Posted on 06/03/2023 2:21:10 PM PDT by SamAdams76
The term “sky pilot” was in existence well before airplanes were invented.
I remember hearing this song about every morning in the place where I worked. Myself & a good friend would hear the music & knew immediately they were doing “our song”. That’s how much we longed to get out of the place we were working. He left before I did, finally moved & later passed away. I stayed long enough to retire, but we always remembered that song.
I remember hearing this song about every morning in the place where I worked. Myself & a good friend would hear the music & knew immediately they were doing “our song”. That’s how much we longed to get out of the place we were working. He left before I did, finally moved & later passed away. I stayed long enough to retire, but we always remembered that song.
Yes, it actually goes back to the 1800s. It refers to a military clergyman; a priest; one who pilots or shows the way to heaven.
Thus, "Sky Pilot"
I did not know this until recently but I always loved this song. Especially the long version posted here. The radio-friendly short version never gave the full experience.
The song is not complimentary of these chaplains, who are portrayed as sending boys off to die while they themselves retire to safety.
Exactly right. It isn’t very complementary of chaplains. They vary in quality, and of course, they are all commissioned officers, which is another reason for a grunt to be suspicious of them.
Don’t know if it holds true today, but Chesty Puller, an Episcopalian, said Catholic priests were the best chaplains. Younger, not encumbered by wives, ready and happy to deploy and be close to the line.
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