About The Song
In the vast expanse of American music history, there are countless songs that have captured the hearts and minds of listeners across generations. Among these timeless classics is Jimmy Dean’s stirring ballad, “PT-109”, a poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in World War II and the extraordinary heroism of a young naval officer named John F. Kennedy.
Released in 1963, just months after Kennedy’s assassination, “PT-109” quickly resonated with the American public, becoming a powerful anthem of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. The song’s narrative recounts the harrowing tale of Kennedy’s command of Patrol Torpedo boat 109 during a nighttime attack on a Japanese destroyer in the Solomon Islands.
As the story unfolds, Dean’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of the intense sea battle, the devastating collision that left PT-109 shattered, and the arduous journey of survival that Kennedy and his crew embarked upon. With each verse, the song captures the raw emotions of the moment – fear, determination, and the unwavering spirit of camaraderie that bound the crew together.
“PT-109” is more than just a war ballad; it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the ability to persevere in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Dean’s powerful vocals and the song’s haunting melody underscore the gravity of the situation while simultaneously conveying a sense of hope and unwavering resolve.
The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, evoking feelings of patriotism, admiration, and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served in the line of duty. “PT-109” serves as a reminder of the extraordinary courage that ordinary individuals can possess, even in the darkest of times.
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Lyric
In ’43 they put to sea, thirteen men and KennedyAboard the P.T. 109, to fight the brazen enemyAnd off the isle of ol’ Lusana, in the strait beyond NehruA Jap deatroyer in the night cut the ‘109 in twoSmoke and fire upon the seaEverywhere they looked was the enemyThe heathen gods of old JapanYeah, the thought they had the best of a mighty good manAnd on the coast of Kolombangaro, looking through his telescopeAustralian Evans saw the battle for the crew had little hopeTwo were dead, some were wounded, all were clinging to the bowFighting fire and a-fighting water trying to save their lives somehowSmoke and fire upon the seaEverywhere they looked was the enemyThe heathen gods of old JapanYeah, they thought they had the best of a mighty good manMcMahon the Irishman was burned so badly, he couldn’t swimLeave me, here go on, he said ’cause if you don’t we’ll all be deadThe PT skipper couldn’t leave him, a man to die alone at seaAnd with a strap between his teeth, he towed the Irishman through the seaSmoke and fire upon the seaEverywhere they looked was the enemyThe heathen gods of old JapanYeah, they thought they had the best of a mighty good manHe led his men through waters dark, rocky reefs and hungry sharksBraved the ennemy’s bayonets, a .38 hung ’round his neckFour more days and four more nights a rescue boat pulled into sightThe P.T. 109 was gone but Kennedy and his crew lived onNow who could guess or who could possibly knowThat this same man named KennedyWould be the leader of the nation, be the one to take command?The P.T. 109 was gone but Kennedy lived to fight againSmoke and fire upon the seaEverywhere they looked was the enemyBut JFK and his crew lived onWhich proves it’s hard to get the best of a man named John