“This Is No Time for You to Take a Rest”: Hollywood Goes to War

In the battle for the hearts and minds of the American people during World War II, the U.S. government viewed its popular performers—singers, dancers, and actors—as a crucial weapon. Even before Pearl Harbor, Treasury Department officials began making plans to raise money to finance the war by selling bonds to the public, which would be repaid with interest after the war was over. During the war, private citizens and organizations bought $190 billion worth of war bonds at the low interest rate of 1.8 percent. Hollywood stars became central to war bond drives. The glamorous actress Dorothy Lamour alone was credited with selling $350 million in war bonds. A September 1942 “bond blitz” enlisted more than three hundred actors who worked eighteen-hour days and sold more than $800 million in bonds. As the war dragged on, the Hollywood bond salespeople continued to motivate purchases even when allied victory seemed secure. This 1945 recording by Bing Crosby exhorted people to participate in the seventh war loan.

Buy, buy, buy, buy a bond.

And by and by,

The bonds you buy will bring you victory.

Buy, buy, buy, buy a bond.

And you’ll be standing by the victory arch

When Johnny comes marching home again.

Oh, you should need no request,

For after all, you know that you’re investing in the best,

Till the lads come back again,

Back the old attack again,

Buy, buy bonds.

This is no time to say you’ve done enough.

This is the time to really do your stuff.

And even if you can’t be a soldier in the ranks,

You can be the guy that helps supply the guns and planes and tanks.

This is the time for you to do your best.

This is no time for you to take a rest.

The enemy is reeling and his morale is low,

So now’s the time to fall in line and deal the final blow.

Buy, buy, buy, buy a bond.

And by and by,

The bonds you buy will bring you victory.

Buy, buy, buy, buy a bond.

And you’ll be standing by the victory arch

When Johnny comes marching home again.

Oh, you should need no request,

For after all, you know that you’re investing in the best.

Till the lads come back again,

Back the old attack again,

Buy, buy bonds.

Source: Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration, Recorded Sound Division.

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