“Onward, Oil Producers”

Given the support for the Iraq war among many Christians and following a suggestion by Kevin Phillips in his book, American Theocracy, I have written the following satire. It is sung, hummed or read to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers with all due apologies to the composer of the original hymn.

Onward, Oil Producers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Exxon going on before.
Royal Blackwat’r leads against the foe;
forward into battle see Dyncorp banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Oil Producers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Exxon going on before.

2. At the sign of triumph Islam’s host doth flee;
on then, BP soldiers, on to victory!
Oil foundations quiver at the shout you raise;
Haliburton lift your voice, loud your anthem raise.
Refrain:
Onward, Oil Producers, marching as to war,
with the cross of KBR going on before.

3. Like a mighty army moves across oil’s sod;
brothers, we are treading where imperialists have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in oil greed.
Refrain:
Onward, Oil Producers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Grumman going on before.

4. The oppressed may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
but the Chevron barons constant will remain.
Fields of oil can never o’er multinationals prevail;
we have Bush’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Refrain:
Onward, Oil Producers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Rockwell going on before.

5. Onward then, ye vultures, join our imperial throng,
blend with ours your voices in oil power song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto the petro kings,
this through countless ages men will dare sing.
Refrain:
Onward, Oil Producers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Lockheed going on before.

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