Pete Seeger: Waist Deep in the Big Muddy

Aired on CBS at the height of the Vietnam War, this song holds just as much truth today... It was back in 1941. I was a member of a good platoon. We were on maneuvers in Lou’siana one night By the light of the moon. The Captain told us to ford a river. That’s how it all begun. We were knee deep in the Big Muddy, And the big fool said to push on. The Sergeant said, “Sir, are you sure This is the best way back to the base?“ “Sergeant, go on, I’ve forded this river About a mile above this place. It’ll be a little soggy, but just keep sloggin’. We’ll soon be on dry ground.“ We were waist deep in the Big Muddy, And the big fool said to push on. The Sergeant said, “Sir, with all this equipment, No man will be able to swim.“ “Sergeant, don’t be a Nervous Nelly,“ The Captain said to him. “All we need is a little determination. Men, follow me. I’ll lead on.“ We were neck deep in the Big Muddy, And the big fool said to push on. All at once the moon clouded over. We heard a gurglin’ cry. A few seconds later the Captain’s helmet Was all that floated by. The Sergeant said, “Turn around, men. I’m in charge from now on.“ And we just made it out of the Big Muddy With the Captain dead and gone. We stripped and dived and found his body Stuck in the old quicksand. I guess he didn’t know that the water was deeper Then the place he’d once before been. Another stream had joined the Big Muddy About a half mile from where we’d gone. We were lucky to escape from the Big Muddy When the big fool said to push on. Now I’m not going to point any moral — I’ll leave that for yourself. Maybe you’re still walking, you’re still talking, You’d like to keep your health. But every time I read the papers, that old feeling comes on, We’re waist deep in the Big Muddy And the big fool says to push on. Waist deep in the Big Muddy, The big fool says to push on. Waist deep in the Big Muddy, The big fool says to push on. Waist deep, neck deep, Soon even a tall man will be over his head. We’re waist deep in the Big Muddy, And the big fool says to push on.