Hitler Lives

Capitol Records #421 | 1947 | Herman the Hermit

[Taft in '52]

Hitler Lives

We hear lots of talk today up and down life's broad highway,
Whether Hitler died in old Berlin.
Here's hone thing I'm telling you, you can bet your life, it's true:
If we forget, then Hitler lives again.

Hitler lives if we hurt our fellow man.
Hitler lives if we forget.
Those who fought where heroes died
That our flag might float on high,
If we forget, Hitler lives, Hitler lives.

I see buddies here and there, mighty lonesome in dispair;
Got no home, and got no job, and got no friends.
If their troubles you ignore, if you turn them from your door,
Then you can tell the world that Hitler lives again.

Hitler lives if we hurt our fellow man.
Hitler lives if we forget.
Those who fought where heroes died
That our flag might float on high,
If we forget, Hitler lives, Hitler lives.

If your memory's so dumb, you've forgotten '41,
When the world was aflame from shore to shore.
You cna count on this, my friend, you'll let Hitler live again,
If you should ever turn a hero from your door.

Hitler lives if we hurt our fellow man.
Hitler lives if we forget.
Those who fought where heroes died
That our flag might float on high,
If we forget, Hitler lives, Hitler lives.

Herman the Hermit, Capitol Records #421, 1947

[Taft in '52]

Herman the Herman, a radio personality and father of 1950's rock star Cliffie Stone, was concerned with the plight of veterans in the tumultuous post-WWII economy when he waxed this disc. Unfortunately, the events in Florida over the past few days indicate that we have, indeed, forgotten '41.

[Taft in '52]

The comparison may be absurd in terms of sheer numbers, but I'm not the only one who sees shades of Auschwitz at Pinellas Park.