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McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" & Answer Songs

34 songs · chronological · A–Z by artist
Annotations and notes by Justin A. Brummer
Exhibition Eve of Destruction: a gallery tour of this collection →
Entries are numbered (#1, #2 …) for reference on this page; the numbers shift when entries are added or split.
Detroit Free Press, 19 September 1965, with the headline: 'Teens Favorite Disc Indicts Adult World'
Answer / Response Songs to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction"
This forms part of the larger Vietnam War Song Project, an interpretive examination of over 6,500 Vietnam War songs identified, revealing how the war's significance is represented through music. The project also collects spoken-word recordings about the conflict. This unique collection of voices advances scholarship by providing insights into people’s views about the war over time as represented in music, looking at diverse communities and vibrant music scenes. It is crucial in developing our knowledge of the war and the humanities, through the use of a digital research platform.
Note: The VWSP has identified, to date, 30+ songs relating to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" and the answer and response records it inspired.
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" & Answer Songs, vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/mcguire-s-eve-of-destruction-answer-songs, accessed 12 November 2026

Context

Beyond Answer to Eve of Destruction, the songs in this collection most often also deal with: Patriotic, Demonstration, Anti-War, Draft.
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Billboard, 14 August 1965, with the headline: 'Record of Absurd Gets Serious Airplay'
The Vietnam conflict dominated American foreign and defense policy in the 1960s and early 1970s, a key period of the Cold War. References to the conflict thus appear in songs, films, theatre, books, and art. On 4 June 1966, Billboard, a music trade magazine, reported that: "since January, well over 100 Vietnam records have been released.. With Vietnam still the over-riding issue.. the prospect for more war songs is certain".

One of the key songs sparking a debate between the 'hawks' and 'doves' in the cultural sphere was Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", composed by P.F. Sloan, a very topical, early protest song, looking at both the Civil Rights movement and war. On 14 August 1965, Billboard ran the headline "Record of Absurd Gets Serious Airplay", which commented that "a record depicting the frenetic plight of society today, written with biting incisiveness by a 19-year-old renegade from surfing music, is gaining acceptance over top 40 stations despite its 'controversial' lyrics.. what is so remarkable about the single is its acceptance.. During the past two year, three other singles of a controversial or sociological nature were refused play by U.S. stations". The other singles rejected by stations were a song about the death of JFK, called "In the Summer of His Years", covered by several artist, a Civil Rights protest song called "Now" by Lena Horne, and a single about Native American injustices by Johnny Cash - "The Ballad of Ira Hayes". Yet "Eve of Destruction" caught the imagination of a growing political youth movement, which took the single to the Billboard #1 spot on 25 September 1965.

This generated around 30+ answer / response records identified to date. Many of these were anti-protest songs - songs which expressed opposition to the anti-war movement, draft card burning, and demonstrations. The Spokesmen's"The Dawn of Correction" (1965) set the tone, arguing "be thankful our country allows demonstrations" and "instead of condemning, make some recommendations". The group followed this up with "Better Days Are Yet to Come", seeking to offer a more positive take. In "Dawn of Instruction", The Jayhawkers critised McGuire: "you're the kind..to sit around moaning while better men are fighting". Garage rock group The Centurys sarcastically referred to McGuire as the Prophet in the song "So the Prophets Say", warning: "they tell you to make a big sound about getting out of Vietnam.. beware of what the prophets say". Likewise, The Patriots released "The Prophet", which said that McGuire was "shouting misery and hate.. says it's the end, destruction is near". Tony Mammarella in "Eve of Tomorrow" recommended McGuire and his followers "go hide on the dark of the day.. tomorrow belongs to the brave". Richard Gillis on "Think It Over / Yesterday's Gone" told McGuire: "on the eves of the so-called destruction and correction, dump off with it all and get some direction". The American Spirit, performed by JFK impersonator Vaughn Meader argued that "this is not a nation on the Eve of Destruction, but a nation on the morning on triumph", on his bicentennial record "My Fellow Americans".

Multiple songs attacked and mocked protesters and singers, such as David Winters on the track "Anti-Protest Protest Singer" (1966), and Don Hinson, in his garage rock novelty "The Protest Singer" (1966) which said it was all about money: "I sing about segregation.. demonstration.. Vietnam, ban the bomb.. I want to make my fortune before destruction’s eve", as did Alan Klein in his novelty comedy answer song "Age of Corruption": "make it controversial so the DJ's will spin it, tell the world what's wrong with it in less than three minutes". Chico Holiday on "Show Us the Way" argued "these people singing songs, telling how the world's all wrong.. the world is ending today.. practice what you preach", while country artist Bobby Bare declared that he had "heard enough of your talk about the world.. you sing songs of agitation.. your preachin' friend is a great big waste of time" on the single "Talk Me Some Sense".

Others questioned the state of the nation. Johnny Sea on "Day of Decision" declared that "American is in real trouble", that they were in the "age of the American cynic, the year of the unbeliever, the day of doubt", and that the problem was not in the "rice paddies of Vietnam", but in the US. The song was covered by multiple artists, including Buddy Starcher and Lloyd Green. Billy Carr pondered "what's become of this nation and the songs that they sing?" in the patriotic, anti-protest song "What's Come Over This World?". Phil Terry in "Day Is Done" wanted to know if people in the US had "forgotten.. our pledge of allegiance to the flag".

However, not all answers / responses attacked McGuire and the protest movement. Phil Ochs poignantly argued on his 1965 song "Days of Decision" that now was the time to protest against the "far-reaching rockets". While five years later, after multiple military failures, a high death toll, and international condemnation, The Temptations on the 1970 single "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)", while referencing "Eve of Destruction" noted "people all over the world are shoutin' end the war".

1965

#1 Barry McGuire Eve Of Destruction 1965 · Single · Eve of Destruction / What Exactly's the Matter With Me · Dunhill # 45-D-4009 · USA
Annotation
The song "Eve of Destruction" (Dunhill Records # 45-D-4009), written by P.F. Sloan is a very topical, early protest song, looking at both the Civil Rights movement and war. It was one of the most commercially successful Vietnam songs, reaching #1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 on 25 September 1965 after six weeks in the charts.1. The song was covered by many other artists, and is often referenced in articles and books discussing Vietnam & Cold War cultural song history. On 14 August 1965, Billboard ran the headline "Record of Absurd Gets Serious Airplay", which commented that "a record depicting the frenetic plight of society today, written with biting incisiveness by a 19-year-old renegade from surfing music, is gaining acceptance over top 40 stations despite its 'controversial' lyrics... what is so remarkable about the single is its acceptance... During the past two year, three other singles of a controversial or sociological nature were refused play by U.S. stations".

The main reference to Vietnam reflected that while teenagers were drafted to war (minimum age 18), they may not have the opportunity to vote (21 in all states but 4): "old enough to kill, but not for votin'" . It also branched out into the wider Cold War conflict, reflected fears of atomic war, with just the push of a button. Moreover, it referenced the Civil Rights issue, calling for not just demonstrations, but a change in attitude, and perhaps legislation: "marches alone can't bring integration, when human respect is disintegratin'" . The Spokesmen in the single "The Dawn of Correction" directly replied to this in their answer record, discussed below: "you tell me that marches won't bring integration, but look what it's done for the voter registration" .
Eve of Destruction answer songs
The Spokesmen – Dawn of Correction (1965 / Decca # 31844)
The Jayhawkers – Dawn of Instruction (1965 / Deltron # 21)
The Patriots – The Prophet (1965 / Mainstream # 631)
The Centurys – So the Prophets Say (1965 / Renco # R-115)
Tony Mammarella – Eve of Tomorrow (1965 / Swan # S-4226)
Billy Carr – What's Come Over This World (1965 / Colpix # CP-791)
Chico Holiday – Show Us the Way (1965 / Karate # 45-518)
Bobby Bare – Talk Me Some Sense (1965 / RCA Victor # 47-8699)
Richard Gillis – Yesterday's Gone (1965 / Kerwood # 713)
Johnny Sea – Day for Decision (1966 / Warner # 5820)
Buddy Starcher – Day of Decision (1966 / Decca # 31975)
Jerry Barnes – Day for Decision (1966 / Americana # 101)
Noel Ball – Day for Decision (KAAY)
Phil Terry – Day Is Done (1966 / 20th Century # 640)
Lloyd Green – Day for Decision) (1966 / Little Darlin' # LD 4002)
David Winters – Anti-Protest Protest Song (1966 / Mercury # 72537)
Don Hinson – The Protest Singer (1966 / Treva # 222)
The Spokesmen – Better Days Are Yet to Come (1966 / Decca Records [USA] # 31895)
Happy Fats – The Day of Indecision (1967 / Reb Rebel # 507)
The Temptations – Ball of Confusion (1970 / Gordy # G 7099)
The Undisputed Truth – Ball of Confusion (1971 / Gordy # G 7112F)
Edwin Starr - Ball of Confusion (1972) / Soul # S 35096F)
The American Spirit – The American Spirit (1974 / Mums # ZS7 6028)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
UK pressing RCA Victor RCA 1469 (matrix 70800), "New Orthophonic" High Fidelity, ℗ 1965, "USA No.: D-4009", Dick James M. Ltd., N.C.B., "Produced by Dunhill U.S.A.", made in England by The Decca Record Co. Ltd., writer printed as "P. F. Sloane", in an RCA Victor company sleeve. German pressing RCA Victor 45-9646 (45-00 802), GEMA, time 3'28, "Prod. by Lou Adler with Sloan & Barri", "Produced by Dunhill Records U.S.A.", Teldec licensee, in a picture sleeve with a portrait of McGuire.

Japanese pressing Victor SS-1629 (AMP-45-00802), Side 1, Japanese title 明日なき世界, b/w "What Exactly's the Matter With Me" (何のために, P. F. Sloan, 2:25); the sleeve front carries the slogans "ダンヒル・ヒット・シリーズ!!" and "全米ヒット・パレード第1位!!" (Dunhill Hit Series; No. 1 on the US hit parade), and the back gives the price ¥370 and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. The inside sleeve notes by 福田一郎, dated October 1965, say the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 of 25 September and No. 4 in Melody Maker's Pop 50, that some US and UK stations kept it off the air, and quote a BBC spokesman, Mick Jagger (against), Jonathan King and the Kingston Trio (for); they describe P. F. Sloan as 19 years old.

A lyric insert prints the full English lyrics. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The eastern world, it is exploding, violence flarin', bullets loadin'
You're old enough to kill, but not for votin'...
If the button is pushed, there’s no runnin' away
There'll be no one to save, with the world in a grave...
Think of all the hate there is in Red China...
And marches alone can't bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin'
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin'
You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction
#2 The Spokesmen The Dawn of Correction 1965 · Single · The Dawn of Correction / For You Babe · Decca # 31844 · USA
Annotation
As can be seen from the title of the song and within the lyrics, the track "The Dawn of Correction" (Decca Record # 31844) answered Barry McGuire's popular single "Eve of Destruction" - in fact, it was played to the same tune. This single reached #36 in the Billboard charts.1 The Spokesmen were an American garage rock group, made up of John Medora, David White Tucker (of the band Danny & The Juniors) and Roy Gilmore, who all shared the writing credits for the song. Released on the album The Dawn of Correction (Decca # DL 4712) - this album contained two other Vietnam-related tracks - "Better Days Are Yet to Come" and "Have Courage, Be Careful", discussed below.

In the first half, the narrator took a hawkish, patriotic stance, arguing that communism posed a threat to the Western democracies, and that if "red domination" was not stopped, then there "will be no need for voting in future generations" in the US. Therefore this backed the domino theory.1 The lyrics also supported the retaining of nuclear weapons. Barry McGuire had argued that the world faced destruction if the "button is pushed" . But The Spokesmen wanted to know "who's crazy enough to risk annihilation?" , and that "the buttons are there to ensure negotiation" . In other words it propagated the theory of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) - that rough arms parity between the superpowers meant that each side had the capability to destroy the other, thus neutralising the threat.2 Although hawkish, this view would have been supported by both the Republican and Democrat Party, and widespread in public opinion.

In the second half, the narrator switched from supporting Conservative causes, to those on the more left side of politics. The narrator praised Civil Rights demonstrations for increasing voting registration amongst African-Americans, in direct response to Barry McGuire: "you tell me that marches won't bring integration, but look what it's done for the voter registration" . The lyrics also praised the work of the United Nations and the Peace Corps, which many Conservatives in the 1960s would have disagreed with. Most interestingly, the lyrics applauded a trend of "self-governments replacing colonization" - almost ironic in that the song supported US intervention against communism, presumably including South Vietnam, in which the American presence had replaced that of the old colonial power France. Overall, the song criticised McGuire for being negative and ignoring that which "deserve commendation" , such as developments in medicine and farming, international cooperation, and the spread of democracy.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Decca 31844 (116,430), rainbow-stripe black label, "M'f'r'd by Decca Records Inc. New York, U.S.A."; "The Dawn of Correction" (J. Madara-D. White-R. Gilmore), Champion Music Corp. & Double Diamond Music (BMI) (3:28); The Spokesmen, vocal trio with instrumental accompaniment, arranged by Madara-White, produced by Madara-White Productions. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The western world has a common dedication
To keep free people from Red domination
And maybe you can't vote, boy, but man your battle stations
Or there will be no need for voting in future generations
So over and over again, you keep saying it's the end
But I say you're wrong, were just on the dawn of correction
There are buttons to push in two mighty nations
But who's crazy enough to risk annihilation?
The buttons are there to ensure negotiation
So don't be afraid, boy, it's our only salvation... /You tell me that marches won't bring integration
But look what it's done for the voter registration
Be thankful our country allows demonstrations
Instead of condemning, make some recommendations
I don't understand the cause of your aggravation
You mean to tell me, boy, it's not a better situation?...
You missed all the good in your evaluation
What about the things that deserve commendation?
Where there once was no cure, there's vaccination
Where there once was a desert, there's vegetation
Self-governments replacing colonization
What about the Peace Corp. organization?
Don't forget the work of the United Nations
Show full lyrics (23 lines) ▾
#3 Jayhawkers Dawn of Instruction 1965 · Single · Dawn of Instruction / Searchin' · Deltron # 21 · USA
Annotation
Less well-known and successful than the above, the Michigan garage rock song "Dawn of Instruction" (Deltron # 21) also provided an answer to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction". Starting with the sound-effect of a bomb dropping, the narrator criticised McGuire for being negative and spreading fear, as he claimed that the US was "getting better" . The narrator went on to criticise those that avoided the draft: "you're the kind...to sit around moaning while better men are fighting" - hence why this song is included in the pro-government section. Also note the reference to Civil Rights legislation: "griping along can't bring integration...it takes work and time to pass legislation...we are all god's creation" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Deltron 21 (1227-45-0467-A), vocal, 45 RPM, yellow label with a lightning-bolt triangle logo; "Dawn of Instruction", Trusdale-BMI, time 3:41; Jayhawkers. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Things are good but getting better...
I don't believe we are on the eve of destruction
Surely feel that we're at the dawn of instruction
Sure we understand what you're trying to say
But we can't live in fear to see it your way
If ever we push the button, you're the kind...
To sit around moaning while better men are fighting...
We never quit, we know no variation
When human respect is disintegrating
Griping along can't bring integration
It takes work and time to pass legislation
Some men will see we are all god's creation
#4 Centurys So the Prophets Say 1965 · Single · So the Prophets Say / 83 · Renco # R-115 · USA
Annotation
The song "So the Prophets Say" (Renco # R-115) warned against propaganda and blindly following what people say, with references to the pros and antis in the Vietnam debate that took place on the home front in the US: "they tell you to make a big sound about getting out of Vietnam" . This single can also be seen as a response to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", who like the The Patriots, referred to McGuire as the "Prophet" : "beware of what the prophets say" . The lyrics also warned about those who might try to restrict the freedom to speech: "will they warn you of a coming day, when your placards might be thrown away and they'll say now you got a few restrictions" . The garage rock band formed in 1965 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and disbanded shortly after in 1967. Its members were Billy Beard (lead guitar, vocals), Larry McKinney (guitar), John Iacovone (bass), Bob Koch (vocals, organ), and Bernie Orner (drums).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
They'll tell you that they're wise, and that they'll analyse your situation
They even tell you what's gonna come, and how certain things will be done
They're you'll salvation
Will the world end today, like it did yesterday, or will we have to wait until tomorrow
They'll tell you when it comes, you will here those rocking drums, you'll just repent...
These men of wealth and men so poor
These prophets of peace and prophets of war
Are they getting you?
Then they tell you to make a big sound about getting out of Vietnam
You know you've got a right to your convictions
But will they warn you of a coming day, when your placards might be thrown away
And they'll say now you got a few restrictions
You may not like it when if hand you a gun before you turn 21
And say, now you got to be a man...
These men so good and men so bad
These prophets of sin and prophets of man...
Why don't you let it be known, you've got a mind of your own
And you can tell right from wrong from day to day...
And so you'll beware of what the prophets say
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
#5 Tony Mammarella Eve of Tomorrow 1965 · Single · Eve of Tomorrow / Love Letter · Swan # S-4226 · USA
Credited on the record as Tony Mammarella and Chorus.
Annotation
Tony Mammarella, producer of Dick Clark's American Bandstand, and founder of the record label Swan, released the song "Eve of Tomorrow" (Swan Records # S-4226), a patriotic response to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction"1 Born 2 September 1924 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Died November 1977 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It sought to present a positive take on world politics: "go hide on the dark of the day... tomorrow belongs to the brave" . It recalled previous wars fought by the older generation, seeking to make a connection to fighting in Vietnam: "it's the same gun your fathers fought with, just to give you a chance... and they gave you this chance to change things, in...Vietnam" . Also responding to McGuire remarks on the Civil Rights movement, Mammarella said that "three kids come from the north... they marched down to Mississippi and they died for what they knew was right" - a reference to the murders of three Civil Rights activist, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner on 21 June 1964 by the KKK.1 On mutually-assured destruction (MAD), he claimed: "nobody is going to push a button, as long as we have a button to push" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Swan S-4226-E, black and silver label with the slogan "Don't Drop Out"; "Eve of Tomorrow" (A. S. Mammarella, B. Binnick), time 3:39, Bae Music, ASCAP; Tony Mammarella and Chorus; produced and arranged by Richard Barrett. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
If you think it's the eve of destruction go hide on the dark of the day
It's only the eve of tomorrow, and tomorrow belongs to the brave
You call this the eve of destruction, your a man with a paper heart
And you belong where it's safe on the sidewalk, and complain when the marches start
Why did the three kids come from the north, they didn't have to join in the fight
But they marched down to Mississippi and they died for what they knew was right
You talk about hate in red China and say it's the same in an Alabama school
Well the hate down there is the exception, and red China they may hate the rule
And your afraid they may push that button and the bomb is gonna fall right on you
Well brother, nobody is going to push a button, as long as we have a button to push to
Take a good look at the gun they might hand you, it looks new but the barrel's been worn
It's the same gun your fathers fought with, just to give you a chance to be born
And they gave you this chance to change things, in...Chicago and even Vietnam
And nobody is going to make your mind up for you, so if you want to say uncle, make it Uncle Sam
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#6 Chico Holiday Show Us the Way 1965 · Single · Show Us the Way / She Gave Me Love · Karate # 45-518 · USA
Annotation
The song "Show Us the Way" (Karate Records # 45-518) by Chico Holiday, born on 24 August 1934 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA (birth name: Ralph Vergolino) answered McGuire's "Eve of Destruction": "these people singing songs, telling how the world's all wrong... the world is ending today... practice what you preach" . It took a strong anti-protest position, criticising the anti-war movement, and referencing nuclear / atomic weaponry: "they carry signs... ban the bomb, get out of Vietnam... I can't stand it" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Karate Records 45-518-S, "A Product of Audio Fidelity Records, Inc", label with a karate-gi figure; "Show Us the Way" (Chico Holiday), Matador Music BMI, 2:10. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
All these people singing songs, telling how the world's all wrong
Putting everything down, they say we got to pay a dues
Yet their trying to fill the shoes, of some other lost clown
Why don't they stand up and say, 'This is the way'
Hey hey, show us one little ray of light, set the whole world right
They carry signs all over town, standing in and sitting down
And what do they say? Ban the bomb, get out of Vietnam
Stay in school, pray for peace, the world is ending today...
I can't stand it...
Practice what you preach
#7 Bobby Bare Talk Me Some Sense 1965 · Single · Talk Me Some Sense / Delia's Gone · RCA Victor # 47-8699 · USA
Annotation
The song "Talk Me Some Sense" (RCA Victor # 47-8699) by country artist Bobby Bare, born 7 April 1935, in Ironton, Ohio, who spent much of his career on the Nashville, Tennessee scene, presented a patriotic and anti-protest perspective, especially turning his attention to songwriters: "heard enough of your talk about the world... you sing songs of agitation... your preachin' friend is a great big waste of time" , a response to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", often sarcastically referred to as a "prophet" by his opponents.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
RCA Victor 47-8699 (SWKM-2746), white promotional label with a star, marked "Plug Side" and "Not For Sale"; "Talk Me Some Sense" (Keith Colley-Nancie Mantz), 4 Star Sales Co., BMI, 2:24; producer Chet Atkins; made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Talk me some sense
Talk me some sense
Put a song of love and laughter on your face
Talk me some sense
Talk me some sense
Cause the way you're talkin' now is a disgrace
I've heard enough of your talk about the world
That is to be, you say it's sick and sinful
And then any fool should see, you sing songs of agitation
And usin' funny rhymes, the whole new trend
And your preachin' friend is a great big waste of time...
Just call me a illiterate or any other name
But no matter how you bug me up I'll tell you without shame
Don't know where your world is but it sounds quite a mess
But here on earth we waste our time on things like happiness
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#8 Billy Carr What's Come Over This World? 1965 · Single · What's Come Over This World? / (Wait Till You See) My Gidget · Colpix # CP-791 · USA
Annotation
The song "What's Come Over This World" (Colpix Records # CP-791) written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller took a patriotic stance. It particular criticised the anti-war movement. The song noted draft card burning, calling them "an army of cowards" and that "while the country is in danger they just carry a sign" . It also made references to previous wars that the US fought in - Korea and World War II - and suggested that the protesters who did not do their duty in Vietnam were betraying those who had died defending the US. The opening line, which attacked the "songs that they sing" can be viewed as an answer to the Barry McGuire song Eve of Destruction (Dunhill Records # 45-D-4009). Note the John F. Kennedy reference: "what can you do for your country, his words...written in blood...forgot what he died for" .

The New York based record label promoted this record heavily, taking a full-page advert in Billboard on 6 November 1965, which claimed the lyrics to be "one of the most powerful and dramatic songs of our time!...A record that will be heard 'round the world".1 On 27 November it bubbled under the Hot 100 at # 133.2 It made marginal progress by 4 December, climbing to # 126.3 It shifted up to # 118 on 25 December, and had a regional breakout in Pittsburgh.4 Publisher: Screen-Gems Columbia Music. Performing Rights: BMI.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Colpix CP-791 (10363); "What's Come Over This World?" (Greenfield-Keller), 2:45, Screen Gems-Columbia Music BMI; Billy Carr; "Arr. & Prod. by Greenfield & Keller for Screen Gems"; "Colpix Records, a Division of Columbia Pictures Corporation, New York, N.Y.", Made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
What's become of this nation and the songs that they sing?
Everybody's protesting, what's it all gonna bring?...
There's an army of cowards, see them marching in line while the country is in danger
They just carry a sign, look at them burning their draft cards and refusing to fight
While they talk about freedom, they're dimming freedom's light...
My brother fought in Korea, my daddy in World War II, now there's a war in Vietnam and there's a job we must do
What can you do for your country
His words were written in blood
Those who forgot what he died for and dragging the flag through the mud
#9 Phil Ochs Days of Decision 1965 · Album · I Ain't Marching Anymore · Elektra # EKS 7287 · USA
Annotation
As suggested from the title of this song, "Days of Decision" , on the album I Ain't Marching Anymore (Elektra Records # EKS 7287) appears to be an answer or closely related theme to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction": "lookin' for an answer they're never gonna find... these are the days of decision" - a call to protest against the "far-reaching rockets" . It also contained a Civil Rights message: "warnings of fire... from the three bodies buried in the Mississippi mud" - a reference to the murders of three Civil Rights activist, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner on 21 June 1964 by the KKK.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Oh, the shadows of doubt are in many a mind
Lookin' for an answer they're never gonna find
But they'd better decide 'cause they're runnin' out of time
For these are the days of decision
Oh, the games of stalling you cannot afford
Dark is the danger that's knocking on the door
And the far-reaching rockets say you can't wait anymore
For these are the days of decision
In the face of the people who know they're gonna win
There's a strength that's greater than the power of the wind
And you can't stand around when the ice is growing thin
For these are the days of decision
I've seen your heads hiding 'neath the blanket of fear
When the paths, they are plain and the choices are clear
But with each passing day, boys, the cost is more dear
For these are the days of decision
There's many a cross that burns in the night
And the fingers of the fire are pointing as they bite
Oh, you can't let the smoke keep on blinding all your sight
For these are the days of decision
Now, the mobs of anger are roamin' the streets
From the rooftops they're aimin' at the police on the beat
And in city after city you know they will repeat
For these are the days of decision
There's been warnings of fire, warnings of flood
Now there's the warnin' of the bullet and the blood
From the three bodies buried in the Mississippi mud
Sayin', "These are the days of decision"
There's a change in the wind and a split in the road
You can do what's right or you can do what you are told
And the prize of the victory will belong to the bold
For these are the days of decision
Yes, these are the days of decision
Show full lyrics (34 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#10 Phil Ochs Draft Dodger Rag 1965 · Album · I Ain't Marching Anymore · Elektra # EKS 7287 · USA
Annotation: see “Days of Decision” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
I'm just a typical American boy from a typical American town
I believe in God and Senator Dodd and an keepin' old Castro down
And when it came my time to serve I knew better dead than red
But when I got to my old draft board, buddy, this is what I said
Sarge, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen and I always carry a purse
I got eyes like a bat, and my feet are flat my asthma's getting worse
Consider my career, my sweetheart...
My poor old invalid aunt
Besides, I ain't no fool, and I'm goin' to school
And I'm workin' in a defense plant
I've got a dislocated disc and a racked up back
I'm allergic to flowers and bugs
And when the bombshell hits, I get epileptic fits
And I'm addicted to a thousand drugs
I got the weakness woes, I can't touch my toes...
I hate Chou En Lai, and I hope he dies
But I think you gotta see that if someone's gotta go over there, that someone isn't me...
And if you ever get a war without any gore, well, I'll be the first to go
But when I got to my old draft board, buddy, this is what I said
Sarge, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen and I always carry a purse
I got eyes like a bat, and my feet are flat my asthma's getting worse
Consider my career, my sweetheart...
My poor old invalid aunt
Besides, I ain't no fool, and I'm goin' to school
And I'm workin' in a defense plant
I've got a dislocated disc and a racked up back
I'm allergic to flowers and bugs
And when the bombshell hits, I get epileptic fits
And I'm addicted to a thousand drugs
I got the weakness woes, I can't touch my toes...
I hate Chou En Lai, and I hope he dies
But I think you gotta see that if someone's gotta go over there, that someone isn't me...
And if you ever get a war without any gore, well, I'll be the first to go"
Covers:
Chad Mitchell Trio - Draft Dodger Rag (1964: Mercury # SR 60949)
The Moonshiners - Draft Dodger Rag (1965: Village Gate # VLG 104)
Denis Gibbons - National Service Blues (Draft Dodger Blues) (1965: W&G # 2594)
Pete Seeger - The Draft Dodger Rag (1966: Columbia # 4-43699)
Four in the Morning - Draft Dodger Rag (Crossroad # 7001)
John Berry - Draft Dodger (Sound Inc. # S1-180)
The Apples - Draft Dodgers Rag (Act 1 # 715)
Show full lyrics (42 lines) ▾
#11 Alan Klein Age Of Corruption 1965 · Single · Age of Corruption / I'm Counting on You · Parlophone # R 5370 · UK
Annotation
UK-based contemporary folk artist, Alan Klein, born 29 June 1940 in Clerkenwell, London, also a member of The New Vaudeville Band, released the novelty song "Age of Corruption" , a response to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", sung to the same melody, which mocked protest singers for releasing political records, suggesting it was for commercial gain: "make it controversial so the DJ's will spin it, tell the world what's wrong with it in less than three minutes" . As well as McGuire, it also called out Bob Dylan, Donovan, and Joni Mitchell: "now let's all bow down and pray to Bob Dylan, and Donovan, and Joni" . On the issue of Civil Rights, he sarcastically sung "we gotta' bring in segregation, well, I ain't sure what that means, 'cause I ain't had no education" , and on the Vietnam War: "we'll denounce all wars as just senseless killings" . Note that Billboard reported on 4 December 1965 that "Dunhill Records... prevented release by EMI of singer-songwriter Alan Klein's recoding of 'Age of Corruption' because it used the tune of P.F. Sloan's 'Eve of Destruction'".1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Released Nov 12, 1965. A promo copy (release 5129432) also exists.

Reissued on 'Well At Least Its British' (2008 CD) and the box set 'Gathered From Coincidence: The British Folk-Pop Sound Of 1965-66' (2018). Pop / Folk / Vocal. parody/answer to Barry McGuire's 'Eve of Destruction'; protest-song satire rather than directly about Vietnam A novelty response to Barry McGuire's 'Eve of Destruction' sung to the same melody, mocking protest singers as commercial opportunists; Dunhill Records blocked EMI's release in 1965 because it used P.F. Sloan's tune.
Lyrics
English
Let's record a song with words of protest in it
Make it controversial so the DJ's will spin it
Tell the world what's wrong with it in less than three minutes
So count up to three after me, and begin it
Let's jump on the bandwagon, my friends
Can't you see this is the age of corruption
We'll make it obscure, so no one can understand it
And then when we hear that the radio has banned it
And the record reviewers on the papers have panned it
We'll laugh all the way to the bank, like we planned it
Let's jump on the bandwagon, my friends
Can't you see
This is the age of corruption
We'll denounce all wars as just senseless killings
Purify your minds for the price of six shillings
Now let's all bow down and pray to Bob Dylan
And Donovan, and Joni, and [unknown]
And let's jump on the bandwagon, my friends
Can't you see
This is the age of corruption
Somewhere along the line, we gotta' bring in segregation
Well, I ain't sure what that means, 'cause I ain't had no education
Been too busy getting high, making [unknown] observations
Doin' one night stands, and touring TV stations
Fighting for your freedom, and attending demonstrations
And all the time, a weekly show is climbing up the ratings
And I'm blowin' in the wind
I'm trying to catch the wind
I'm chasin' the wind
And racin' the wind
Now I'm travelin' so fast
I'm passin' the wind
So let's jump on the bandwagon, my friends
Can't you see
This is the age of corruption
We gotta warn the eastern world to stop their eruptions
For it can only end in total nuclear destruction
And if it does, you'll be the one
To buy my records, read my poems
And listen to my mock[?] songs
Before we die
Before we fry
Blow sky-high
And say goodbye
The end is nigh
Let's jump on the bandwagon, my friends
Can't you see
This is the age of corruption"
We gotta warn the eastern world to stop their eruptions
For it can only end in total nuclear destruction
And if it does, you'll be the one
To buy my records, read my poems
And listen to my mock[?] songs
Before we die
Before we fry
Blow sky-high
And say goodbye
The end is nigh
Let's jump on the bandwagon, my friends
Can't you see
This is the age of corruption
Show full lyrics (62 lines) ▾
#12 Richard Gillis Think It Over 1965 · Single · Think It Over / Yesterday's Gone · Kerwood # 713 · USA
Annotation
Double-sided single by obscure artist Richard Gillis - unknown location - although label may have been Los Angeles, California-based - with both songs containing responses to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", taking an anti-protest and patriotic perspective on the war and protest movement of the 1960s. The song "Think It Over" (Kerwood Records # 713) criticised McGuire: "on the eves of the so-called destruction and correction, dump off with it all and get some direction" . He attacked other well-known protest artist, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan: "Joan Boaz... playing her guitar and blocking the stairs, messing with the government that let's her sit there" , and "Bob Dylan, he sings... bout axes and winds that's blowin' our way... saying defense don't pay" , which, according to the artist, could lead toward another Pearl Harbor bombing.

He also attacked the Berkley free speech movement: "you free speechers in Berkely... are you up there to learn or to swear?" . Moreover, the lyrics denounced hippie culture, often presented in song as a youth movement, related to psychedelic music, drugs use (e.g. LSD and marijuana), long hair (both men & women), jeans, flairs, pop art, free love (sex, love-in), travelling, spirituality: "you grow beards, don't wash, and talk like a clown... sing your protest songs with your long hair and tight pants" . Ironically, while sung to a garage tune, his singing is almost a copy-cat of Bob Dylan, while several part of the song are incoherent to the ear.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kerwood Records 713-A / 713-B; "Think It Over" (GB-69), 2:38, and "Yesterday's Gone" (GB-70), 2:58, both Anastasia Music (BMI); distributed by Malynn Enterprises, Inc. No writers printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It's Joan Boaz, with her straight black hair
Playing her guitar and blocking the stairs
Messing with the government that let's her sit there
Well if that's what she wants, let her sing it over there
Think it over...
You peace marchers walk, you talk, and sit down
You grow beards, don't wash, and talk like a clown
Write letters against the men who lay down their lives...
Think it over...
You free speechers in Berkely try to make the world care
That you couldn't say what you want or print it up there
Well I've got a question, I think that it's fair
Are you up there to learn or to swear?
Think it over...
Bob Dylan, he sings in his ? calling way
Bout axes and winds that's blowin' our way
He's banning the bomb, saying defense don't pay
They sang the same song right up the Pearl Bay
On the eves of the so-called destruction and correction
Dump off with it all and get some direction
Stop worrying about bomb planning
Peace marching and complexion
Just mind your own business, that's the action
Think it over...
Sing your protest songs with your long hair and tight pants
Play electric guitars for young ladies to dance
You only got one life, you only get one chance
Until the world ?... makes no sense
Think it over
Show full lyrics (30 lines) ▾
#13 Richard Gillis Yesterday's Gone 1965 · Single · Think It Over / Yesterday's Gone · Kerwood # 713 · USA
Annotation
The b-side, as suggested by the title of the song "Yesterday's Gone" (Kerwood Records # 713), was yet another take down of "Eve of Destruction", this time in the contemporary folk genre, with an adapted melody of the Barry McGuire / P.F. Sloan song, which presented an attempt to offer a positive take: "I've heard all your lectures... you keep on saying it's tomorrow... but it's today... it's a dim little light, it flickers like hope" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kerwood Records 713-A / 713-B; "Think It Over" (GB-69), 2:38, and "Yesterday's Gone" (GB-70), 2:58, both Anastasia Music (BMI); distributed by Malynn Enterprises, Inc. No writers printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There's a light in the window I can see from this ?
Like the prayer through the rabbi, the preacher, the pope
It's a dim little light, it flickers like hope
Gives something to cling to ?
And you keep on saying it's tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow comes the dawn
But it's today
Cause tomorrow leaves yesterday
Yesterday's gone
I spoke about my ways
And I've listened to yours
I've heard all your lectures
I've taken your tours
You've waited for years, months, day, and hours, talking and waiting and things getting worse
And you keep on saying it's tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow comes the dawn
But it's today
Cause tomorrow leaves yesterday
Yesterday's gone
Well years have gone by
? falling behind
Your doubts and your worries ?
You've wasted your time...
If you planted to see the red rose and the white
They fight for survival to grow there...?
Fighting so hard for the place in the light
They didn't have time care which was red and which white...
Show full lyrics (26 lines) ▾

1966

#14 The Patriots The Prophet 1966 · Single · The Prophet / I'll Be There · Mainstream # 631 · USA
Annotation
The song "The Prophet" (Mainstream Records # 631), by the Patriots, a garage rock band based in New York, answered the track "Eve of Destruction" - the "Prophet" referred to Barry McGuire, whom they criticised for "shouting misery and hate... says it's the end, destruction is near" , rather than focusing on the positive, hopeful aspects of the US.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mainstream Records, "A Product of Mainstream Records Inc.", Record No. 631, matrix S5KM 2959, vocal, 45 RPM; "The Prophet" (Keske-Janssen), time 2:49, Grey Fox (BMI); The Patriots. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There's a prophet of doom, spreading his gloom, shouting misery and hate
Saying this world is a tomb
Yeah and there ain't no room for dreams cause it's too late
He calls you his friend, says it's the end, destruction is near
But wait, hey prophet, take a look around
Yeah prophet, there's still love around
Sure there are things to be found in this land that is free that don't seem right to me
But there is hope in the air, cause there are people who care, their not full of despair like you...
Hey prophet, I still got to dream about this world
So got a lot of other people I know
You know, it's awful easy for you to talk about
Punch you finger and even sing about it
But prophet, tell me something, what are you doing about it?
#15 Johnny Sea Day for Decision 1966 · Single · Day for Decision / Mary Rocks Him to Sleep · Warner Bros. # 5820 · USA
Annotation
Another popular patriotic response to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", the song "Day for Decision" (Warner Bros. Records # 5820) broke into the Billboard singles chart on 4 June 1966, bubbling under the Hot 100 at # 133.12 After four weeks, on 2 July 1966, the single peaked at # 35 in the Billboard Hot 100.3 In the same edition, Billboard printed a letter from a record company owner, praising the single, saying: "we believe the recoding industry owes a vote of thanks to Warner Bros. Records for its latest hit 'Day of Decision'. Of late there has been a tendency to consider patriotism corny, to call expressing love for the USA as square. We Americans have good reason to be proud of our heritage, and should not hide the pride we feel for our country....We applaud Johnny Sea for a superb rendition".4 It reached # 28 in the Billboard Country Chart on 2 July 1966.5 On 9 July 1966, it rose to # 20 in the Country chart.6 The album "Day for Decision" (Warner Bros. Records # W-1659) received a Grammy Nomination for Best Spoken Word, Documentary Or Drama Recording, losing out to Everett McKinley Dirksen (for his patriotic "Gallant Men").7

Johnny Sea (born John Allan Seay, Jr. in Gulfport, MS, 15 July 1940) narrated the song, composed by Allen Peltier, over a musical arrangement by Ernie Freeman. Produced by Gene Nash. The music included an oriental sound, intending to refer to Vietnam, and maybe China as well. It concluded with a choir singing "America the Beautiful". The song started out with the menacing, prophetic views of McGuire, declaring that "American is in real trouble" and that they were in the "age of the American cynic, the year of the unbeliever, the day of doubt" . The narrator believed that problems were not in the "rice paddies of Vietnam" , China, or other "win-less conflicts" , but in the United States.

And the problem in the US? The narrator criticised the lack of patriotism, claiming that people "stare at...shoelaces" when the national anthem played. He then went a step further, and suggested that the "newsreels of the discontented marching" (i.e. the anti-war movement) provided support to the "Viet Cong in the swampy jungles of Vietnam" . Moreover, the "better red than dead cancer" spreading in the US (i.e. those who would rather live under communism than fight and die in a war), caused fear amongst the GIs in Vietnam (as opposed to "better dead than red") - these were competing Cold War slogans in the US and UK since the 1950s, often attributed to Bertrand Russel and the UK Nuclear Disarmament Movement.89 The lyrics also commented on the US political system - it said that the structure and ideals of the US government had not changed, but that the people had, and that this change threatened a "fragile" democracy. He also believed that public office had been corrupted by money.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Warner Bros. 5820 (J15141), orange label with a ring of black triangles; "Day for Decision" (Allen N. Peltier), Moss Rose Pub., BMI, 5:33; Johnny Sea, produced by Gene Nash. Warner Bros. company sleeve printed with red triangles, "© 1964 Warner Bros. Records, Inc., a Subsidiary and Licensee of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The other day I heard someone say, 'you know, America is in real trouble'
It's true, old Glory has never fallen so close to the earth
Our embassies are being stoned, our diplomats are often in fear...
And were involved in a half-dozen nameless, win-less conflicts
Spilling American blood on foreign soil, our young men are dying
For ideals that don't seem to mean too much to Americans anymore
The truth is Americas real trouble doesn't lie in the rice paddies of Vietnam
In the masses of Red China, or in the diabolical intrigues to the south of us
The real trouble lies in the playgrounds of St. Louis
The...mansions of San Francisco and in the slums of Chicago...
In the small southern towns, the fishing villages of New England...
This is the age of the American cynic, the year of the unbeliever, the day of doubt
English
Old fashioned love of God, country, and family is passe
We stare at our shoelaces when they play the national anthem
We wouldn't want to be seen at a political rally or a town hall meeting...
We've decided the only way to get into public office is to buy it...
Flag-waving singing patriotism has been condemned....
Our form of government is the same...
The basic ideals and structure of America haven't changed
We have, you and me, our enemies know it
They've seen the newsreels of the discontented marching...
The new idea is: don't attack America wear it down...
This deadly 'let George do it' attitude lights the way for the Viet Cong in the swampy jungles of Vietnam
This better red than dead cancer is more feared by the American soldier than all the communist mortar shells
It kills the vitality and spirit of America democracy is a frail and fragile instrument
Made of hope, prayer, and Yankee ingenuity
It is held together by a fourth-of-July flag-waving patriotism....
Now if you feel a little pride welling up inside of you...
Thank God for you, mister, you're still an American!
Show full lyrics (32 lines) ▾
#16 Lloyd Green & His Steel Guitar Day For Decision 1966 · Album · Little Darlin' # SLD-8002 · USA
Annotation
Lloyd Green patriotic album (Little Darlin' Records # LD 4002), featuring covers of "Day for Decision" , "Ballad of the Green Beret", and the "Star Spangled Banner". Billboard wrote on 9 July 1966: "capitalizing on the 'Day for Decision' and 'Ballad of the Green Beret' hits, the steel guitarist offers a fine and commercial instrumental package, his debut on Little Darlin' Records. The remaining material is in the same vein".12
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Theme: Patriotic
#17 Buddy Starcher Day of Decision 1966 · Single · Day of Decision / A Taxpayer's Letter · Decca # 31975 · USA
Annotation
On this record Buddy Starcher covered the track "Day of Decision" (Decca Records # 31975), originally released by Johnny Sea (Day of Decision) - an answer record to Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction. Decca promoted the single heavily, taking a full-page advert in Billboard on 28 May 1966, seeking to build on the success of his charting single "History Repeats Itself".1 But unlike the Johnny Sea version, this single failed to chart.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Decca 31975 (117,429), rainbow-stripe black label, "M'f'r'd by Decca Records Inc. New York, U.S.A."; "Day of Decision" (Allen N. Peltier), Moss Rose Publications (BMI), (3:34); Buddy Starcher, vocal with chorus and instrumental accompaniment, produced by Chuck Glaser. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#18 Phil Terry Day Is Done 1966 · Single · Day Is Done / Dixie Bugle · 20th Century Fox # 640 · USA
Annotation
The song "Day Is Done" (20th Century-Fox Records # 640) by obscure artist Phil Terry, no biography known, which is another answer to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", as suggested by the title. Narrated from the perspective of a soldier in Vietnam, it criticised protesters and the anti-war movement: "I heard today that people back home are saying I don't belong here" , and it contained patriotic sentiment, including referencing the flag, pledging allegiance, and perceived values of the country: "have they forgotten... our pledge of allegiance to the flag" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
20th Century-Fox Records 45-640DJ (T4KM-1229), yellow promotional label, "Plug Side", "Promotional Copy — Not for Sale", 20th Century-Fox Record Corporation, New York, made in U.S.A.; "Day Is Done" (M. Jay-P. Terry), Lady Grace Music, BMI, 2:10; produced by Jaysina Ent. Inc.; Phil Terry. Company sleeve, "the ultimate in entertainment", 20th Century-Fox Record Corporation, New York, N.Y., with a typed label "Phil Terry — Day Is Done — Dixie Bugle". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My day is done in Vietnam
I'm tired, these moments before sleep
I think of my family, my girl, my friends
I'm tired, I heard today that people back home
Are saying I don't belong here, why?
Have they forgotten so soon something I learned long ago
Our pledge of allegiance to the flag
To these United States of America
And to the republic for which it stands
Our one nation, under god, indivisible
With liberty and justice for all
My day is done in Vietnam
Genre: ♪ Pop
#19 The Spokesmen Better Days Are Yet to Come 1966 · Single · Better Days Are Yet to Come / Michelle · Decca # 31895 · USA
Annotation
Another song from the Spokesmen, "Better Days Are Yet to Come" (Decca # 31895), a follow-up to their single "The Dawn of Correction". Both songs featured on the album "The Dawn of Correction" (Decca # DL 4712). The Spokesmen were an American garage rock group, made up of John Medora, David White Tucker (of the band Danny & The Juniors) and Roy Gilmore. Again, this can be seen as answer to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", with the title providing a more positive, alternative take: "there's rejection, insurrection, there's defection... listen to me everyone...better days are yet to come" . It also contained a pro-Civil Rights reference: "integration, liberation now on its way" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Decca Record No. 31895 (116,538*), "Broadcast under licence only · Compo Co. Ltd., Canada"; "Better Days Are Yet to Come" (John Madara-David White-Ray Gilmore), 3:00; The Spokesmen, vocal trio with instrumental accompaniment, musical director Jimmy Wisner; produced by Madara-White Productions; "From Decca Album DL 4712 The Dawn of Correction". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There's dissension, there's contention, there's abstention in the air
There's oppression, there's aggression, there's oppression everywhere
Listen to me everyone...better days are yet to come
There's rejection, insurrection, there's defection, and there's more
Regulation, agitation, violation then before...
Indignation, intimidation, and frustrations wearing thin
Moderation, innovation, celebrations coming in...
Dissolution, illusion, less confusion on it way
Education, integration, liberation now on its way...
Listen to me everyone...better days are yet to come
#20 David Winters Anti-Protest Protest Song 1966 · Single · Anti-Protest Protest Song / Hucklebuck Shoes · Mercury # 72537 · USA
Annotation
Garage rock novelty song "Anti-Protest Protest Song" (Mercury Records # 72537) by David Winters, another track mocking the protest movement, especially singers, referencing Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction": "Eve of Destruction says we'll soon be dead, but I never knew misery could make such friends" . It also referenced Bob Dylan and Sonny and Cher: "comb your hair like Bobby Dylan... Sonny and Cher... protest pair are making a mint" . Composed by Lenny Revell. Arranged and conducted by Alan Lorber.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mercury Records 72537, matrix YW1-37224, black "High Fidelity" label, vocal; "Anti-Protest Protest Song" (Lenny Revell), Just Music (BMI), time 2:00; producers Shelby Singleton and Alan Lorber; arranged and conducted by Alan Lorber; Mercury Record Corporation, made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Now gather around folk singers, and hear what I say
How I got myself a record today, first you comb your hair like Bobby Dylan
Then you look around for injustice and killing
Don't make like a Beatle that's already been
Cause listen cat, if you want to be in
You got to protest baby (I got nothing to protest)
Come on and protest baby (I got nothing to protest)
Jump on the White House lawn and shout out notice
Stand on your head on a bed until you're noticed...
Now Sonny and Cher, if you'll take a hint
Protest pair are making a mint
And Eve of Destruction says we'll soon be dead
But I never knew misery could make such friends
So strum that guitar and look kind of sick
The come along on this groovy kick
Come on and protest baby (I got nothing to protest)
Jump on the White House lawn and shout out notice
Stand on your head on a bed until you're noticed...
Now with my protest money and my protest car
And my protest girl, I'm a protest star
But the crazy thing about this brand new bag
Man it's like getting to be a drag
Cause the only things left to protest are protest songs...
Oh yeah we are the anti-protest protesters, and all that jazz
Show full lyrics (25 lines) ▾
#21 Don Hinson The Protest Singer 1966 · Single · The Protest Singer / Peddlers of Hate · Treva # 222 · USA
Annotation
The song "The Protest Singer" (Treva # 222), released on a Hollywood, California label - but no further details known of this artist - took an anti-protest position, mocking musicians who wake up and "look around until I find something that is wrong" , and then write a song, which included the major issues of the day: "I sing about Vietnam, ban the bomb, end the war" , as well as Civil Rights: "I sing about segregation, integration, demonstration, legislation" . It referenced Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", suggesting the protest singers were in it for the money: "I want to make my fortune before destruction's eve, long as people pay, I hope the problems stay" . The song also denounced hippie culture, often presented in song as a youth movement, related to psychedelic music, drugs use (e.g. LSD and marijuana), long hair (both men & women), jeans, flairs, pop art, free love (sex, love-in), travelling, spirituality: "can't take my time to comb my hair, shave or take a bath" . Also note the reference to the KKK, and the US president Lyndon B. Johnson.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Treva Records 222, Suite #616, 6290 Sunset, Hollywood, Calif.; red label, 45 RPM, marked "Not for Sale" (the Protest Singer side also "Promotional Copy"). "The Protest Singer" (K. Johnson-D. Hinson), 1:56, Limelite Music-Garpax Music Inc. (BMI), matrix 59477; "Peddlers of Hate" (D. Hinson-K. Johnson), 2:00, Garpax Music Inc.-Limelite Music (BMI), matrix 59477-X. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I wake every morning, it's the early dawn
Look around until I find something that is wrong
Then write a song, it don't take long to write a protest song
I sing about segregation, integration, demonstration, legislation, communism, socialism, any ism is an ism, is alright with me
Can't take my time to comb my hair
Shave or take a bath
If restaurant owners laugh at me, they'll have to take the wrath of the protest sing
I could be cleaner, but I'm a protest singer
I sing about Vietnam, ban the bomb, end the war, and help the poor, the KKK, the PTA, and LBJ is A-okay with me
Now I'm the protest singer, this you can believe
I want to make my fortune before destruction's eve
Long as people pay, I hope the problems stay
I'm the protest singer
I sing about Red Chinese minorities, PhDs, low salaries, a race for space, the human race, day or night a quite riot is alright with me...
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#22 Don Hinson Peddlers of Hate 1966 · Single · The Protest Singer / Peddlers of Hate · Treva # 222 · USA
Annotation
Again, the song "The Peddlers of Hate" took an anti-protest position, accusing its participants of being negative: "perhaps they'll see their whole world smile, except the ones that make a living peddling hate" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Treva Records 222, Suite #616, 6290 Sunset, Hollywood, Calif.; red label, 45 RPM, marked "Not for Sale" (the Protest Singer side also "Promotional Copy"). "The Protest Singer" (K. Johnson-D. Hinson), 1:56, Limelite Music-Garpax Music Inc. (BMI), matrix 59477; "Peddlers of Hate" (D. Hinson-K. Johnson), 2:00, Garpax Music Inc.-Limelite Music (BMI), matrix 59477-X. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Why can't they stop, why can't they wait
Why can't they stop, just stop and think
Can't they see that they're just fools
Can't they see that they're just tools
Of those that make a living peddling hate
The peddlers of hate
Why can't they stop, why can't they wait
Why don't they stop before its too late
For I know that they're confused
Can't they see they're being used
Of those that make a living peddling hate
The peddlers of hate
Why can't they stop, why can't they see
They're just human being like you and me
If they can't wait for just a while
Perhaps they'll see their whole world smile
Except the ones that make a living peddling hate
The peddlers of hate
Show full lyrics (19 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#23 Bob Linkletter The Out Crowd 1966 · Single · The Out Crowd / The Final Season · Chattahoochee # CH 702 · USA
Notes
- Garage rock, released Los Angeles, California.
- A-side: anti-hippie
- B-side: response to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction"
- young men sent to war to learn to kill
- it's the day of decision
- protest record

- Member of Bob And Michèle, The Cornells. Also known as Robert Preston Linkletter, Bob Preston Chattahoochee Records CH 702-1 / CH 702-2, pink label with a Native American drummer logo and the slogan "Solid as Rock". "The Out Crowd" (Bob Linkletter - Mark Hilder), 2:09, Bob-A-Link Publ. Co., Contrast Publ. Co. and Guild Publ. Co., BMI; flip side "The Final Season" (Robert J. Hafner), 2:19, Anthony Music Corp., ASCAP. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#24 Bob Linkletter The Final Season 1966 · Single · The Out Crowd / The Final Season · Chattahoochee # CH 702 · USA
Annotation: see “The Out Crowd” above (same release).

1967

#26 Happy Fats The Day of Indecision 1967 · Single · The Day of Indecision / My Little Lou Lou · Reb Rebel # 507 · USA
Annotation
Born Leroy LeBlanc on 30 January 1915, in Louisiana, Happy Fats belonged to the Cajun community - descendants of 17th-century French colonists.12 He released a series of controversial political and racist records in the 1960s, including "Birthday Thank You Tommy, From Viet Nam" (1965), which praised the fighting soldier in Vietnam, and attacked the anti-war movement for being un-patriotic. This was followed by "Veteran's Plea / Dear Mr. President" (1966) - the A-side of which dealt with Vietnam, while the B-side featured a racist monologue arguing against desegregation. In 1967 he released "The Day of Indecision" , the title of which can be seen as an answer to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", and in which he called for fighting communism in Vietnam and Laos, and praised Goldwater, Wallace, and Reagan for their patriotism (one of the earliest records referencing Reagan, then Governor of California). In 1972 he released a single supporting Wallace's campaign for the presidency - "Vote Wallace in 72". Moreover, he released a string of segregationist, anti-Civil Rights, anti-Great Society, and anti-LBJ singles, including "A Victim of the Big Mess (Called the Great Society)".

The song "The Day of Indecision" (Reb Rebel # 507) is another song title inspired by Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", which presented a religious, patriotic, and racist perspective of politics, with those he disagreed with apparently facing punishment from god. As can be seen from the record label image, it featured the Confederate flag prominently. He praised "the men who are fighting in the jungles in Vietnam" , as well as those fighting "the communist in places like Laos and Vietnam" . But criticised the "evil politicians" who "protect the commies" at home and "persecute the peoples rights and the clans" - presumably a defense of the racist KKK, based on this artist's discography. As noted above, he praised Goldwater, Wallace, and Reagan for their patriotism (one of the earliest records referencing Reagan, then Governor of California) - while comparing the other politicians to Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini, a somewhat disproportionate response and comparison. As well as supporting the KKK, it included multiple anti-Civil Rights messages, including "schemers who ... take the white, the black, the yellow, to fight and die and make their votes for them" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Reb Rebel No. 507, Side 2, P.O. Box 769, Crowley, La.; "The Day of Indecision" (Le Blanc), 3:08, Jamil Music, BMI. The label is printed in red and blue with a Confederate battle flag either side of the Reb Rebel logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
This is my country
We've had our days of decision
We've sat back and taken them in stride
But few of us have really thought about indecision...
As a god-fearing man I believe in the ? of hell
As a ? sinner, I'll know I'll have to pay
But will I be in the same place down there
With Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, and the ones who are torturing us today
In a land that is so big and beautiful
What did our forefathers die for...
We are now pushed, battered, and persecuted
Be evil politicians ?
And when the histories books are written, we'll all go down and gone
Will the new patriots be included therein
National figures like Goldwater, Maddox, Wallace, Reagan...
Or will some politicians be written there, to make their fight once more
Maybe yes, but when they face the big book, they'll wish they were never born
They take our boys of every race to fight the communist in places like Laos and Vietnam
While over here they seems to protect the commies, and persecute the peoples rights and the clans
They are the schemers who work together where lights are dim
Take the white, the black, the yellow, to fight and die and make their votes for them
Yes, and I still get a tear in my eye, and a lump in my through when I hear 'America'
But the tune is kind of rickety
Like the wailing of a child for its mothers
And again ? hear the strains of 'Yankee Doodle' and 'Dixie'
I know that god will help the men who are fighting in the jungles in Vietnam
Men of every race
And I believe there is a place for them in heaven
For those who still fight here to save our place
For when the last trumpet is blown
And we are called to go
Our maker we must face
The true heroes names will be branded in the book of gold
And the ones that are breeding lies, dealings or votes will be banished from this place
Show full lyrics (35 lines) ▾

1969

#27 Peter, Paul and Mary Day Is Done 1969 · Single · Day Is Done / Make Believe Town · Warner Bros. # 7279 · USA
Notes
- Contemporary folk, protest, anti-war / peace, Vietnam-era
- Popular titles, related to "Eve of Destruction"
- Children lead us to better world
- Written from perspective of brother who faced the draft

- Warner Bros.-Seven Arts Records 7279 (M51496), white "Promotion — Not for Sale" label, Made in U.S.A.; "Day Is Done" (Peter Yarrow), Pepamar Music Corp., ASCAP, 3:22; produced by Phil Ramone, arranged by Chris Dedrick. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#28 Los Golden Stars La guerra del Vietnam 1969 · Single · Buen tirador / La guerra del Vietnam · FTA # 50444 · Peru
Annotation
The song "La guerra del Vietnam" (FTA # 50444) by Los Golden Stars, formed in 1966 in Lima, Peru. Members included Gilberto Guzmán (vocals, bass), Ricardo Osores (guitar), Jorge Ponce (organ), and Carlos Risco (drums). This is in the garage rock genre, and is to the tune of Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
B-side of "Buen tirador"; to the tune of Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction". FTA (Fabricantes Técnicos Asociados) 50444, Peru.

1970

#29 Beadfreak Eve of Destruction 1970 · Single · Eve of Destruction / Crazy Motocycle Freak · Rotten Rat # 45-R-1001 - 2 · USA
Notes
Rotten Rat Records 45-R-1001, black label with a rat-on-motorcycle logo; "Eve of Destruction" (P. F. Sloan), 3:25, Trousdale Music Publishers, Inc., BMI; arranged by Corburn, Mellis & DeMilta; executive producer Gary J. Mellis; Rotten Rat Records, P.O. Box #209, Kensington Sta., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11218. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#30 The Temptations Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) 1970 · Single · Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) / It's Summer · Gordy # G 7099 · USA
Annotation
Famous Detroit, Michigan soul group, The Temptations, formed in 1961, and had a string of hits with Motown Records. With a somewhat revolving line-up throughout its history, with its classic line-up featuring David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams. Their March 1970 album "Psychedelic Shack" featured the first version of the protest song "War", written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, made famous by Edwin Starr a few months later, reaching #1 in the Billboard charts. Again, written by Whitefield and Strong, the song "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (Gordy Records # G 7099) was a successful protest song, reaching #3 in the Billboard charts on 4 July 1970: "people all over the world are shoutin' end the war" .1 It noted various issues of the day, including Civil Rights: "people movin'... because of the color of their skin... vote for me, and I'll set you free, segregation" . It also referenced ecology (pollution), hippies, taxes, unemployment, gun control, drugs, as well as "eve of destruction" - a reference to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" .
Cover songs
The Undisputed Truth – Ball of Confusion (1971 / Gordy # G 7112F)
Edwin Starr - Ball of Confusion (1972) / Soul # S 35096F)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gordy G 7099 (N-K-N-760M02), purple-and-yellow label; "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (Whitfield, Strong), time 4:04, © 1970 Jobete, BMI, produced by Norman Whitfield. The black picture sleeve shows a double image of the globe with the slogan "Words stronger than steel. A gutty interpretation by the Temptations. A stirring new single."; the back prints the full lyrics ("Copyright 1970 Jobete Music Company, Inc."), ending "People all over the world, are shoutin' / End the war / And the band played on." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
People movin' out, people movin' in
Why, because of the color of their skin
Run, run, run, but you sho' can't hide
An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth
Vote for me, and I'll set you free
Segregation, determination, demonstration
Integration, aggravation....obligation to our nation
Ball of confusion, that's what the world is today
The sale of pills are at an all time high
Young folks walk around with their heads in the sky
Cities aflame in the summer time...
Air pollution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul
Shootin' rockets to the moon, kids growin' up too soon
Politicians say more taxes will solve everything...
Fear in the air, tension everywhere
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles' new record's a gas...
Eve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectors
Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand
Suicide, too many bills, hippies movin' to the hills
People all over the world, are shoutin' end the war
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾

1971

#31 The Undisputed Truth Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) 1971 · Single · Ball of Confusion / You Make Your Own Heaven · Gordy # G 7112F · USA
Notes
Gordy G 7112F (N-01-N-851805), purple-and-yellow label; "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (N. Whitfield, B. Strong), time 7:03, © 1970 Jobete Music Co., Inc., BMI; produced by Norman Whitfield, orchestration direction by David Van DePitte; "In album 'The Undisputed Truth' G 955L"; "A trademark of Motown Record Corp. © 1971". [From the record sleeve and labels]

1974

#32 The American Spirit My Fellow Americans 1974 · Single · The American Spirit / My Fellow Americans · Mums # ZS7 6028 · USA
Credited on the record as The American Spirit featuring the Voices of the Saint Carmichael Choir.
Annotation
The song "My Fellow Americans" (Mums Records # ZS7 6028) was a narration by Abbott Vaughn Meader impersonating John F. Kennedy, who read out the names of influential Americans, including a diverse field, such as George Washington, Crazy Horse, MLK, RFK, and Daniel Ellsberg, with fanfare, military march background music. Released for the US Bicentennial. The A-side track, "The American Spirit" , took a patriotic stance, referencing war and peace, the assassination of JFK, and the song "Eve of Destruction" by McGuire: "this is not a nation on the Eve of Destruction, but a nation on the morning on triumph" . Abbott Vaughn Meader received the writing credit for both side. Produced and arranged by Hal Blaine.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mums ZS7 6028, stereo, purple-and-orange label, ℗ 1974 Mums Records; "Mums Records, a division of Landers-Roberts, Inc., distributed by CBS Records, 51 West 52 Street, New York City". "The American Spirit" (Abbott Vaughn Meader), matrix ZS7 6028-3, time 3:41; flip "My Fellow Americans" (Abbott Vaughn Meader), matrix ZS7 6028-4, time 3:31. Both sides: The American Spirit featuring the Voices of the Saint Carmichael Choir; publishers Landers-Roberts Music, Inc./April Music, Inc. (ASCAP); arranged and produced by Hal Blaine; engineer Howard Steele. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#33 The American Spirit The American Spirit 1974 · Single · The American Spirit / My Fellow Americans · Mums # ZS7 6028 · USA
Credited on the record as The American Spirit featuring the Voices of the Saint Carmichael Choir.
Annotation: see “My Fellow Americans” above (same release).

1981

#34 Haywire Eve of Destruction 1981 · Single · Eve of Destruction / Opec Oil · Heavy # 45-1981 · USA
Notes
Heavy Records 45-1981-A, black label; "Eve of Destruction" (P. F. Sloan), time 4:03, Trousdale Music Publishers Inc. (BMI); produced by T. H. McDonald.

The picture sleeve front shows a red line drawing of a two-headed camel under the band name, with "Eve of Destruction b/w OPEC Oil"; the back has a group photograph naming Marty Muise (drums/percussion), Bob Meekins (guitar/vocals), John Schmidt (bass/vocals) and Dave Tecce (guitar/vocals). Engineer Walter James; "1981 Heavy Productions". This copy is signed by all four members and inscribed "To Donna with love from". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Rock

Lyric theme data

Lyric content themes tagged on the songs in this collection — parent themes with their sub-themes (number of records). Click a theme for its definition and all records carrying it.

Show all 22 themes ▾

Key stats

34 songs · 29 releases · 28 artists · 25 labels · 1965–1981

Time period
  • 1965 is the peak year, with 13 songs.
  • 1965–68 holds 26 of the 34 dated songs — three quarters in four years.
  • 33 of the 34 were released during the war years. Only one comes after: Haywire, “Eve of Destruction” (1981).
Artists
  • 28 artists for 34 songs. No act appears more than twice.
  • Four of the artists are still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
Songwriters
  • Songwriter gender is recorded for 19 of the 34 songs: 18 by men and one by mixed teams.
  • By performer: 33 men and one mixed groups (recorded for 34).
  • 33 named songwriters. The most often credited are Allen N. Peltier and P.F. Sloan, with three each.
Labels
  • 17 of the 25 labels appear exactly once; Decca has the most, with three.
  • Twelve sit on a major or well-known imprint — Decca, Elektra, Warner Bros., Dunhill, Mercury, Parlophone, RCA Victor, Swan. The other 22 are on independent, regional or private labels.
  • Four 45s put both of their sides into this list.
Locations
  • 32 of the 34 are American. California leads with nine, then New York six and Michigan two.
  • New York City accounts for six records, more than any other city; Los Angeles has five, Burbank two.
  • Two come from outside the US: one Peruvian, one British.
Themes
  • By perspective: 21 patriotic, pro-government or anti-protest; ten peace, protest and anti-war; two home front or soldier's perspective; one post-war.
  • 48 distinct sub-themes across 34 songs.
  • Patriotic is the single biggest subject — 16 songs, nearly one in three.
  • Next come Demonstration (13), Anti-Protest (10), Anti-War (10) and Draft (10).
  • 28 are answer records to “Eve of Destruction”.