History - Sounds & Music
 
  Listen to the sounds and music of the 1940's. These sounds have been compressed to allow you to easily hear them over the internet. To appreciate the music & sounds fully, buy them on compact disk. (Check the shop for availability)  
         
  To listen to any of the files on this page your browser must be set up to use Real Audio. For more information on how to use Real Audio and to download the Real Audio Plug-in click the button on the right.    
         
         
         
   

Some of the sounds on this site together with other rare recordings are now available on the Compact Disc 'Listen With Auntie'

More informaion can be found at:

www.arpcd.co.uk

 
         
         
         
 
Music Of The 1940's.
  
 

 
 
Play Audio
  

Run Rabbit Run
Sung by Flanagan & Allen
(From an original 78 rpm record on a DECCA label)
This song was written for Noel Gays show 'The little Dog Laughed' which opened in October 1939. It was popular throughout the war, especially after Flannagan & Alan changed the lyrics to poke fun at the Germans (eg. Run Adolf, Run Adolf, Run, Run, Run........)

  
         
 
Play Audio
   We're Gonna Hang Out The Washing On The Siegfried Line
Sung by Flanagan & Allen written by Jimmy Kennedy & Michael Carr.
(From an original 78 rpm record on a DECCA label)
This song intensely irritated the German High command as it poked fun at their defences. The song was actually banned on some American radio stations (before America entered the war) because it was thought to infringe America's neutrality. 		 
         
 
Play Audio
  

Lili Marlene
Sung by Anne Shelton, written by T Connor.
(From an original 78 rpm record on a DECCA label)
Lily Marlene was originally a German song but was adapted by the British 8th Army. The British Government approached Tommy Connor to re-write the words, which are the ones on this version. Some of Monty's 8th Army words are below :

There was a song that the Eighth Army used to hear,
In the lonely desert, lovely, sweet and clear.
Over the ether came the strain, the soft refrain, each night again,
With you, Lili Marlene, with you, Lili Marlene.

 
         
 
Play Audio
   Jukebox Saturday Night
Glenn Miller & his orchestra (McGrane, Stillman).
(From an original 78 rpm record on a HMV label)
This song was recorded before Glenn Miller joined the US Army Air Force (Sept 1942). The famous stars mentioned such as the Inkspots were impersonated for this recording. The vocalists were Marlon Hutton, Tex Beneke and the Modernaires. 		 
         
 
Play Audio
   The Blackout Stroll
Joe Loss & His Band (T. Connor).
(From an original 78 rpm record on a REGAL label)
This was one of the many songs that came out in the period after war was declared in September 1939. During this 'phoney war' the ARP enforced the blackout regulations and people discovered the difficulties of travelling at night with very poor visibility. Traffic accidents in London alone trebled and pedestrians were not only in danger from cars but also suffered many other visibility related injuries. 		 
         
 
Play Audio
   Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5 (Whitney, Kramer)
(From an original 78 rpm record on a Brunswick label)
A well known Louis Jordan Favourite. 		 
     

 
 
Wartime Sounds
  
  I must say a big 'Thank You' to Nigel Bewley, for both the sounds in this section and his advice. Not only is Nigel a professional sound engineer, he is also a fellow 1940's enthusiast and 40's DJ.
 
         
 
Play Audio
   Dramatic Representation of an Air Raid
(Copyright Nigel Bewley - Not to be used without permission)
This track is a 'theatrical' representation of an air raid.
Whilst the sounds are all authentic, they have been put together in a shorter time frame. For example, the gap between the bombs dropping and the alert sounding has been reduced.
 
         
 
Play Audio
   V1 'Doodlebug'
Transferred from an unlabelled acetate disc, this recording will send a shiver down the spine of all those who heard a V1 rocket in wartime Britain. 		 
     

 
 
German Propaganda
  
  Thanks again to Nigel Bewley for the sounds in this section.  
         
 
Play Audio
   William Joyce 'Lord Haw Haw'
These extracts from his Hamburg broadcasts conclude with a drunk Haw Haw followed by a later broadcast from an Allied officer explaining Haw Haw's absence.
William Joyce was hung for treason shortly after the war. 		 
         
 
Play Audio
   Bye Bye Blackbird
Charlie & his orchestra
This song is German propaganda Swing and would have been played by the likes of William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw). The lyrics often start out fine but as you listen they slowly begin to attack the Allies or Britain specifically and can often become downright offensive ! 		 
         
 
Play Audio
   You're Driving Me Crazy
Charlie & his orchestra
This song is German propaganda Swing and would have been played by the likes of William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw). The lyrics often start out fine but as you listen they slowly begin to attack the Allies or Britain specifically and can often become downright offensive !