The Meaning Behind The Song: It’s a Long Way to Mukumbura by Mike Westcott and Leprechaun
As a music journalist, I am always on the lookout for unique songs that have an interesting story behind them. One such song that has always fascinated me is “It’s a Long Way to Mukumbura” by Mike Westcott and Leprechaun. I first heard this song on a road trip with my friends many years ago, and it has remained a favorite of mine ever since.
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I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the catchy melody immediately caught my attention. As the lyrics started playing, I was captivated by the humorous and poignant story that unfolded.
The song is set to the tune of “It’s a long way to Tipperary,” adding an element of familiarity to the piece. However, the lyrics take on a completely different meaning as they express the distance and experiences of soldiers during the Rhodesian Bush War.
The mention of Mukumbura, Jawl, Bulawayo, Cecil Square, JOC Inyanga, Umtali, and several other places gives us a sense of the vastness of the region and the challenges faced by the soldiers stationed there. Through the lighthearted and witty lyrics, the song pays tribute to the different branches of the Rhodesian armed forces and their contributions during the war.
The clever wordplay and references to military jargon make the song both entertaining and meaningful. It paints a picture of soldiers living their lives away from home, relying on their camaraderie and humor to get through difficult times. Lines like “And if we really scheme it’s lekker when we start on our first phase” and “You fool private the tails at the back” showcase the unique slang and bonds formed within the military.
Furthermore, the final verses of the song highlight the contributions and roles of various units within the military, including Medics, Cops, RWS, Techs, Engineers, and Signals. Each verse carries a humorous anecdote or observation, shedding light on the diverse experiences and responsibilities of these individuals.
Album title:
It’s a Long Way to Mukumbura, by Mike Westcott and Leprechaun. This 1977 song was set to the music of “It’s a long way to Tipperary”. It rose to #2 on the Rhodesian hit music charts. The song both expressed, in humorous form, the physical distance to Mukumbura from other parts of the country while also celebrating the contributions made by different branches of the Rhodesian armed forces to the Rhodesian Bush War.
Being a song that emerged during a challenging period in Rhodesia’s history, “It’s a Long Way to Mukumbura” carries dual significance. On one hand, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of the soldiers involved in the war. On the other hand, it offers a way to lighten the mood and bring comfort through music even in the most challenging of times.
Overall, “It’s a Long Way to Mukumbura” is not just a catchy tune with clever lyrics. It is a powerful piece of music that pays homage to the soldiers and their experiences while engaging listeners with its humor and relatability. It stands as a testament to the way music can transcend boundaries and provide solace even in the most difficult times.
Credits:
Recorded At Rhodesia
Release Date January 1, 1977
Tags:
Rock, Rockabilly
