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Kate Bush — Army Dreamers
Album: Never For Ever
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2035









Released: 1980
Length: 2:52
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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(B.F.P.O)
(Army Dreamers)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(Mammy's hero)

Our little army boy
Is coming home from B.F.P.O.
I've a bunch of purple flowers
To decorate a mammy's hero.

Mourning in the aerodrome,
The weather warmer, he is colder.
Four men in uniform
To carry home my little soldier.

"What could he do?
Should have been a rock star."
But he didn't have the money for a guitar.
"What could he do?
Should have been a politician."
But he never had a proper education.
"What could he do?
Should have been a father."
But he never even made it to his twenties.
What a waste --
Army dreamers.

Tears o'er a tin box.
Oh, Jesus Christ, he wasn't to know,
Like a chicken with a fox,
He couldn't win the war with ego.

Give the kid the pick of pips,
And give him all your stripes and ribbons.
Now he's sitting in his hole,
He might as well have buttons and bows.

"What could he do?
Should have been a rock star."
But he didn't have the money for a guitar.
"What could he do?
Should have been a politician."
But he never had a proper education.
"What could he do?
Should have been a father."
But he never even made it to his twenties.
What a waste --
Army dreamers.
Oh What a waste of
Army dreamers.
Oh What a waste of
Army dreamers.
Army dreamers.
Army dreamers.

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.
Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(B.F.P.O)

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.

(Army Dreamers)

Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(Mammy's hero)

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.
Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(B.F.P.O)

Do-de-do-de-do-de-doh.

(Army Dreamers)

Yea-de-do de-de-do-do.

(Mammy's hero)

(B.F.P.O)
(No hard heros)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(Army Dreamers)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(No hard heros)
Comments (305)add comment
What a beautiful song :)
Posted 1 year ago by garrettb    [ Reply ]
As a Vietnam Vet, it gets me!
Posted 1 year ago by rbrdy8    [ Reply ]
Not many songs that round up to 7 in the ratings and have that many upvotes in the 1 and 2 category.  Interesting.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Heartbreaking
Posted 1 year ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
this is one of my fave RP finds. A beautiful song with a sad, melancholic topic and sentiment on a modern tragedy of lives cut short
Posted 2 years ago by Samantho    [ Reply ]
Yet another example of a song I've heard countless times, but never paid attention to the lyrics until reading them (now) on RP. Thanks for continually expanding my mind! 
Posted 2 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
For whatever reason, I really don't like most Kate Bush songs. I just can't seem to get into her stuff. 

This song is the exception. It's super weird, and its specific weirdness just really works for me.
Posted 2 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
Thanks, Bill - haven't heard this in years!

Fantastic Song - Fantastic Album - Fantastic Artist!
Posted 2 years ago by Harry_Tuttle_99    [ Reply ]
Good lord, RP listeners, it seems like every other slightly left of centre woman gets unfavourably compared to Kate here (an exaggeration, but still), and then when I finally see one of her songs on the playlist, the average rating is a 6.6(!)

Anyway, 10 for me.
Posted 2 years ago by bialia    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by randyblew    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

Anybody like to toast Tony Blair?  


On 1 side or both?
Posted 2 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 Freund wrote:
The song wasn't played anymore after the Falkland War. It was supressed. Moddi has made a whole and wonderful album of such songs. UNSONGS from 2016.
 A buddy of mine had a VW camper van and would stop at RV parks while travelling. One evening he had on The Pogues' 'Waltzing Matilda', and the chorus caught the ear of a nearby camper - an Aussie. The guy was all excited about hearing it, and came over to chat. Then the next verse started... He got very, very angry.
c.

Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
The song wasn't played anymore after the Falkland War. It was supressed. Moddi has made a whole and wonderful album of such songs. UNSONGS from 2016.
Posted 3 years ago by Freund    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
I'm thankful there's a place where this hidden gem can be heard.
 Thats why we listen to this station

Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
A poignant anti-war song, as relevant now as 40 years ago. Young men sent out on a wave of patriotism, coming back in boxes. If Bush's voice gets up your nose, just read the lyrics.
Posted 4 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Not my favourite - but just listening with the volume up and it's a brilliantly crafted piece of art-pop... 8 from me
Posted 4 years ago by meanderer    [ Reply ]
Gosh, I had to look this up.  I'm pretty sure I still have this album on vinyl.  I don't think I liked it very much when I originally bought it.  A bit ahead of time for my tastes at the time, perhaps.  Sure sounds good now.  Will need to dig it out and put it on!
Posted 4 years ago by billybob123    [ Reply ]
real art
Posted 4 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
I'm thankful there's a place where this hidden gem can be heard.
Posted 4 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Kate always looked/sounded like slightly deranged person. Bjork style. :)
Posted 5 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
 chyk5 wrote:

Agreed. This album is a beauty throughout. 
 
The distribution indicates that Kate divides opinion!

My vote is well into the right hand peak, but I understand that some may not like this, it's unique in style (which obviously some enjoy, and others do not).

I can't understand why so many '1's though, that's quite harsh for what is patently a well-crafted and unique piece of music, regardless of personal taste.
I reserve '1's for pop junk.
Posted 5 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
 Bambix wrote:
At the time I write this, the average rating is 6.3... I don't get why Kate Bush is so underrated. She's a damn genius to me :)
 
Agreed. This album is a beauty throughout. 
Posted 5 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Nice to see some of Kate's more "challenging" work is still in rotation here at RP.
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
At the time I write this, the average rating is 6.3... I don't get why Kate Bush is so underrated. She's a damn genius to me :)
Posted 6 years ago by Bambix    [ Reply ]
My Vote is a solid 8.5 - Check out video and then decide !
Posted 6 years ago by rockroll360    [ Reply ]
I don't get why this or ANYTHING by her is played here.... just annoying all around
Posted 6 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
Kate Bush seems to have spent a long time talking to birds
Posted 6 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim

 
This song very nearly put me off Kate Bush forever.
Posted 6 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Thank you for playing this gem. I love this album so much. 
Posted 6 years ago by rocklandlove    [ Reply ]
Yes! Kate Bush!
Posted 6 years ago by eroz    [ Reply ]
UGH. Been listening to RP all afternoon. This song came on (but my RP playlist wasn't up) and I said to myself, "YUCK. I'll bet this is Kate Bush." Bet won. Song muted. {#Frustrated}

EDIT: I totally appreciate the lyrics and intent of this song. But I cannot stand Kate Bush's voice or delivery. Can't think of a single Kate Bush song that I've ever liked.
Posted 6 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
ohhh I like it 
Posted 7 years ago by 1foskeren    [ Reply ]
Very strange coverart...
Posted 7 years ago by Swissguy    [ Reply ]

Posted 7 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim

 
{#Notworthy} 
Posted 7 years ago by ubuntourist    [ Reply ]
lovely!
Posted 7 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
 DavidS_UK wrote:
Yet another great track by Kate, and ironically was very popular with the British Forces in Germany when it came out, was played on Beefers all the time!
..
And to resort to an earlier theme. One of those double summit songs - people either like it or hate it - which normally means it is challenging and interesting (which can be said about the majpority of Kate's songs)

 
Terrific comments David.  Thanks.

I am not surprised that Brit forces in Germany loved the song.  Me thinks that self-styled progressives, peace-niks and 'liberals' should spend more time talking to police and soldiers.  
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....
 
If you had heard this song when it was first released (or anytime in the ensuing 25+ years before that TV program began), you possibly wouldn't make that association.  Maybe so, though.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim

 
HA!  That is EXACTLY what it sounds like!  I still like the tune though.
Posted 7 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Yet another great track by Kate, and ironically was very popular with the British Forces in Germany when it came out, was played on Beefers all the time!
..
And to resort to an earlier theme. One of those double summit songs - people either like it or hate it - which normally means it is challenging and interesting (which can be said about the majpority of Kate's songs)
Posted 7 years ago by DavidS_UK    [ Reply ]
Anybody like to toast Tony Blair?  
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
An underrated but important anti-war song, as applicable now as it was back in the 80s as working-class boys (and a few girls) continue to be recruited into the army as cannon fodder (sorry, 'The Professionals') with false promises of glamour and learning trades. Instead they're sent off to far-off parts to get blown to bits, to blow others to bits, to get seriously traumatised, and return home to PTSD, homelessness and jail.

 
Well put. Thanks
Posted 7 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Yoko Ono impersonating Tiny Tim
Posted 8 years ago by vanillagorilla    [ Reply ]
An underrated but important anti-war song, as applicable now as it was back in the 80s as working-class boys (and a few girls) continue to be recruited into the army as cannon fodder (sorry, 'The Professionals') with false promises of glamour and learning trades. Instead they're sent off to far-off parts to get blown to bits, to blow others to bits, to get seriously traumatised, and return home to PTSD, homelessness and jail.
Posted 8 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Kate is pure and unequiv genius!
Posted 8 years ago by tiare    [ Reply ]
Wow. . .past me gave this a 3! And, I completely understand why past me did that. But I'm definitely enjoying the quirkiness of this today. . .
Posted 8 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
I understand Kate Bush is not everyone's taste, but still brilliant and unique. Thank you again Bill for playing the brilliant and unique in spite of negativity, long may you continue!
Posted 8 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
It's been so long since I've heard this song, I'd forgotten how good it was. Thanks for the reminder RP
Posted 8 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
Kate's not for everybody. If you aren't evolved enough to appreciate the value in the unusual,I feel bad for you.

Godawful voices, but great singers and musicians:
Dylan
Waits
...

You get the point.
Posted 8 years ago by birdman42    [ Reply ]
This is a very interesting idea for a song. I wish there was a better form of that here. 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Uh oh, I just smashed the Mute Button!!!
Posted 8 years ago by Dog_Ear    [ Reply ]
OMG MAKE IT STOP! There are very few artists I can't stand, and she's one of them. PSD here I come...

Posted 8 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
Ouch.
Posted 8 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
my goodness those are some twisted creatures coming out from under Kate's skirt
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Old school Kate!
Posted 8 years ago by ericconrad    [ Reply ]
Well, it's a nice experiment. Makes you listen and try to absorb. But...next! 
Posted 9 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Respect the artist but hate the singing.
Posted 9 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....

 

Agree. {#Yes} 
Posted 9 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
I think Regina Spektor must have listened to this a lot when she was younger.
Posted 9 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
make it stop! make it stop!
Posted 9 years ago by okj1    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....

 
Really true LOL{#Bananajam}
Posted 9 years ago by CHuLoYo    [ Reply ]
 gresua wrote:
(One of ) My favorite song and just 6.1 points? My taste is corrupt: :(((

 
{#Wink}
Posted 9 years ago by tembaco    [ Reply ]
Stick, In. The. Eye.
Posted 9 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 chyk5 wrote:
It's bad because a minority of people think so? I really have to start looking at those ratings before forming my opinion. {#Ask}
 
Well said.
Typical of the album, this song is quirky but good.
Also, I love the cover artwork.
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I'm not sure why anyone would actually listen to this on purpose. Sounds kind of like a semi-hip geisha girl.
Posted 9 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....

 
{#Roflol}
Posted 9 years ago by robin_at_domani    [ Reply ]
I really like Kate Bush, but when I hear this I keep picturing Bernadette from Big Bang Theory....
Posted 9 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
My favorite song and just 6.1 points? My taste is corrupt: :(((
Posted 12 years ago by gresua    [ Reply ]
 LifeIsMusic wrote:
one of those songs that makes me wish there was a rating for "bizarre"
 
...yeah, but at least its a 'good bizarre', for my ears anyway.


Posted 12 years ago by jt1    [ Reply ]
 gosvimmink wrote:
yeah this is really bad. look at all those 1's
 
It's bad because a minority of people think so? I really have to start looking at those ratings before forming my opinion. {#Ask}

Posted 12 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:
... or likely they will be retired or shuffled to dead end positions...
 
So?  Are you saying they're more educated or more brainwashed?

Posted 12 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
yeah this is really bad. look at all those 1's
Posted 12 years ago by gosvimmink    [ Reply ]
HEAVENLY!!!!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by BLADERUNNER    [ Reply ]
one of those songs that makes me wish there was a rating for "bizarre"
Posted 12 years ago by LifeIsMusic    [ Reply ]
Please,please more Kate!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 12 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
HELL NO!
Posted 12 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
Never known such an artist - ah yes she is an artist; to incite such  wide opinions. That's great and what makes music so good for the soul.
Posted 13 years ago by terryp17    [ Reply ]
Boy, she really makes a person WORK for understanding sometimes... The lyrics are astonishing, but her uber-high-pitched voice on this track might turn some folks off. I found it a little obnoxious, but combined with those lyrics, I was willing to listen past the voice and get into the whole meaning.  This is a deceptive song. The vocals do remind me of munchkins, but the words are dark, questioning, and incredibly perceptive.

I hate it when Kate Bush messes with my head.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 GarageDragon wrote:
There's something about her voice that makes me want to hurt things.
 

Oh man. I am a huge Kate fan, but that is funny.

Posted 13 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
If the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic soundtrack had depressing antiwar protest songs, they'd sound a lot like this.
Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to take an ice pick to my ears.  Horrid.
Posted 13 years ago by yodasan_magoo    [ Reply ]
There's something about her voice that makes me want to hurt things.
Posted 13 years ago by GarageDragon    [ Reply ]
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Is this playing at the correct RPM?
 

REAL gas music from Jupiter!!
Posted 13 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
 Dog_Ear wrote:
Is this playing at the correct RPM?
 
yep. 78

Posted 13 years ago by shawshank    [ Reply ]
Is this playing at the correct RPM?
Posted 13 years ago by Dog_Ear    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:

But the munchkins can on this one!

 

Do you have something against munchkins?
Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
 babyjuice wrote:
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
 
Agreed. What I like about RP is that they don't shy away from playing some of the more "challenging" cuts from artists like Kate Bush. Don't like it, go find a classic rock station. It's a free country.
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 DELTA__9__FOOLS wrote:
Not feeling it... It's almost like an unappealing Joanna Newsom.
 
...kate bush is brilliant, no doubt, but her early work is really too precious-sounding for my ears, too...
Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
 babyjuice wrote:
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
 
But the munchkins can on this one!

Posted 13 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Bad!
Posted 13 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
My favorite Kate Bush tune ...
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Brilliant and timeless!  Thanks, Bill.

Posted 16 years ago by justin_thyme    [ Reply ]

Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Oh good heavens that was ridiculous! 
Posted 16 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
I've always wondered at the British stereotypic view of Soldiers. Much like the Leftists here, it is of ignorant fools who can't get real jobs or are tricked into joining. The Dregs, Losers, etc.
 As demonstrated by this portion:

What could he do? Should have been a rock star,
But he didn't have the money for a guitar.
What could he do? Should have been a politician,
But he never had a proper education.
What could he do? Should have been a father,
But he didn't even make it to his twenties.
What a waste,
Army Dreamers.

Yet if a Noble joins, it is seen as a character builder (though it is expected they be officers) and those like the Princes are looked down on if they choose not to serve.

Officers of both types in the US army (Noncommissioned and Commissioned) will not get very far in rank if they do not study a lot more than most regular people (and most of those deriding their intelligence) and for the highest promotions, degrees are required (Lt Commanders to get to Commander had best get a Masters, or likely they will be retired or shuffled to dead end positions). Some have multiples. I've seen Gunny's with three degrees in wide ranging thins like History, Lit, and Biology.

Posted 16 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
I love when Kate comes on... so we even each other out. Now, when Neil Young comes on, that's a different story. And I think mostly it's a story about a visceral impression. Neil Young's voice hurts me (though his lyrics are often great). Kate Bush's voice does not hurt me (at least not in the same way. When I try to sing with her I hurt my voice.)

 mfischler wrote:
i hate it when kate bush comes on
 


Posted 16 years ago by TriskyJen    [ Reply ]
Where's Donald Sutherland and his "Rain Cannon?"
Posted 16 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
babyjuice wrote:
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
"at least not us losers on RP."--paraphrasing babyjuice. Come on, this is not genius, it is simply music that some like and some don't.
Posted 16 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]
Darrooon wrote:
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Mourning in the aerodrome, The weather warmer, he is colder. Four men in uniform To carry home my little soldier. What could he do? Should have been a rock star. But he didnt have the money for a guitar. What could he do? Should have been a politician. But he never had a proper education. What could he do? Should have been a father. But he never even made it to his twenties. What a waste -- Army dreamers. Ooh, what a waste of Army dreamers.
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Darrooon wrote:
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Mmmm, okay...... ("B.F.P.O.") Did-n-did-n-did-n-dum... Army dreamers. Did-n-did-n-did-n-dum... ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") Army Dreamers. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") No harm heroes. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") Army dreamers. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") No harm heroes. ("Mammy's hero.") ("B.F.P.O.") Mammy's darling. ("Mammy's hero.") Of course, it's hard to make out the lyrics without taking some more lithium.
Posted 16 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Not feeling it... It's almost like an unappealing Joanna Newsom.
Posted 16 years ago by DELTA__9__FOOLS    [ Reply ]
Kate is an eccentric genius, not everyone can understand her, thats for sure.
Posted 16 years ago by babyjuice    [ Reply ]
i hate it when kate bush comes on
Posted 16 years ago by mfischler    [ Reply ]
Darrooon wrote:
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Dig. I looked them up. Wow.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Just listen for a minute to the lyrics, folks...
Posted 16 years ago by Darrooon    [ Reply ]
Oh, this is just awful.
Posted 16 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
lerxst wrote:
Worst song I have ever heard on RP.
Was this the first and only song you've ever heard here?! It must be if your taste is that poor.
Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Worst song I have ever heard on RP.
Posted 16 years ago by lerxst    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
And people call Tori Amos nuts!
Kate is several steps above Tori. Unfortunately, that still puts her at about a 4... on a good day.
Posted 16 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
okay that's it. I'm out.
Posted 16 years ago by dillydoo    [ Reply ]
I love Kate Bush.
Posted 16 years ago by oceansoul63    [ Reply ]
Watch the video on YouTube, it's great. This song's all about the young boys who get sent to war and never come back, and never get to be the men with careers, marriages, and lives they could have had. "What a waste". Very powerful in that unique Kate B. way.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
this sounds like a television commercial jingle from when I was a kid, for real--- grrr, it's bugging me! Anyone?
Posted 16 years ago by MediaGrrl    [ Reply ]
She is such a clever musician but her voice is most likely her best asset! I love this whole album...I love the cover's artwork too!
Posted 16 years ago by Mewsique    [ Reply ]
Good song from a wonderful album. I have just realised that Breathing isn't on the RP playlist, I ought to upload it.
Posted 16 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
very very cool song!
Posted 16 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
I LOVE THIS SONG (and I'm not afraid to say it)
Posted 17 years ago by kaosmonkey    [ Reply ]
And people call Tori Amos nuts!
Posted 17 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]