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About this quote

What does it mean?
The singer describes a weary soldier experience during wartime in a humorous blues style.
In plain terms
I am an old soldier in a tank in Yokohama.
What can you take from it?
War brings hardship and weariness even with humor.

Where it applies

  • military service
  • wartime

Putting it to work

  • cope with hardship
  • share experiences

Questions to consider

  • How do soldiers cope with war?
  • What does this song say about conflict?

Another view

Humor may mask deeper trauma or pain.

More from Hoagy Carmichael

  1. It's the story of a very unfortunate colored man Who got arrested down in Old Hong Kong He got twenty years' privilege taken away from him When he kicked old B…

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  2. You sittin' here chained to your rockin' chair.

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