Story Behind The Song
After seing a History Channel special about the Indy I was moved to write this song. I hope that it prevents anyone from forgetting the great price so many Americans of the "Greatest Generation" paid for our freedom. And I hope that it keeps alive the story of the brave men of the USS Indianapolis.
Song Description
This song is about what happened to the U.S.S. Indianapolis which was lost only 10 days before the end of WWII. 1200 men were aboard but only 316 were saved. Nearly 900 men were left to swim for 5 days because the Navy ignored the SOS sent by the ship after she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Capatain Charles McVay was the only US Naval Commander court martialed for losing a ship during WWII.
| Song Length |
3:45 |
Genre |
Folk - General, Folk - Traditional |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Distressed |
Subject |
History, Past, Ship |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1970 - 1979 |
Lyrics
Only 316 Saved
Indy was a brave old ship when she entered World War II
And through that fray 10 battle stars she?d earned Captain and crew
Her secret cargo left behind she set out for deep blue
But in the dark a submarine near cut her in two
CHORUS:
1200 men her compliment
Into the drink 900 went
And after 5 days of torment
Only 316 saved
When that first day dawned it brightened hopes for they knew they would be found
3 SOS the boys had sent before she had gone down
But back at home they went ignored in a sea of paper drowned
So the good men all were left to swim for 5 days left unfound
Indianapolis
The second day the sharks appeared to screams of pain and fright
But fright soon turned to terror as the day turned into night
All night the dark heard anguished cries as many met their plight
And silent prayers in fervent hope of making all things right
Repeat Chorus:
The next two days were all a blur as names fell from the roll
Thirst and hunger pain and hopelessness all took their toll
And all the while the sharks swam by continuing their patrol
And soon enough a painless death became everyone?s goal
Indianapolis
Then finally a plane was heard approaching in the sky
The pilot spotted oil and men on a low level fly-by
At last the saved were rescued and all began to cry
Tears of sorrow pain and woe mixed in with tears of joy
Repeat Chorus:
But the Navy needed one to blame and they picked Captain McVay
And after all the hearings well the Navy had it?s way
And even though it was a sham it caused him such dismay
Eventually he took his life alone at home one day.
Indianapolis
Final Chorus