Ma, I miss your apple pie
Ma, I miss your stew
Ma, they're treating me alright
But they can't cook like you
Oh, Ma, nobody's spoiling me
Like you used to do
They won't let me stay in bed until noon
At five-forty-five they play me a tune
Oh, Ma, I miss your apple pie
And by the way, I miss you too
Ma, I miss your stew
Ma, they're treating me alright
But they can't cook like you
Oh, Ma, nobody's spoiling me
Like you used to do
They won't let me stay in bed until noon
At five-forty-five they play me a tune
Oh, Ma, I miss your apple pie
And by the way, I miss you too
The song “Ma! I Miss Your Apple Pie” was performed by Guy Lombardo & his Royal Canadians in 1941, and composed by Carmen Lombardo and John Jacob Loeb. Rather than voicing an opinion on the US’s foreign policy during WW2, at first this song seems light-hearted and more of a tune to pass the time; however, a second glance begs to differ. This is actually a fairly pro-war song, in complete support of the stated US foreign policy. Apple pie is used as an icon for America and its freedom, and easily sums up the notion of what America was fighting for. The soldier constantly restating missing his mom’s apple pie is a metaphor for yearning for the “goodness, freedom, and purity” of America back at home. This song showcases how the soldiers were fighting for democracy and justice, and yearned for their homes back in America where both were present. The catchy, fun line of “Ma, I miss your apple pie” serves to catch the listener’s ear, and the simple lyrics make it catchy and perhaps something to sing to pass the time; doing so would also spread the song’s message, which is undoubtedly what the composers were trying to achieve. I agree with the song in the sense that I believe the goal of the US's involvement in the war was just, though I think having America as the epitome of “goodness” is a little extreme.