Mama Told Johnny | Military Cadence
(Lyrics & History)
The United States Military has a respected tradition of marching to call-and-response songs, known as cadences or Jodies, led by a troop leader, Drill Sergeant/Instructor, etc. Originating with PVT Willie Lee Duckworth in World War II, this practice is essential in bootcamps, leadership schools, and physical training. With tempos of 120 BPM for marches and 180 BPM for runs, cadences provide a steady rhythm that fosters unit cohesion, boosts morale and helps troops stay in sync while managing their breathing.
Throughout the years, cadences have evolved to incorporate a more striking and, at times, provocative tone. The intense nature of some cadences serves to mentally prepare new recruits for the challenges they will face in their duties and potentially in combat. The cadence "Mama Told Johnny" focuses on the story of Johnny, who enlisted against his mother's will, ultimately leaving his wife and son a Gold Star family.
Lyrics
(Men at war!) x2
(Late at night when you’re sleepin’)
(The enemy’s a creepin’ all around)
(Men at war!)
(Hey!)
went to wake the captain
I found him in his bed
But when I rolled him over
I found he had no head
(Men at war!) x2
(Late at night when you’re sleepin’)
(The enemy’s a creepin’ all around)
(Men at war!)
(Hey!)
Mama told Johnny not to go downtown
Too many army recruiters around
Johnny didn’t listen and he went anyway
Shipped off to basic the very next day
Low rider, low rider, low rider, low
Low rider, low rider, low rider, low
Johnny had a girl and her name was Sherry
She as so happy ‘cause they planned to marry
But Johnny wanted a life of danger
He wore a tan beret of the airborne ranger
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Listen to this cadence:
Song Name: Mama Told Johnny
Album Name: Cadences Volume 2
by Jonathan Michael Fleming
DISCLAIMERS:
The lyrics and music to the above cadence are not original to me. To the best of my knowledge, the song is in the public domain, as the author is unknown and has simply been handed down generation-to-generation within the US military.
The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.