Bonaparte’s Retreat – (featuring Riley Puckett) 1950

About The Song

Bonaparte’s Retreat is a song written by Pete Seeger and Charles Seeger in 1942. It is a stirring ballad that tells the story of the French retreat from Russia in 1812. The song is sung from the perspective of a French soldier who is weary of war and longs to return home.

The song begins with the soldier describing the harsh conditions of the Russian winter. He sings of the snow, the ice, and the bitter cold. He also sings of the hunger and the disease that have ravaged the French army.

The soldier then turns his attention to the French retreat. He sings of the long and difficult march back to France. He also sings of the many soldiers who died along the way.

The song ends with the soldier expressing his hope for peace. He sings of his desire to return home to his family and friends. He also sings of his hope that the war will soon be over.

Bonaparte’s Retreat is a powerful song that captures the human cost of war. It is a song that is still relevant today, as we continue to fight wars in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Pete Seeger was a prolific American folk singer and songwriter. He is best known for his songs about social justice and peace. Seeger was a tireless advocate for civil rights and environmental protection. He was also a strong supporter of labor unions and the peace movement.

Seeger was born in New York City in 1919. He began playing the banjo at a young age and soon became involved in the folk music scene. In the 1940s, he began writing songs about social and political issues. He also became a member of the Almanac Singers, a group of folk singers who performed at union rallies and other events.

In the 1950s, Seeger was blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) for his alleged communist ties. He was unable to find work in the mainstream music industry, but he continued to perform at folk festivals and other events. He also began writing songs for children.

In the 1960s, Seeger became a leading figure in the civil rights movement. He performed at many civil rights rallies and marches, and his songs were used to inspire and motivate activists. He also became involved in the environmental movement and wrote songs about the need to protect the planet.

Seeger continued to perform and write songs until his death in 2014. He was a true American icon and his songs will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Charles Seeger was a musicologist and composer. He was the father of Pete Seeger. Seeger was born in Mexico City in 1886. He studied music at Harvard University and the University of Berlin.

Seeger was a leading figure in the field of ethnomusicology, the study of music from different cultures. He conducted fieldwork in the United States and Europe, collecting folk songs and studying musical traditions. He also wrote extensively about music and culture.

Seeger was a composer of classical music. He wrote symphonies, chamber music, and songs. His music is often inspired by folk music and American history.

Seeger died in 1979. He was a pioneer in the field of ethnomusicology and his work has had a profound impact on the study of music.

Riley Puckett was a folk singer and songwriter. He was born in 1910 in Galax, Virginia. Puckett learned to play the banjo at a young age and soon became known for his مهارت in playing the instrument.

In the 1930s, Puckett began performing on the radio. He also began recording songs for various record labels. Puckett’s songs were often about life in the mountains of Virginia. He also wrote songs about social and political issues.

Puckett continued to perform and record until his death in 1981. He was a true American folk singer and his songs will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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