Lili Marlene - From Berlin to El Alamein: The Song that Crossed the Front Line
Release Date: 06/07/2025
Christmas Special 2025 - White Christmas - A Song of Home, Hope and Hidden Heartache
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this Christmas special episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine unwrap one of the most iconic songs of the wartime era - Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” They trace the remarkable life of Berlin, from his childhood as a Jewish immigrant fleeing persecution, through the bustle of Tin Pan Alley, to becoming one of America’s most prolific and patriotic songwriters. Along the way, they explore his astonishing output, his service during both world wars, and the deeply personal losses that shaped his music - including the hidden grief many believe lies...
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(I’ve Got a Gal in) KalamaZOO - Glenn Miller, the Big Bands and our Big Series Finale
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In the final episode of Series 1 of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine end their alphabetical adventure with a swing - quite literally - as they explore Glenn Miller’s 1942 smash hit (I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo. Written by Harry Warren and Mac Gordon, the song became a wartime favourite thanks to Miller’s irresistible big band sound, Tex Beneke’s smooth vocals and an unforgettable film appearance in Orchestra Wives featuring the dazzling Nicholas Brothers. Lili and Tom unpack the song’s irresistible energy, the history of its writers, and why...
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You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To - Cole Porter: Paris Parties and Broadway Bangers
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine turn their attention to Cole Porter’s romantic 1943 classic "You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To". Written for the film "Something to Shout About", the song quickly became a wartime favourite, speaking to the longing of couples separated by service and distance. Lili and Tom trace Porter’s glittering - and often scandalous - life, from Yale fight songs and Parisian parties to Broadway triumphs like Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate. They also explore the many unforgettable recordings of this tune, including...
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X Me Goodnight Sergeant Major - and Other Tipsy Tunes
The A to Z of Wartime Song
Finding a wartime song beginning with “X” was always going to be a challenge … so in true cheeky music-hall style, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine have bent the rules and chosen the comic classic Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major. First recorded in 1939 by Ambrose and his Orchestra, this lighthearted tune quickly became a wartime favourite, poking fun at army life while giving troops and civilians alike something to laugh (and sing) about. In this episode, Lili and Tom explore the careers of bandleader Ambrose, vocalist and trombonist Les Carew, and the pseudonymous songwriters behind the...
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Wartime “When …” Songs - Songs of Hope and Homecomings
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine take a special detour into the many songs of the 1930s and ’40s that begin with the word “When”. From the poignant hope of When They Sound the Last All Clear and When the Lights Go On Again (All Over the World), to the transatlantic charm of When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano and the early nostalgia of When the Poppies Bloom Again, these songs capture the wartime longing for peace, reunion, and better days ahead. Along the way, Lili and Tom explore the songwriters behind these tunes - from Denmark...
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La Vie en Rose - Piaf, Passion and Occupied Paris
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the romantic and iconic “La Vie en Rose”, the song that became Edith Piaf’s signature. They trace its creation in post-war Paris, from Piaf’s own lyrics to Louiguy’s melody and Marianne Michel’s crucial lyric tweak that transformed “Les Choses en Rose” into “La Vie en Rose”. The discussion delves into Piaf’s extraordinary and often tragic life - from her childhood in a Normandy brothel, to her discovery in the streets of Paris, to her wartime years performing under Occupation and...
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The U.S.A. by Day and the R.A.F. by Night - Satire in the Shadow of Hamburg
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine uncover the wild and witty “The USA by Day and the RAF by Night” - a 1944 novelty song that pokes fun at the Nazis while celebrating the Allied air campaign. Written by American comedy writer Hal Block and journalist-turned-lyricist Bob Musel, the song turns bombing raids into satire, complete with cheeky impressions of Hitler, Himmler and Goering. Lili and Tom trace its history from the Eighth Air Force shows in London to its only known recording by Al Trace and his Musicians. Along the way, they dive...
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There’ll Always Be an England – Patriotism, Pride and Peril
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the powerful patriotic anthem “There’ll Always Be an England”. Written by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles in the summer of 1939, the song captured the hopes of a nation on the brink of war and quickly became a staple of the home front, recorded by everyone from Billy Cotton to Gracie Fields. Lili and Tom trace its journey from the film Discoveries to stirring moments of defiance on land and sea - including the crew of HMS Barham, who sang it as their ship went down in 1941. Along the way, they...
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The Spitfire Song - The 'Whip-Round' That Won the War?
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine take to the skies with The Spitfire Song - a rare 1940s number penned by the remarkable Horace Maybray-King. They explore King’s fascinating life, from English teacher and wartime concert-party organiser to tireless fundraiser for the famous Spitfire Funds - public appeals that saw communities “buy” parts of the iconic fighter aircraft to help Britain prepare for the Battle of Britain. Along the way, they uncover the story behind the song’s only known recording by Joe Loss and His Orchestra with...
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Run, Rabbit, Run - Propaganda, Parody and Punchlines
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine hop into the world of one of WWII’s catchiest tunes: “Run, Rabbit, Run!”. Made famous by comedy duo Flanagan and Allen, the song took on a life of its own - boosting morale, teasing the Luftwaffe and even becoming a favourite of Winston Churchill. They explore the song’s theatrical roots in Noel Gay’s The Little Dog Laughed, its transformation into a patriotic earworm and its cheeky parody lyrics aimed at Hitler and co. Along the way, they dive into the extraordinary lives of Bud Flanagan and Chesney...
info_outlineIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history and emotional impact of wartime songs, focusing on the iconic “Lili Marlene”. They discuss its origins, adaptations and the various artists who have performed it, including Marlene Dietrich and Lale Anderson. The conversation delves into the song's significance for soldiers during World War II and its lasting legacy in music history.
To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN
REFERENCES
Lauder @ Hoxton Hall
https://hoxtonhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660809
East Kirkby Airfield
https://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/
Down at the Old Bull and Bush - History
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1NwbuVzoRg
Bombs On England („Bomben auf Engelland“) - Norbert Schultz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH9sHgQSwQ4
Lale Anderson - Song of the Young Soldier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1Wac7sd-c
The Biggest Aspidistra in the World - Gracie Fields
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHN-ZQzkJJU
With a Lamppost Attached to My Mac - Paul O’Grady (as Lily Savage)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjiWfVHB3Fo
You Gotta Get a Gimmick - Cilla Black, Barbara Windsor and Lily Savage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LOIGfjcxZE
Allo Allo - Lili Marlene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xOfPIckAtk
Marlene Dietrich - Musical Saw (film)
https://youtu.be/07esLvRHJPA?si=3mH-9u5ApEpaRBMa
Marlene Dietrich - Music Saw (audio)
https://youtu.be/zo97E2H2Ec8
We’ll Never Forget Our Boys
https://digitalnz.org/records/32376509
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
04:48 L = Lili Marlene
07:13 The Impact of Lili Marlene on Soldiers
11:24 The Controversy Surrounding the Song
13:30 The Evolution of 'Lili Marlene'
15:22 Marlene Dietrich's Impact on Soldiers
18:10 Discussing the Sheet Music
19:07 Where Did We First Hear This Song?
20:18 Discussing the Lyrics
24:10 Parodies and Variations of the Song
28:45 Marlene Dietrich: Icon and Entertainer
32:07 Discussing the Music
33:23 The Freedom of Interpretation in Music
34:10 Discussing Recordings: Lale Anderson
34:42 The Global Popularity of 'Lili Marlene'
5:23 The Beauty of Language in Song
36:14 Diverse Versions of 'Lili Marlene'
37:57 Theatricality in Musical Interpretations
39:34 Unexpected Artists and Their Contributions
40:42 Hildegard's Unique Take on 'Lili Marlene'
43:29 Marlene Dietrich's Iconic Performance
45:07 Which Are Our Favourites?
46:36 Personal Favorites and Final Thoughts
47:59 Mentioned in Dispatches
49:15 Teaser for Next Week
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
You can follow the podcast on social media:
http://instagram.com/warsongspod
https://www.facebook.com/warsongspod
Find more information about Lili Redman here:
https://liliredman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lili__redman/
https://www.facebook.com/ScalaLil
Or Tom Carradine here:
https://www.tomcarradine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tomcarradine
https://www.facebook.com/mrtomcarradine
CONTACT THE PODCAST
If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at warsongspod@gmail.com to be "Mentioned in Dispatches".
LISTENING LINKS
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ktQ4nyudmPRLcCNyNxEfv?si=ac9e1babe6834f2b
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-a-to-z-of-wartime-song/id1806037318
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