When the War Was On Songtext
von Blind Willie Johnson

Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on

Well, it′s just about a few years, and some months ago
United States come and voted for war
Sammy called the men from the East and the West:
"Get ready boys, we've got to do our best"

Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on

Well, President Wilson, sittin′ on his throne
Makin' laws for everyone
Didn't call the black man, to lay by the white

Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on


Price on the letter, begin to raise
Gettin′ no better, but the same old thing
Eight cents on the dollar, ride the train
Rates gettin′ cheaper, take a ride again

Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on

First, you measure your boiler, measure your wheat
Half a pound of sugar for a person a week.
Folks didn't like it, they blamed Uncle Sam
I′ve got to save the sugar for the boys in France

Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on

Well, boys whupped the Germans, home at last
Would have brought the Kaiser, but he run too fast
Couldn't blame the Kaiser for a-leavin′ the land
Sammy, he had to save the skin of a most evil man


Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on

Tax gettin' heavy, have to pay
Helped the boys, over across the sea
Mud and water up to their knees
Faced the Kaiser for you and me

Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Everybody would help, when the war was on
Well, they registered everybody, when the war was on