meaning
Charlie boy, don't go to war, first born in forty four
The singer is addressing Charlie, requesting him not to go to war given he is the first born in 1944. This was during the time Kennedy encouraged citizens that they could achieve more.
Kennedy made him believe we could do much more
Charlie was made to believe they could accomplish more, by Kennedy’s speech.
Lillian, don't hang your head, love should make you feel good
Lillian is reassured that her love is what should make her feel good and she should keep her head high.
In uniform you raised a man, who volunteered to stand
Lillian raised her son in uniform and instilled in him the desire to stand up for his country by volunteering.
Play the bugle, play the taps
This line is a call to play the bugle and taps which are military melodic instruments, usually played at a funeral.
Make your mothers proud, raise your rifles to the sky boys
The singer is asking the boys to make their mothers proud by raising their rifles really high.
Fire that volley loud
This is a call to shoot guns really loud.
News was bad on Upland Ave., Metuchen mourn our loss
This line reports that bad news reached Upland Avenue and the town of Metuchen was mourning their loss.
Sons rebelled, while fathers yelled, and mothers clutched the cross
This line depicts the different reactions from families after receiving the bad news. Sons rebelled, fathers yelled while mothers resorted to holding onto religious symbols.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jeremy Fraites, Maxwell Hughes, Wesley Schultz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jhonnymartinez189
Lyrics:
Charlie boy, don't go to war
Firstborn in '44
And Kennedy made him believe
We could do much more
Lillian, don't hang your head
Love should make you feel good
In uniform, you raised a man
Who volunteered to stand
Play the bugle, play the taps
Make your mothers proud
Raise your rifles to the sky, boys
Fire that volley loud
News was bad on Upland Ave
Metuchen mourn our loss
Sons rebelled, while fathers yelled
And mothers clutched the cross
Play the bugle, play the taps
Make your fathers proud
Raise your rifles to the sky, boys
Fire that volley loud
@zargrof1
Charlie boy, don't go to war, first born in forty - four
Kennedy made him believe we could do much more
Ohhh
Lillian, don't hang your head, love should make you feel good
In uniform you raised a man, who volunteered to stand
Ohhh
Play the bugle, play the taps and
Make your mothers proud
Raise your rifles to the sky boys
Fire that volley loud
News was bad on upland ave., metuchen mourn our loss
Sons rebelled, while fathers yelled, and mothers clutched the cross
Ohhh
Play the bugle, play the taps and
Make your fathers proud
Raise your rifles to the sky boys
Fire that volley loud
@peterschultz7837
This is a song about my brother, Charles J. Schultz, 2d Lt. Marine Corps, who died in Vietnam on June 3, 1967. He did not have to go to Nam or even into the military as he had been accepted into the U. of Michigan School of Natural Resources and would have been exempt. He was in Nam for 30 days when he died in a firefight in Quang Tri province. A devotee of JFK, he answered Kennedy's call by going into the Marines and to Nam. Wes of the Lumineers is his nephew, the son of my brother, Mike. May they rest in peace. May we all know peace someday.
@darrioquigley4724
Eisenhower was the president during the veitnam war
@darrioquigley4724
Well during the time your brother was at war
@peterschultz7837
+Darrio Quigley Eisenhower was president in 1967? Really??
@darrioquigley4724
+Peter Schultz it might of been jhonsen tbh I'm not sure all I know is that it wasn't Kennedy
@owendaulton9316
I thought it was Johnson?
@salmaahmed8726
i’m not anyone special. not a man. not a soldier. hell, i’m most definitely not called charlie. but this song. this song hits me so deep. hauntingly beautiful, i can’t begin to describe it. prickling tears and a pounding heart. this tune will resonate in my mind for a while. this is what music should do.
@brandonscudieri1440
Made by love. Spreading love. Amen.
@3ssamm646
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@TheMrMeng
A hauntingly beautiful song that sends shivers up and down my spine.