I've always believed it was about Dee Dee's father, a Vietnam veteran who was stationed in Berlin where Dee Dee grew up. His father, allegedly an alcoholic who was very tough to deal with, would probably be recognized in the four rules, which Dee Dee was told to live by: (obey) the laws of Germany, be nice to Mommy, Don't talk to commies (East Berlin residents), and the eat kosher salami part I don't quite get.
I think the "Commando" title refers to Mr. Colvin. The other locations mentioned in the song may be places he was formerly stationed.
@PeteyRamone Good point, those would be rules Dee Dee was taught to live by, it fits. It's also funny as hell and so offbeat for a rock lyric in 1977, when everyone else was singing about shakin your booty!
@PeteyRamone Good point, those would be rules Dee Dee was taught to live by, it fits. It's also funny as hell and so offbeat for a rock lyric in 1977, when everyone else was singing about shakin your booty!
I've always believed it was about Dee Dee's father, a Vietnam veteran who was stationed in Berlin where Dee Dee grew up. His father, allegedly an alcoholic who was very tough to deal with, would probably be recognized in the four rules, which Dee Dee was told to live by: (obey) the laws of Germany, be nice to Mommy, Don't talk to commies (East Berlin residents), and the eat kosher salami part I don't quite get. I think the "Commando" title refers to Mr. Colvin. The other locations mentioned in the song may be places he was formerly stationed.
@PeteyRamone Good point, those would be rules Dee Dee was taught to live by, it fits. It's also funny as hell and so offbeat for a rock lyric in 1977, when everyone else was singing about shakin your booty!
@PeteyRamone Good point, those would be rules Dee Dee was taught to live by, it fits. It's also funny as hell and so offbeat for a rock lyric in 1977, when everyone else was singing about shakin your booty!