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History Repeats Itself

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"History Repeats Itself"
Song
B-side"Sniper's Hill"
"History Repeats Itself"
Song
B-side"After Taxes"

"History Repeats Itself" is a 1966 narrated song written and recorded by Buddy Starcher. It became his greatest hit, reaching number 39 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100[2] and number two on the Country chart.

The song begins with the line, "His truth is marching on," the concluding phrase of the chorus of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. The lyrics recount coincidences and parallels between the careers and deaths of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.

Starcher also recorded a "Part 2," as there are too many similarities to be recounted in just one song.

Lyrical content

Just a few of the noted similarities shared by both presidents include: Being elected in years ending in '60, both concerned with civil rights issues. Both first ladies lost a child while in the White House. Both presidents were shot in the back of the head on a Friday, in the presence of their wives. Their assassins were born in years ending '39, and both espousing radical ideologies. Their successors were both southern senators named Johnson, both born in years ending in '08.

Cover version

"History Repeats Itself" was covered by Cab Calloway, charting concurrently with Starcher's version and debuting on the charts one week later.

Chart history

Buddy Starcher original
Chart (1966) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[3] 39
U.S. Country 2
U.S. Cash Box Top 100[4] 40
Cab Calloway cover
Chart (1966) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[5] 89
U.S. Cash Box Top 100[6] 82

See also

References

  1. ^ https://www.discogs.com/Buddy-Starcher-History-Repeats-Itself/release/8916125
  2. ^ Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
  3. ^ Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
  4. ^ Cash Box Top 100 Singles, May 14, 1966
  5. ^ Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
  6. ^ Cash Box Top 100 Singles, April 30, 1966
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