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Song Parodies -> "On The Hill of Whiskey"
Original Song Title:
"La Colline au Whisky"
Original Performer:
Petula Clark
Parody Song Title:
"On The Hill of Whiskey"
Parody Written by:
Patrick McWilliams
The Lyrics
A controversial moment in music history occurred on the 1968 TV special "Petula" when Petula Clark reached out and took Harry Belafonte by the arm as they sang a duet of the moving anti-war song "On The Path of Glory". I knew that the song had a French title "La Colline au Whisky" (Whisky Hill), which I took to be the military designation for an objective to be attacked. As it turns out, the meaning is much more literal. Thanks to dontforgetme57, who supplied the French lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bkoJ-9sRcU which describe a yearly reunion of veterans of Montgomery's North African campaign of World War II. The old fellows meet on Whiskey Hill and empty a bottle or two (or three) in memory of their days in the blazing sun. I have altered the words to reflect a more generic veterans reunion that could apply in the US or UK. "On The Path of Glory" has a more somber pacing, and seems to be a bit longer. To anyone attempting to sing my version, I would recommend a blend of the two melodies, and let the words drive the pacing.
Whither go, ye gentlemen, on this pleasant Sunday morn?
Leather shoe or rubber tire, to your destination borne
Wives and children at home now, things they are not meant to see
It's your yearly get together, on the Hill of Whiskey
Old, grey codgers start to sing golden oldies from the past
When they fought the wicked foe, and the battle line held fast
Thinning ranks reunited, basking in shared memories
They'll turn back the hands of time, on the Hill of Whiskey
In that desert hot and dry, swore an oath as younger men
If they should survive the war, they would never thirst again
To their word they have been faithful, everybody will agree
Standing midst the empty bottles, on the Hill of Whiskey
What say now, ye gentlemen, as the day draws to an end?
Have you any parting words, messages you wish to send?
"Here's to those who gave their lives, so that we could all live free!"
A salute to fallen comrades, on the Hill of Whiskey
On the Hill of Whiskey
Leather shoe or rubber tire, to your destination borne
Wives and children at home now, things they are not meant to see
It's your yearly get together, on the Hill of Whiskey
Old, grey codgers start to sing golden oldies from the past
When they fought the wicked foe, and the battle line held fast
Thinning ranks reunited, basking in shared memories
They'll turn back the hands of time, on the Hill of Whiskey
In that desert hot and dry, swore an oath as younger men
If they should survive the war, they would never thirst again
To their word they have been faithful, everybody will agree
Standing midst the empty bottles, on the Hill of Whiskey
What say now, ye gentlemen, as the day draws to an end?
Have you any parting words, messages you wish to send?
"Here's to those who gave their lives, so that we could all live free!"
A salute to fallen comrades, on the Hill of Whiskey
On the Hill of Whiskey
Note: Spellcheck did not like the spelling "Whisky", so I changed it. The Petula Clark - Harry Belafonte video can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQXVjY1oqRo
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Other sites claim that Petula Clark wrote the lyrics. Is this true? Who wrote the melody? Thanks!
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