Monroe sang with some of the "Big Bands" of the '40s era, but his music transcended that style to become a popular radio and television personality - like Perry Como, Dean Martin, etc.
Sound Off
Vaughn Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The chests are out
The arms are swinging
Let's go back and count some more
I had a good home, but I left (you're right)
I had a good home, but I left (you're right)
Jody was there, when I left (you're right)
I left gal away out west
I thought this army life was best
Now she's someone elses wife
And I'll be marchin' the rest of my life
The captain rides in a jeep
The general rides in a limosine
But we're just out of luck
The heads are up
The chests are out
The arms are swinging
Ennie, Meanie, Minnie, Moe
And let's go back and count somemore
The lyrics in Vaughn Monroe's song Sound Off capture the pride, discipline and sacrifice that comes with serving in the military. The opening lines, "The heads are up, The chests are out, The arms are swinging" emphasize the importance of a good posture and attention to detail in the army, where such things are scrutinized during training. The following line, "Let's go back and count some more" could represent a drill sergeant's command, suggesting that the soldiers need to keep up the good work and go through the routine again.
The lyrics mentioning Jody and the gal left behind show the personal sacrifices made by soldiers as they leave their loved ones behind to serve, and the possibility of losing them to someone else while they're away. The line "And I'll be marchin' the rest of my life" denotes an understanding of the lifelong impact of the military on a soldier's identity and psyche.
The contrasting image of the high-ranking officials riding in comfortable vehicles while the soldiers have to march on, highlights the hierarchy and class disparities that exist even in the military. However, the chorus of "The heads are up, The chests are out, The arms are swinging, Ennie, Meanie, Minnie, Moe, And let's go back and count some more" emphasizes the importance of soldierly pride and attention to detail despite the tough circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
The heads are up
Our heads are held high and we are confident
The chests are out
We are standing tall with pride
The arms are swinging
We are ready to take on anything, our arms are full of energy
Let's go back and count some more
Let's keep moving forward and counting our numbers
I had a good home, but I left (you're right)
I acknowledge that I had a good home, but I chose to leave it
Jody was there, when I left (you're right)
I know that Jody was there when I left and now I miss her
I left gal away out west
I left my girl behind when I went to the West
I thought this army life was best
I believed that being in the army was the best decision for me
Now she's someone else's wife
My girl has moved on and married someone else
And I'll be marchin' the rest of my life
I will be serving in the army for the rest of my life
The captain rides in a jeep
The captain has a jeep and travels in it
The general rides in a limosine
The general has a limousine and travels in it
But we're just out of luck
We don't have any luxury vehicles and we are out of luck
Ennie, Meanie, Minnie, Moe
We are counting off in a playful way
And let's go back and count somemore
Let's continue counting off and moving forward
Contributed by Jayce A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shyman99
A mere 6 years after the end of WW2. God bless the men who served, those who lost their lives, and their families.
@Kw1161
However, the US was knee-deep in Korea.
@mefirstplease3676
Vaughan always had a distinctive deep voice yet it was clear in many aspects.
@walte153
People forget what a major recording star Vaughn was. This was his 20th "Top 10" hit and the first of three to make the "Top 10" in 1951.
@thomtlc2
He also had several number one albums on Billboard in the 40's. And Riders in the Sky was the biggest song of 1949. Yes, I'm a fan, too.
@vaughnmonroeshow5186
Fantastic! Long lost clip (or so we thought). Thank you, Ed Sullivan Show, for once again preserving another piece of history!!!
@joehill8014
There! I’ve Said It Again, his best.
@bh5606
Catchy lyrics.
@ronaldstrange8981
This song appeared in a mediocre Mickey Rooney film. I loved it and found an HMV 78 recording by Vaughn. Bought it there and then, and have been a dedicated fan ever since. England, February, 2024.
@LeBeauYT
Always thought Monroe was one of the best singers of the 1940s.