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Dec 6, 2023 · Vietnam War songs have proven to be timeless classics, remaining popular over the years and helping to keep the memories of the Vietnam era alive. From Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” to Edwin Starr’s “War”, these songs have stood the test of time and continue to evoke powerful emotions when heard today.
- Katie Foley
- "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" Nancy Sinatra - "Full Metal Jacket" "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" with the line "Me love you long time" from Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket", made RR in Vietnam seem way more entertaining than it probably was.
- "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay" Otis Redding - "Platoon" There's just something about this song that makes you wanna roll one and kick back on a dock somewhere.
- "California Dreaming" The Mamas and Papas - "Forrest Gump" Speaking about rolling one...
- "Get Around" Beach Boys - "Good Morning Vietnam" We couldn't have a list of our favorite songs from war movies without a little Robin Williams. In "Good Morning Vietnam," Robin Williams' character boosts morale much like Robin Williams did on his many USO tours.
- House of the Rising Sun, The Animals. Although it’s origin is uncertain, The House of the Rising Sun was most memorably performed by the Animals, an English rock group for whom it was a trans-Atlantic smash hit.
- All Along the Watchtower, Bob Dylan / Jimi Hendrix. Originally written, recorded and released by Bob Dylan – to a positive reception – All Along the Watchtower is now best identified with Jimi Hendrix.
- Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards drew their inspiration for Gimme Shelter directly from the Vietnam War. In a 1995 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jagger said
- Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival. An anthem of the anti-war, counter-culture movement which skewers elites who support the war but refuse to pay the costs themselves, delivered from the perspective of someone who isn’t a ‘fortunate son’ (read: born of a wealthy family) themselves.
Aug 29, 2017 · Music helped soldiers in Vietnam connect to each other and to life back home and to cope. These are the songs veterans remember the most.
- Doug Bradley
- 4 min
- (1965; No. 4 Country Chart)Neil Whitehurst, a native of North Carolina who served with the 1st Marine Air Wing at Marble Mountain, states emphatica...
- (1967; No. 1 R&B; No. 2 Pop Chart)Usually heard in the States as another of Aretha’s powerful statements on racial and sexual equality, which it ce...
- (1967; No. 1 Billboard Hot 100)Mail call was a sacred ritual in Vietnam and this song captured its importance lyrically and musically. Didn’t hurt...
- (1968; No. 1 Billboard Hot 100)Just before his tragic death in a plane crash in Madison, Wis., in late 1967, Otis Redding had completed recording “...
- (1969; No. 3 Billboard)When asked to sum up the music of the war, Peter Bukowski, who served with the Americal Division near Chu Lai in 1968-69, re...
- (1967; No. 65 Billboard Hot 100)Maybe it’s because he could have been in Vietnam that Jimi Hendrix holds so much appeal for ‘Nam vets. A member of...
- (1963; No. 6 Billboard Country and No. 16 on Billboard Hot 100)No matter whether it’s theme or style, any song with a lyric about going home was su...
- (1969; No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100)When we played this song at LZ Lambeau, a welcome home event for Vietnam vets and their families held at Lamb...
- (1965, re-released 1967)Misunderstood and misinterpreted by most Americans, Country Joe’s iconic song became a flashpoint for disagreements about t...
- (1965; No. 13 Billboard Hot 100)No one saw this coming. Not the writers of the song — the dynamic Brill Building duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil...
- "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Album: Willy and the Poor Boys. Released: 1969. Released during the height of the Vietnam War, "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a powerful statement on the socio-economic disparities that became evident in the draft system.
- "War" by Edwin Starr. Album: War & Peace. Released: 1970. Edwin Starr's potent anti-war anthem, "War," came to life during a time when the nation was deeply divided over the Vietnam War.
- "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. Album: What's Going On. Released: 1971. Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" emerged as a compassionate plea for understanding and peace during the turbulent early 70s.
- "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" by Country Joe and the Fish. Album: I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die. Released: 1967. Country Joe McDonald's anti-war anthem, "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag," is remembered for its grim humor and direct commentary on the Vietnam War.
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Mar 29, 2021 · Doug Bradley and Craig Werner literally wrote the book on Vietnam War songs. See our top music picks of the era on We Are the Mighty!
