"I Wanted Wings"

 

This little gem of a shanty was pulled from the USS Coral Sea 71-72 VMA 224 Song Book. This was official. I hope you enjoy the lyrics as much as I do…

 

I wanted wings, ‘til I got the Gauddamned things;

Now I don’t want them anymore.

They taught me how to fly, then they sent me off to die;

I’ve had a belly full of war.

 

You can save the 57’s for someone who hopes for heaven;

Distinguished Flying Crosses do not compensate for losses, Buster!

I wanted wings, ‘til I got the Gauddamned things;

Now I don’t want them anymore.

 

Yes, I’ll take the dames, let the rest go down in flames;

I have no desire to be burned.

Guided Missiles hold romance, ‘til they shoot holes in your pants;

I’m not a fighter I have learned.

 

You can save the Gauddamned truckers for some other mother-fuckers;

I’d rather make a woman than be shot down in a Grumman, Buster!

I wanted wings, ‘til I got the Gauddamned things;

Now I don’t want them anymore.

 

I am tired of all the tricks, in an “Iron Bird” A6;

That’s for the eager, not for me.

I don’t trust in my vest, to save me like the rest;

After I’ve crashed into the sea.

 

I’d rather be a terrier, than a flyer off a carrier;

With my hand around a bottle, you can keep your Gauddamned throttle, Buster!

I wanted wings, ‘til I got the Gauddamned things;

Now I don’t want them anymore.

 

I’d rather date a pig than to hassle with a MIG;

SAM’s always make me lose my lunch.

I get an urge to pray, when they holler, “SAM’s AWAY!”

I’d rather be at home with all the bunch.

 

For there’s nothing you can laugh off, when they shoot your tailpipe half-off;

Oh, I’d rather be home Buster, with my tail than with a Cluster, Buster!

I wanted wings, ‘til I got the Gauddamned things;

Now I don’t want them anymore.

 

They feed us lousy chow, but we stay alive somehow;

On dehydrated eggs and milk and stew.

The rumor has it next, they’ll be dehydrating sex;

And that’s the day I’ll tell the coach I’m through.

 

For I’ve managed all the dangers and the shooting back of strangers;

But when I come home at night, I want to my women tight, Buster!

I wanted wings, ‘til I got the Gauddamned things;

Now I don’t want them anymore.

( Fin )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC-8vPJo9OE 

By Oscar Brand