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More than 3,000 New Zealand military and civilian personnel served in Vietnam between 1963 and 1975. 37 men died, and 187 were wounded. This forms part of the larger Vietnam War Song Project, an interpretive examination of over 6,000 Vietnam War songs identified, revealing how the war's significance is represented through music. The project ...
- Songs Reflecting The Anti-War Sentiment
- Songs Capturing The Experience of Soldiers
- Songs About The Impact on Civilians and Families
- Songs Reflecting on The War’S Aftermath and Legacy
- Conclusion
1. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is an iconic anti-war song that was released in 1969. The song is written from a working-class perspective and expresses the frustration of those who have to fight in the Vietnam War while those of higher social status and privilege are able to escape it. The lyrics of the song make it clear that the narrator is resentful of the unfairness of the situation and the desire to get out of the war. The song also expresses the political disillusionmen...
2. “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield
“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield is a classic and timeless song with a powerful message. The song was released in 1966 and has since become an anthem for social change, inspiring generations to fight for what is right. The lyrics, written by Stephen Stills, are a reflection of the turbulent times of the mid-1960s as they address issues such as the ongoing Vietnam War and civil unrest. The song is accompanied by a driving guitarriff that adds to its intensity and the song has since...
3. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan is one of the most iconic and influential songs of all time. Written in 1962, the song is a protest anthem that contains a powerful message of freedom and change. With its poetic lyrics and simple melody, the song speaks to the struggle of many people and communities throughout history. It has become a symbol of hope and resilience for many people, and its powerful questions remain as relevant today as they were in Bob Dylan’s time. The song is a reminder th...
11. “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by The Animals
Released in 1965, The Animals’ song “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” is an anthem for soldiers who experienced military life during the Vietnam War. The song’s lyrics narrate the common experiences of soldiers such as fear, anguish, and exhaustion, all set against a backdrop of unchecked authority and despair. The song’s chorus captures the sentiment of many war-weary soldiers, imploring them to escape to a better place. The Animals’ intense performance and passion in this song give it an ant...
12. “Run Through the Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Run Through the Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of the most iconic and memorable rock songs of the late 1960s. Written by John Fogerty in 1970, the song tells the tale of a soldier’s fear and confusion when sent to war, desperately trying to make it through the jungle alive. The song, which has been covered by many artists, features a powerful and driving guitar riff that is instantly recognizable. With its intense and hard-hitting lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of th...
13. “The Ballad of the Green Berets” by SSgt. Barry Sadler
The Ballad of the Green Berets, written and performed by SSgt. Barry Sadler, was released in 1966 and became a huge hit worldwide. It was the first song to honor the United States Special Forces and became an anthem for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. The lyrics of the song evoke a sense of reverence and patriotism, celebrating the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of the Green Berets. The song also paints a vivid picture of the grueling training undertaken by the Green Berets, and...
21. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” by Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger’s song “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” is an iconic folk ballad that has been recorded by many artists over the years. The song poignantly captures the tragedy of war and its impact on civilians and families. The lyrics tell the story of soldiers being sent off to war and never coming home, leaving behind the families and loved ones they left behind. It powerfully conveys the grief and sorrow of the civilian population, who are often left to suffer the consequences of war with...
22. “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods
“Billy, Don’t Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods is a classic song that has endured the test of time. The song was originally released in 1974, and its message is just as relevant today as it was then. The song is a heartfelt plea from a girlfriend to her soldier-boyfriend, urging him not to become a hero in the conflict raging overseas. She pleads with him to stay home, because if he goes to fight he risks being killed in battle. The song has a powerful message of love, self-sacrifi...
23. “Galveston” by Glen Campbell
“Galveston” by Glen Campbell is a classic song that was released in 1969. It tells the story of a man who’s away from home, wishing he could be back in his hometown of Galveston, TX. The song is a vivid and heartfelt tribute to the town and its people. Campbell’s emotional vocals and stirring lyrics bring the story to life, making it an iconic piece of Americana. The song is a reminder of simpler times when small towns were a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a timeless...
31. “American Pie” by Don McLean
The 1971 song “American Pie” by Don McLean is an iconic reflection on the aftermath of the Vietnam War. It tells the story of a generation that was coming of age during a tumultuous period of social and political unrest. The lyrics allude to multiple events that took place during the war, including the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the death of Elvis Presley. McLean’s lyrics provide a melancholic and reflective look at the loss of innocence that occurred during the conflict. The song s...
32. “Who’ll Stop the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a classic rock song about the struggles of life. The song was written by lead singer John Fogerty, and was featured on their 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory. The lyrics are about the difficulties of everyday life, and how no one can control the storms that life brings. The song starts off with an acoustic guitar, and then builds to a full band accompaniment with a powerful electric guitar. Fogerty’s vocals are strong and emotional, as he si...
33. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds
“Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds is an iconic folk-rock song that was released in 1965. Written by Pete Seeger and adapted from the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes, the song poignantly reminds us to accept the cycle of life and the inevitability of change. It was a massive hit for the Byrds, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the group’s signature songs. Its somber, reflective tone and catchy chorus—“To everything (turn, turn, turn) / There is a season (turn, turn,...
In conclusion, the songs of the Vietnam War era are not only a reflection of that time in history, but they continue to speak to listeners today. They demonstrate how powerful music can be as an expression of emotion and experience, and their messages remain relevant more than five decades later. These songs capture the horrors of war, the grief of...
Nov 27, 2020 · 3. Bring ‘Em Home – Pete Seeger (1969) YouTube | Spotify | Amazon Music | Lyrics. Unlike other songs of the era that banked on anti-establishment sentiment, folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger appealed to the patriotism of his fellow Americans with lyrics like “ If you love your Uncle Sam, bring them home ”.
People also ask
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- "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.
Mar 5, 2015 · Nina Simone, “ Backlash Blues ” (1967). Simone transformed a civil rights poem by Langston Hughes into a Vietnam War protest song. “Raise my taxes/Freeze my wages/Send my son to Vietnam ...
Dec 6, 2023 · A protest song against the war in Vietnam, the lyrics express a strong and anti-war message. It was a big hit upon release and still remains one of the best Vietnam Era songs ever written. It truly stands out amongst all other Vietnam War songs as a timeless classic. 5. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
[Verse 1] 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 [Verse 2] We came in spastic ...
