This photograph is by Sgt. 1st Class Howard C. Breedlove, U.S. Army DASPO, of men of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), participating in Task Force Oregon, leaping from a chopper near Chu Lai in the Spring of 1967. The photo was reproduced on the VIETNAM VETERANS NATIONAL MEDAL.
In addition to the songs produced during the Vietnam War, there were several excellent ones that came out in the 1980's. These later efforts give more of a logical, historical perspective on the war and deal mostly with the lasting effects on the individual Vietnam Veteran.
Most all of the songs I have listed in this web site do not mention Vietnam by name. But the 9 years of US active combat in Vietnam changed this nation and I believe that none of the following nineteen songs would have been written without the extreme emotion that the war brought to this country. I feel that all of the songs are very interesting and a reflection of the time. When I first began this web site, in deciding which songs to list, the song had to qualify in two ways. I asked (1) "Was it a Top 40 Billboard Song?" and (2) "Would it have existed if Vietnam had not occurred?".
Over the years I changed my mind and have broken the songs down into two categories: The "Top 40 Hits" and some "Honorable Mentions".
Some or all of these songs may be familiar to you. Some you may not have realized to be Vietnam related. In addition to a sample of the song lyrics, performer and writer, I also provide a short scenario or bit of Trivia about the song.
If you have any comments or questions, please E-Mail me below. I read all of my e-mail. But due to the large volume I can only answer those writers whom I feel I can assist in identifying songs or in answering trivia (and trivial questions). If I don't answer your e-mail it's because I don't know the answer to your question. I know it's hard to believe, but I DON'T know all the answers! But keep your e-mails coming. I do enjoy hearing from you!
-Larry R. Matthews
THE "TOP 40" SONGS:
THE BALLAD OF GREEN BERETS
THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
SKY PILOT
TO SUSAN ON THE WEST COAST WAITING
GALVESTON
RUBY DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE TO TOWN
THE FIGHTIN' SIDE OF ME
OHIO
WAR!
YELLOW RIVER
BRING THE BOYS HOME
STILL IN SAIGON
WALKING ON A THIN LINE
THE HONORABLE MENTIONS:
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER
ALICE'S RESTAURANT
I FEEL LIKE I'M FIXIN' TO DIE RAG
REQUIEM FOR THE MASSES
DRAFT RESISTER
GOODNIGHT SAIGON
THE "TOP 40" SONGS
THE BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS - Sgt. Barry Sadler
Fighting soldiers from the sky.
Fearless men who jump and die.
Men who mean just what they say.
The brave men of The Green Beret.
-
Silver wings upon their chests.
These are men, America's best.
One hundred men we'll test today.
But only three win the The Green Beret.
-
Trained to live off nature's land.
Trained in combat, hand to hand.
Men who fight by night and day.
Courage take from The Green Beret.
-
Silver wings upon their chests.
These are men, America's best.
One hundred men we'll test today.
But only three win The Green Beret.
-
Back at home a young wife waits.
Her Green Beret has met his fate.
He has died for those oppressed.
Leaving her this last request.
Put silver wings on my son's chest.
Make him one of America's best.
He'll be a man they'll test one day.
Have him win The Green Beret.
(Scenario. A very popular record in the early days of the war that has taken a lot of flack over the years. Even when I was in the Philippines in '72 the local Filipino band made fun of the song - "one hundred men she'll lay today, but only three in the normal way" or "one hundred men she'll lay today, but only three will give her pay". There is nothing wrong with the bravery and dedication expressed in the song. It's just sad that the way the war was run caused the song to be made fun of. Strangely no one would think to criticize the dedication and bravery promoted in this song now days. They are a great asset in our 21st Century war against terrorism. Written by Barry Sadler/Robin Moore.)
THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER - The Doors
(Top Chart Position: #39 on May 4, 1968)
Wait until the war is over
And we're both a little older
The Unknown Soldier.
Breakfast where the news is read
Television children fed
Unborn living, living, dead
Bullet strikes the helmet's head.
And it's all over
For the Unknown Soldier.
It's all over
For the Unknown Soldier.
(Sounds of execution by firing squad and gunshot)
Make a grave for the Unknown Soldier.
Nestled in your hollow shoulder
The Unknown Soldier.
Breakfast where the news is read.
Television children fed.
Bullet strikes the helmet's head.
And, it's all over.
The war is over.
It's all over.
The war is over.
Etc.
(Scenario: An obvious Vietnam era song as it discusses the fact that Vietnam was a "television war". But the song could belong to any war. It's about the terrible death of any soldier. But the song is still a mystery. If the song is solely about death on the battlefield, then why is there the "firing squad" section in the middle of the song? The song's video shows the Doors near the ocean where they tie Jim Morrison to a post. He is executed by an unseen firing squad. Not a pretty scene when he spits up blood and hangs down dead still tied to the post. Written by the Doors.)
SKY PILOT - Eric Burdon and The Animals
(Top Chart Position: #14 on June 22, 1968)
He blesses the boys, as they stand in line
The smell of gun grease and their bayonets they shine
He's there to help them all that he can
To make them feel wanted he's a good holy man
-
Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky
-
He smiles at the young soldiers, tells them it's all right
He knows of their fear in the forthcoming fight
Soon there'll be blood and many will die
Mothers and fathers back home they will cry.
Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky.
-
He mumbles a prayer and it ends with a smile.
The order is given, they move down the line
But he'll stay behind, and he'll meditate
But it won't stop the bleeding, or ease the hate.
-
As the young men move out into the battle zone
He feels good, with God you're never alone
He feels so tired and he lays on his bed
Hopes the men will find courage in the words that he said.
-
Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never,never reach the sky.
-
(war noise and bagpipies)
-
Those soldiers who've gone you must understand
The fate of your country is in your your hand.
May god give you strength, do your job real well
If it all was worth it only time it will tell.
-
In the morning they returned with tears in their eyes.
The stench of death drifts up to the skies.
A young soldier so ill
looks at the Sky Pilot.
Remembers the words
"Thou Shalt Not Kill".
-
Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky.
(Scenario: This is the 7+ minute long version. This is another song that has been greatly misunderstood. I once heard a review of it in that the Sky Pilot was described as a jet fighter pilot awaiting the return of his men. Actually, a Sky Pilot is a Chaplain. I am not really sure of the purpose of this song. Is it a criticism of Chaplains in this situation? Is it an expose' of how little Chaplains can actually do for men and women in a combat zone? Or is it simply just a statement of fact of how things are - the irony of a Clergyman encouraging men to go out and kill? Sadly I have absolutely no answers, but it is definately a stirring song. Written by Eric Burdon.)
TO SUSAN ON THE WEST COAST WAITING - Donovan
(Top Chart Postion: #35 on March 1, 1969)
Dear Susan, I know you love me so
But I want to hear it in my ear
You know I'd be there working at my craft
Had it not been for the draft.
Dry up your tear and feel no fear,
You're here with me like I'm there with you.
-
To Susan on the West Coast Waiting,
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
To Susan on the West Coast Waiting,
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-
I'm writing a note beneath a tree,
The smell of the rain on the greenery.
Our fathers have painfully lost their way,
That's why, my love, I'm here today
Hear me when I say there will come a day
When Kings will know and love can grow.
-
To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-
Susan, I know you love me so but I'd like to hear it in my ear.
You know I'd be there working at my craft.
Had it not been for the draft.
Dry up your tear and feel no fear.
You're here with me like I'm there with you.
-
To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
From Andy supposedly hating.
To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
(Scenario: Not an enormous hit but one that really hit the mark on the personal life of those who served in Vietnam. The loneliness and the feeling that, by 1969, that the war was a hopeless thing and the only escape was to do your time, hopefully survive, and go home to your loved ones.)
GALVESTON - Glen Campbell
(Top Chart Position: #4 on March 15, 1969)
Galveston, oh Galveston, I still hear your sea winds blowin'
I still see her dark eyes glowin'
She was 21 when I left Galveston.
-
Galveston, oh Galveston, I still hear your sea waves crashing
While I watch the cannons flashing,
I clean my gun and dream of Galveston.
-
I still see her standing by the water
Standing there looking out to sea.
And is she waiting there for me?
On the beach where we used to run.
-
Galveston, oh Galveston, I am so afraid of dying,
Before I dry the tears she's crying.
Before I watch your sea birds flying in the sun
At Galveston, at Galveston
(Scenario: The great Jimmy Webb song. Not surprisingly the sentiments are very close to those of "To Susan On The West Coast Waiting". The soldier, the girl at home and the fear. Strangely, I must have heard this song 100 times and thought it was just about a town in Texas. But then I finally realized that the location of the writer was the important place.)
(Top Chart Position: #6 on July 5, 1969)
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair.
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere?
The shadows on the wall tell me the sun is going down.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town.
-
It wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian War.
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore.
And yes, it's true that I'm not the man I used to be.
Oh Ruby, I still need some company.
-
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed.
And the wants and the needs of a woman your age really I realize.
But it won't be long, I've heard them say, until I'm not around.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town.
-
She's leaving now cause I just heard the slamming of the door.
The way I know I heard its slams one hundred times before.
And If I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town.
-
Oh Ruby, for God's sake turn around......
(Scenario: I always thought this was a very powerful song. There aren't too many songs about disabled war veterans and this one made it's point as far as I am concerned. It was a big hit, but I'll bet most people missed the point. You can blame neither the vet nor his wife for the way they feel. They both really lose in this situation and the song is terribly sad for both of them. You figure that all of those who survived combat came home in one piece and had no problems? Figure again! Written by Mel Tillis.)
THE FIGHTIN' SIDE OF ME - Merle Haggard
(Top Chart Position: #1 on February 7, 1970)
I hear people talkin' bad
About the way we have to live here in this country
Harpin' on the wars we fight
An' gripin' 'bout the way things ought to be.
-
And I don't mind 'em switchin' sides and
Standin' up for things they believe in
When they're runnin' down my country, man
They're walking on the fighin' side of me!
-
Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down the way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.
-
If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'
If you're runnin' down my country man
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me!
-
I read about some squirrelly guy
Who claims, he just don't believe in fightin'
And I wonder just how long
The rest of us can count on bein' free.
-
They love our milk and honey
But they preach about some other way of livin'
When they're runnin down my country, hoss
They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me!
-
Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down our way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.
(Fade out)
(Scenario: This is the country side of the situation. Historically country music has been more conservative and patriotic. However, many people other than country fans rallied behind this song. It symbolized the most basic opinion that many Americans were tired of being criticized for trying to keep others free. They also were tired of some celebrities who went to Vietnam and appeared to join the enemy (Remember Hanoi Jane?). They felt there was a difference between not supporting the war and criticizing basic American values. I always interpreted this song to be more "Pro-American" than "Pro-Vietnam War", but it was written as a reaction to anti Vietnam War protestors. Written by Merle Haggard.)
OHIO - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
(Top Chart Position: #14 on July 11, 1970)
Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We're finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.
-
Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done long ago.
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
(Scenario: On May 4, 1970 four Kent State University students were gunned down by Ohio National Guardsmen during an anti-war demonstration. This Neil Young penned song came out only a few months later. He wrote it after viewing still photographs of the carnage. In all of the research and television documentaries I have seen, I have still never been convinced of a good reason of why the National Guardsmen fired. A sad, tragic affair.
WAR! - Edwin Starr
(Top Chart Position: #1 on July 25, 1970)
War!
What is it good for?
Absolutely Nothing!
(Repeat)
War is something that I despise
For it means destruction of innocent lives.
For it means tears in thousands of mother's eyes.
When their sons go out to fight to give their lives.'
-
War!
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing.
Say it again.
(Repeat)
It's nothing but a heartbreaker
Friend only to the undertaker.
War is the enemy of all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind.
Handed down from generation to generation.
Induction destruction
Who wants to die!
-
War!
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing
Say it again.
War!
What is it good for?
-
War has shattered many young man's dreams
Made them disabled, bitter and mean.
Life is too precious to be fighting wars each day
War can't give life, it can only take it away.
-
It's nothing but a heartbreaker.
Friend only to the undertaker.
There must be some place for these things today.
They say we must fight to keep our freedom,
But Lord there's gotta be a better way.
Better than war.
War!
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!
(Repeat)
(Scenario: Who can argue with the sentiments of the song? It was probably the most sincere and animated of the anti-war songs to come out of the Vietnam Era. I think that this song illustrates the power of the anti-war movement during the later part of the war. Written by Norman Whitfield/Barrett Stroud).
YELLOW RIVER - Christie
(Top Chart Position: #23 on October 24, 1970)
So long boy, you can take my place,
I got my papers, I got my pay.
So pack my bags and I'll be on my way...to Yellow River.
I put my gun down the war is won.
Fill my glass high, the time has come.
I'm goin' back to the place that I love, Yellow River.
Yellow River, Yellow River...is in my mind and in my eyes
Yellow River, Yellow River...is in my blood, it's the place I love.
-
Got no time for explanations, got no time to lose
Tomorrow night you'll find me sleepin' underneath the moon.
And Yellow River.
-
Cannon fire lingers in my mind.
I'm so glad I am still alive.
And I've been gone for such a long time...from Yellow River.
-
I remember the nights were cool.
I can still see the water pool.
And I remember the girl that I knew...from Yellow River.
-
Yellow River, Yellow River...is in my mind and in my eyes
Yellow River, Yellow River...is in my blood, it's the place I love.
-
(Repeat)
(Scenario: I always really liked this song, especially the guitar work. It's a good illustration of the "rotation" situation in Vietnam. Individual soldiers served for a year (or in the case of Marines, 13 months) and then were rotated back to the states. Unlike other wars where you were stuck in combat for the duration of the conflict. The song also poses a question. Where in the heck is Yellow River? I can guarantee it certainly is NOT the Yellow River in China. That is one place Americans were definately not welcome at that time. But it could have been either of the Yellow River areas in either Georgia or Iowa. Who knows? All I know is that it is a great song and, like Galveston, it shows that most soldiers were more than ready to do their time and go home. The song was written by Jeff Christie and the group is British, like several of the other artists on this web site.
BRING THE BOYS HOME - Freda Payne
(Top Chart Position: #12 on June 26, 1971)
Fathers are pleading, lovers are all alone,
Mothers are praying - send our boys back home.
You marched them away - yes, you did - on ships and planes,
To a senseless war, facing death in vain.
-
Bring the boys home (bring the back alive)
(repeat 3 times)
Turn the ships around, lay your weapons down.
-
Can't you see 'em march across the sky, all the soldiers that have died.
Tryin' to get home - can't you see them tryin' to get home?
Tryin' to get home - they're tryin' to get home.
Cease all fire on the battlefield
Enough men have already been wounded and killed.
-
Bring the Boys home (Bring 'em back alive)
(Repeat 3 times)
Turn the ships around, lay your weapons down.
(Mothers, fathers and lovers, can't you see them)
-
Ooooh, oooh......
Tryin' to get home - can't you see them tryin' to get home?)
Ooooh, oooh...
Tryin' to get home - they're tryin' to get home.
-
Bring the boys home (bring 'em back alive)
(repeat 3 times)
-
What are they doing over there, now (bring 'em back alive)
When we need them over here,now (bring 'em back alive)
What are they doin over there, now (bring 'em back alive)
When we need them over here, now (bring 'em back alive)
(fade out)
(Scenario: Perhaps this is the most fitting song for the last Top 40 song on this web page that came out during the war. We have gone from glorification of the fighting man, with a will to win in 1966, to giving up and coming home, no matter what, in 1971.)
STILL IN SAIGON - Charlie Daniels Band
(Top Chart Position: #22 on April 17, 1982)
Got on a plane in 'Frisco
And got off in Vietnam
I walked into a different world
The past forever gone
-
I could have gone to Canada
Or I could have stayed in school
But I was brought up differently
I couldn't break the rules
-
Thirteen months and fifteen days
The last ones were the worst
One minute I'd kneel down and pray
And the next I'd stand and curse
-
No place to run to
Where I did not feel that war
When I got home I stayed alone
And checked behind each door
-
Cuz I'm still in Saigon
Still in Saigon
I am still in Saigon
In my mind
-
The ground at home was covered in snow
And I was covered in sweat
My younger brother calls me a killer
And my daddy calls me a vet
-
Everybody says I'm someone else
And I'm sick and there's no cure
Damned if I know who I am
There was only one place I was sure
-
When I was still in Saigon
Still in saigon
I am still in saigon
In my mind
-
Every summer when it rains
I smell the jungle, I hear the planes
I can't tell no one, I feel ashamed
Afraid some day I'll go insane
-
That's been ten long years ago
And time has gone on by
Now and then I catch myself
Eyes searching through the sky
-
All the sounds of long ago
Will be forever in my head
Mingled with the wounded cries
And the silence of the dead
-
'Cuz I'm still in Saigon
Still in Saigon
I am still in Saigon
In my mind
(Scenario: This song, the first major song about Vietnam after the war ended, covers a lot of territory. The question of whether or not to run off to Canada. The poor treatment by some after a Vet got back from Vietnam. The effect of the war on his mind and how the experience changed him. Haunting and sad. Written by Dan Daley.)
WALKING ON A THIN LINE - Huey Lewis and The News
(Top Chart Position: #18 on October 27, 1984)
Sometimes in my bed at night,
I curse the dark and I pray for light.
And sometimes, the light’s no consolation.
Blinded by a memory.
Afraid of what it might do to me.
And the tears and the sweat only mock my desperation.
-
Don’t you know me I’m the boy next door.
The one you find so easy to ignore.
Is that what I was fighting for?
-
Walking on a thin line.
Straight off the front line.
Labeled as freaks loose on the streets of the city.
Walking on a thin line.
Angry all the time,
Take a look at my face, see what it’s doing to me.
-
Taught me how to shoot to kill.
A specialist with a deadly skill.
A skill I needed to have to be a survivor.
It’s over now or so they say.
Well, sometimes, it don’t turn out that way.
Cause you're never the same when you’ve been under fire.
(Scenario: The war had been over for 9 years when this song came out. It's about the lasting mental effects (post traumatic stress) that result from combat. At this time Americans were beginning to look at Vietnam Veterans a different way. They began to understand that just because the war was unpopular does not mean that you shun the veterans.
I feel that one thing that made post traumatic stress worse in many cases was the tendency of many Americans to neglect, ignore and sometimes even abuse those who fought. Thankfully, that attitude has really changed in the past 30 years. But it came too late for some Vietnam Veterans. Written by A. Pessis/K. Wells).
THE HONORABLE MENTIONS
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER - Donovan- (1965)
Written by Buffy St. Marie, in the basement of The Purple Onion coffee house in Toronto, Canada. This song shows the individual responsibility for war:
He's the universal soldier and he
really is to blame
His orders come from far away no more
They come from him, and you, and me
and brothers can't you see
this is not the way we put an end to war.
ALICE'S RESTAURANT - Arlo Guthrie (1966)
A 20+ minute live masterpiece! Based upon two different scenarios that tie together very well. (1) Arlo Guthrie's actual arrest for littering on Thanksgiving Day 1965 and (2) The Draft. Why was he ineligible to be drafted and fight in Vietnam? Because of his conviction for littering! It's funny and cleaver. Yet it is also very sobering when you reflect upon it. A talk-song that definately gets its point across.
If you have not heard it, you are in for a treat. My favorite line from the song is:
I went over to the sergeant. Said, "Sergeant, you got a lot of god-
damned gall to ask me if I've rehabilitated myself! I mean . . . I
mean . . . I'm sittin' here on the bench.....I mean I'm sitting here
on the Group W bench, 'cause you want to know if I'm moral enough
to join the army, burn women, kids, houses, and villages after bein'
a litterbug."
And remember; "You can get everything you want at Alice's Restaurant -
except Alice."
I FEEL LIKE I'M FIXIN' TO DIE RAG - Country Joe and The Fish - (September 1967)
A perennial favorite of the anti war organization. It was performed live at the Woodstock Festival in August 1969 and included in the movie "Woodstock" in 1970. A black humored song that is unrelenting in its opinion that innocent American boys are being sacrificed for nothing. Some know it only by its opening line, "Gimme an F!" A sample of the song:
Come on mothers across the land,
Pack your boys off to Vietnam.
Come on fathers, don't hesitate.
Send your boys off before it's too late.
Be the first one on your block,
To have your boy come home in a box.
(Words by Joe McDonald.)
REQUIEM FOR THE MASSES - The Association - (September 1967)
The flip side of Top 40 hit, "Never My Love". It has a stark, dramatic sound and the dark, beautiful requiem mass parts illustrate the dead seriousness of the song. The song writer has stated that the song was becoming very popular in about 12 major radio markets. But due to its anti-war subject matter the White House made some calls to Warner Brothers Records who influenced the radio market to reduce radio play of the song. Therefore, essentially condemning it to near obscurity.
This sample of the lyrics speaks for itself:
Your flag is flying full,
At half mast for the matadors,
Who turned their backs to please the crowd,
And all fell before the bull.
Black and white were the figures that recorded him,
Black and white was the newsprint he was mentioned in.
Black and white was the question that so bothered him.
He never asked, he was taught not to ask,
What was on his lips as they buried him.
(Words by Terry Kirkman.)
DRAFT RESISTER - Steppenwolf - (1970)
A song from the "MONSTER" album that was basically a series of protests against the US Government, the Draft and Religious Organizations. Many of the lyrics have a very historic and fair evaluation of the subjects that they protest against. But I think that this song is really the cornerstone of protest against the war in Vietnam. The song gives a very fair example of the views of the protestors and of the price they paid for not going to war. Although, it does not differentiate between Draft "Resisters" and Military "Deserters" which I feel is important. Sample lyrics:
Here's to all the draft resisters who will fight for sanity,
When they march them off to prison in this land of liberty.
Heed the threat and awesome power of the mighty Pentagon,
Which is wasting precious millions on the toys of Washington.
Shame, disgrace and all dishonor, wrongly placed upon their heads,
Will not rob them of the courage which betrays the innocent.
(Words by John Kay and Goldie McJohn.)
GOODNIGHT SAIGON - (1982)
A very powerful song. Billy Joel, who I greatly admire for his historic song writing (remember "We Didn't Start The Fire" and "Leningrad"?) wrote this song about US Marines during the Vietnam War. Sad and very moving, here are some of the lyrics:
We met as soul mates
on Parris Island.
We left as inmates
from an asylum.
And we were sharp
as sharp as knives
And we were so gung ho
To lay down our lives.
We came in spastic
Like tameless horses.
We left in plastic
As numbered corpses.
We dug in deep
And shot on sight.
And prayed to Jesus Christ
with all our might.
We had not cameras
to shoot the landscape.
We passed the hash pipe
and played our Doors tapes.
Remember Charlie.
Remember Baker.
They left their childhood
on every acre.
Who was wrong?
Who was right?
It didn't matter in the thick of the fight.
They heard the hum of our motors,
They counted the rotors.
And waited for us to arrive.
And we would all go down together.
Yes, we would all go down together.
(Words and music by Billy Joel)
EPILOGUE
The Vietnam War was the most devisive era since the American Civil War in the 1860's.
The nineteen songs I have chosen for this web site express virtually all of the raw and strong emotions that were expressed during that era. The Hawks had their say and the Doves had their say in American Popular Music.
I don't get any income from this web site. The lyrics are posted only for historical reasons. I hope the authors of the songs will allow me to keep the lyrics posted. I see no reason why they would not want their words to be documented here as part of this history of the era. They should be proud of their great songs and great lyrics. After all, by having their songs played during that era, they had a real say and a real influence upon American public opinion.
A COMMENT:
For the record, I have had a lot of inquiries about why "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" by The Animals is not on this web site; It's not about Vietnam. It's about escaping ghetto life. But I must admit we sure played/sang it a lot when we were over there.
I have also recently had an inquiry regarding "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire. Even though I certainly acknowledge that this song was a definite "sign of the times" I feel that it covers so much of the problems of the '60's that it may have existed even if the Vietnam war had never occured. Oddly, the Vietnam War is not even vaguely mentioned.
You may notice that I have removed "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield from the list of songs. I had mistakenly believed that it was about anti-draft riots. I was wrong and found out it really has nothing to do with the Vietnam War.
DEDICATION:
This web site is dedicated to those 58,000 Americans who never returned from Vietnam. It is also dedicated to those millions of Americans who were wounded physically or mentally by the war.
SOME E-MAIL I HAVE RECEIVED:
From Oct 27, 2006:
G. Marquier wrote: "Thank you so much for your web site. It is utterly fantastic. I work in a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program (PTSD) at a VA hospital and I think you showed that there were some good things during the Vietnam era, like the music."
From January 14, 2007:
David Van Norman wrote: "Loved your page! Perhaps with your knowledge of the songs of that era you can help me remember the title of a song the came out after the conflict - released probably 1979 or 1980. It was a haunting melody that tells a story about the war. Male vocal, definately mild rock style. As I recall, during the song there are sounds of chopper blades. It was very sad.
I remember that it came out in summer and played on local radio stations (top 40) for several months, but I can't for the life of me remember the title or the refrain. Obviously, from either I could find the song itself.
I've been racking my brain for about the past year trying to find it. I've searched all types of sites.
If you can either think of a possible match, or even give some suggestions of places to search, I would be very appreciative."
(I wrote David back and told him that I believed that the song he had looked for for decades was GOODNIGHT SAIGON by Billy Joel. The clue was his "chopper blade" comment. Chopper blades (along with some cricket sounds) appear at the beginning and at the end of the song. He wrote me back:)
"My God - That's it! I just bought the track off of Napster - sure enough! I've been searching for that tune for over two decades, and it was right under my nose! I can't believe it was Billy Joel all along. I think that is what threw me off. When I heard it Billy Joel hadn't become a sensation - I just assumed it was a small band that published the song and then faded into obscurity. I didn't catch onto Joel until the mid 80s. Man, that just blows me away!
Great job, Larry! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
MY NEW BOOK
If you haven't had enough of my bizarre writing here on my many web sites, I DO have a new book out. It's full of true, personal (and bizarre) stories that run the gamut from totally silly to deadly serious. Check it out at the below link IF YOU DARE!
For more information regarding this book, you can check out this link:
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LARRY MATTHEWS
At
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THIS IS A "LARRY" WEB SITE.
This Web Site Was Established on March 21, 2002.
This Web Site Was Last Updated on April 19, 2008.
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