“Grafted into the Army”
Henry Clay Work, was a composer during the civil war era who was born in Connecticut. His father was very involved in the anti-slavery movement as well as the Underground Railroad. Work used his music as a way to make statements and sentiments about the war. He wrote abolitionist songs, but also made some comedic music. In 1862, as a response to the draft, Work wrote the song “Grafted into the Army.” During this time, all men were drafted into the army unless they sent a substitute for themselves or could pay a three hundred dollar exemption fee. The song “Grafted into the Army,” is sang from the perspective of a mother who learns that her youngest and only surviving son has been drafted into the army (Source 7). The word “grafted” is used by Work to emphasize the idea that money is able to substitute for the wealthy men who could have potentially enlisted.
Although the song could be considered somewhat satirical due to its play on words, it touches upon a significant issue of class disparity during this time. This song could have been sung among the families of soldiers who had been "grafted into the army," while their loved ones were away, perhaps creating a united sense of resentment towards the wealthy as well as unifying their specific class and allowing them to bond over the fact that their sons or husbands were at war. This song could be considered foreshadowing for future questions about class inequality in America, that are still being asked today.
Although the song could be considered somewhat satirical due to its play on words, it touches upon a significant issue of class disparity during this time. This song could have been sung among the families of soldiers who had been "grafted into the army," while their loved ones were away, perhaps creating a united sense of resentment towards the wealthy as well as unifying their specific class and allowing them to bond over the fact that their sons or husbands were at war. This song could be considered foreshadowing for future questions about class inequality in America, that are still being asked today.
Our Jimmy has gone for to live in a tent, They have grafted him into the army;
He finally pucker'd up his courage and went, When they grafted him into the army.
I told them he was too young, alas! At the captain's forequarters, they said he would pass.
They'd train him up well in the infantry class, So they grafted him into the army.
CHORUS: Oh, Jimmy, farewell! Your brothers fell Way down in Alabarmy; I thought they would spare a lone widder's heir, But they grafted him into the army.
Drest up in his unicorn -- dear little chap; They have grafted him into the army;
It seems but a day since he sot in my lap, But they grafted him into the army.
And these are the trousers he used to wear -- Them very same buttons -- the patch and the tear --
But Uncle Sam gave him a bran' new pair When they grafted him into the army.
CHORUS
Now in my provisions I see him revealed -- They have grafted him into the army; A picket beside the contented field. They have grafted him into the army. He looks kinda sickish -- begins to cry -- A big volunteer standing right in his eye! On, what if the ducky should up and die Now they've grafted him into the army.
CHORUS
He finally pucker'd up his courage and went, When they grafted him into the army.
I told them he was too young, alas! At the captain's forequarters, they said he would pass.
They'd train him up well in the infantry class, So they grafted him into the army.
CHORUS: Oh, Jimmy, farewell! Your brothers fell Way down in Alabarmy; I thought they would spare a lone widder's heir, But they grafted him into the army.
Drest up in his unicorn -- dear little chap; They have grafted him into the army;
It seems but a day since he sot in my lap, But they grafted him into the army.
And these are the trousers he used to wear -- Them very same buttons -- the patch and the tear --
But Uncle Sam gave him a bran' new pair When they grafted him into the army.
CHORUS
Now in my provisions I see him revealed -- They have grafted him into the army; A picket beside the contented field. They have grafted him into the army. He looks kinda sickish -- begins to cry -- A big volunteer standing right in his eye! On, what if the ducky should up and die Now they've grafted him into the army.
CHORUS