I'm Asking You Sergeant, Where's Mine
Encyclopedia
"" is a folk song written and first performed in the mid-1970s by Scottish comedian, actor and singer Billy Connolly
. It was later popularized by The Dubliners
. Inspired by The Troubles
in Northern Ireland
, it is told from the point of view of a wounded soldier and makes ironic reference to British Army
recruitment advertisements of the era that showed recruits having a grand time in exotic places and enjoying such activities as skiing.
The first recording of the song, by Connolly, was included on his live album, Cop Yer Whack for This (Polydor ACB 00215, 1974) – the song's title was shortened to "Sergeant, Where's Mine?" for that release. Connolly re-recorded the song in 1992 backed by The Dubliners, and it was included on the group's album 30 Years A-Greying (Baycourt RTE-CD 157-30, 1992).
This song was one of several Connolly wrote with a military theme. Another was "Weekend Soldier", a song reminiscing about his own experiences serving in the Territorial Army, which he performed on his album Get Right Intae Him!.
Billy Connolly
William "Billy" Connolly, Jr., CBE is a Scottish comedian, musician, presenter and actor. He is sometimes known, especially in his native Scotland, by the nickname The Big Yin...
. It was later popularized by The Dubliners
The Dubliners
The Dubliners are an Irish folk band founded in 1962.-Formation and history:The Dubliners, initially known as "The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group", formed in 1962 and made a name for themselves playing regularly in O'Donoghue's Pub in Dublin...
. Inspired by The Troubles
The Troubles
The Troubles was a period of ethno-political conflict in Northern Ireland which spilled over at various times into England, the Republic of Ireland, and mainland Europe. The duration of the Troubles is conventionally dated from the late 1960s and considered by many to have ended with the Belfast...
in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, it is told from the point of view of a wounded soldier and makes ironic reference to British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
recruitment advertisements of the era that showed recruits having a grand time in exotic places and enjoying such activities as skiing.
The first recording of the song, by Connolly, was included on his live album, Cop Yer Whack for This (Polydor ACB 00215, 1974) – the song's title was shortened to "Sergeant, Where's Mine?" for that release. Connolly re-recorded the song in 1992 backed by The Dubliners, and it was included on the group's album 30 Years A-Greying (Baycourt RTE-CD 157-30, 1992).
This song was one of several Connolly wrote with a military theme. Another was "Weekend Soldier", a song reminiscing about his own experiences serving in the Territorial Army, which he performed on his album Get Right Intae Him!.