90 Pounds of Rucksack - Music of the 10th Mountain Division

The 10th Mountain Division during World War Two was an elite unit of mountaineers, skiers and outdoorsmen. Many of them enjoyed singing, and composed songs about being in the mountain troops.

[David-zdss]

My grandpa found in Italy with the 10th mountain division in WW2. His funeral was yesterday. He used to sing this all the time

[Alexis-urbc]

Lyrics:


I was a barmaid in a mountain inn;
There I learned the wages and miseries of sin;
Along came a skier fresh from off the slopes;
He’s the one that ruined me and shattered all my hopes.
Singing:
[Chorus:]
Ninety pounds of rucksack
A pound of grub or two
He’ll schuss the mountain,
Like his daddy used to do.
He asked me for a candle to light his way to bed;
He asked me for a kerchief to cover up his head;
I like a foolish maiden, thinking it no harm;
Jumped into the skier’s bed to keep the skier warm.
Singing:
[Chorus]
Early in the morning before the break of day,
He handed me a five note and with it he did say,
“Take this my darling for the damage I have done.
You may have a daughter, you may have a son.
Now if you have a daughter, bounce her on your knee;
And if you have a son, send the bastard out to ski.”
Singing:
[Chorus]
The moral of this story, as you can plainly see,
Is never trust a skier an inch above your knee.
For I trusted one and now look at me;
I’ve got a son in the Mountain Infantry.
Singing:
[Chorus]

[ectothermicmercenary]

I can't stop listening to it. May God bless America and continue guiding the people. AMEN.

[dennislowry]

My father, Warren R. Lowry, during WWII, was a part of Co L 85th 10th Mountain Division. He was a replacement soldier and joined the 10th just before they crossed the Po River to chase the German army into Austria. He bivouacked just outside of Lake Garda before being sent back to the States and eventual deployment to the Pacific Theater. Luckily, VJ Day happened during his boat ride across the pond.

[roberthurley]

My daddy was K/87th and the proudest thing in his life was being in the 10th Mtn before they were a full division and yes, I can still remember that chorus even now into my 60's .. thanks for this

[yourpalthomas]

My dad was in 10th Mountain Division, I Would Hear Him Singing This,

[bambipardisitsarightsong]

my dad sang this song to me once so i could remember say ruck sack milatary words have different meanings you can not under stand you suppose to

[bambipardis]

And even took his last March down central avenue with his army buddy Bob coupe his best man at wedding with my mom Mona married on memorial day may 28th, 1959

[StrawRaccoon]

Adapted from the English folk soon Rosemary Lane

[seggsc]

When I saw title I HAD to click on this and see what is goin' on. LMAO, I was a Frontline Infantry Combat Medic in Todays time. I saw 90lbs as title and was like WHAT??!! When I was in, the rifleman's full battle rattle ruck weighed 120lbs, we Medics had exactly same gear as rifleman (120lbs) PLUS our Aid Bags, which added another 30lbs to the already 120lbs for a total of 150lbs. Trust & Believe, I would have LOVED to hump 90lbs🤪😝😜 Climb to Glory! 👊🏾😎👍🏾❤️