Collections › Mexican-American / Hispanic Songs

Mexican-American / Hispanic Songs

133 songs · chronological · A–Z by artist
Annotations and notes by Justin A. Brummer
Entries are numbered (#1, #2 …) for reference on this page; the numbers shift when entries are added or split.
Michael W. Rodriguez, served in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in Vietnam.1
A collection of songs and spoken-word recordings by Mexican-Americans referencing the Vietnam War
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, 130+ songs by Mexican-American and Hispanic artists.
YouTube playlist: Mexican-American Songs
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — Mexican-American / Hispanic Songs, vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/mexican-american-hispanic-songs, accessed 12 November 2026
Further acknowledgement: A further source for this collection is the Strachwitz Frontera Collection of Mexican and Mexican American Recordings at UCLA.

Transcriptions & Translations

The songs in this collection most often deal with: Soldier's Perspective, Anti-War, Patriotic, K.I.A..
1 of 2
The Vietnam Songbook published in 1969, and compiled by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber (founders of Paredon Records ) - containing 100+ Vietnam War protest songs. 1
Transcriptions and translations of the Spanish lyrics in this collection were provided by:
  • Eric Silberberg, a graduate student in the School of Library and Information Science at CUNY Queens College, pursuing a Master of Library Science and a certificate in archives, records management and preservation. He worked as an instructor and researcher at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Tehuacán, where he taught history, audio production and research methods.
  • Ignacia Morales Reyes, professor of history in the political science department at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico; a member of the Asociación de Historiadores Latinoamericanistas Europeos and of the research group Estudios Históricos Sociales: Territorio, Lengua e Imagen (PRODEP). She holds an MA in history from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and a BA in history from the Instituto de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades “Alfonso Vélez Pliego” of BUAP.
  • Joel Garcia, a high-school history instructor and UCLA graduate in History with a minor in Chicano Studies.

Bibliography

Bibliography:

  • Gurza, Agustín, "The Mexican-American Soldier: Fighting at Home and Abroad", Frontera Project, 26 July 2017.
  • Gurza, Agustín, "The Ballads of Vietnam: Patriotism and Protest", Frontera Project, 3 August 2017.
  • Coronado, Juan David, "Beyond the Requiem: Chicano Pop Culture and the Vietnam War" in The Vietnam War in Popular Culture: The Influence of America's Most Controversial War on Everyday Life, ed., Ron Milam (Santa Barbara: Praeger, 2017), pp. 293-312.
  • Jimenez, Teresa Moreno, "The Mexican American Vietnam War Serviceman: The Missing American" (MA thesis: Cal Poly, 2015).
  • Lea, Ybarro, "Perceptions of Race and Class Among Chicano Vietnam Veteran", in Vietnam Generation, Vol. 1, No. 2, 1989.
  • Lustgarten, Kirsten, "Carnales: Transnational Affiliation in Chicano Vietnam War Protest" (MA thesis: UNM, 2013)
  • Mariscal, George, ed. Aztlan and Vietnam: Chicano and Chicana Experiences of the War (Berkeley: UC Press, 1999).
  • McDowell, John H. ¡Corrido!: The Living Ballad of Mexico's Western Coast (Albuquerque: UNM Press, 2015).
  • Oropeza, Lorena, ¡Raza Sí! ¡Guerra No!: Chicano Protest and Patriotism during the Viet Nam War Era (Berkeley: UC Press, 2005).
  • Rincón, Belinda Linn, Bodies at War: Genealogies of Militarism in Chicana Literature and Culture (Tucson: AZU Press, 2017).
  • Rosales, Steven, Soldados Razos at War: Chicano Politics, Identity, and Masculinity in the U.S. Military From World War Two to Vietnam (Tuscon: AZU Press, 2017).
  • San Miguel, Guardalope, Tejano Proud: Tex-Mex Music in the Twentieth Century (College Station: Texas A&M).
  • Sánchez, Martha I. Chew, Corridos in Migrant Memory (Albuquerque: UNM Press, 2006).
  • William, Bill & Charlie Brite, "Tex-Mex Is a Major Musical Force", Billboard, 25 November 1972, p. 4.

War Years: 1964-1972

Mexican-American Marines in Vietnam, c. 1970-1972, Red Garcia Collection, Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections
"The Vietnam Conflict Spawning Heavy Barrage of Disk Tunes" the headline read in Billboard on 4 June 1966. It went on to report that: "since January, well over 100 Vietnam records have been released, with five making the Billboard Hot 100 and a dozen making Billboard's country charts..With Vietnam still the over-riding issue, and with little likelihood for an early settlement, the prospect for more war songs is certain". Released during the war years, between 1962 and 1975, the songs included mention Vietnam, or the lyrics deal with war-related themes, such as the draft, napalm, prisoners of war, demonstrations, references to soldiers and veterans, war & peace, and expressions of patriotism.

1966

#1 Eddy Harrison Danny Fernandez 1966 · Single · Danny Fernandez / One Common Heart · Liberty # 55891 · USA
Annotation
The song "Danny Fernandez" (Liberty Records # 55891) by Eddy Harrison, from New Mexico, was a tribute song based on an actual soldier, Danny Fernandez - the first Mexican American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam. Billboard reported on 2 July 1966: "Liberty has released the ballad of 'Danny Fernandez', a tribute to the 21-year old army specialist who fell on a grenade and saved the lives of 19 buddies. The story of the Los Lunas, N.M. soldier is told by Eddy Harrison, an unknown writer from Mesilla Park, N.M. Harrison came to California to audition the tune for Liberty's A&R man Dallas Smith who dug the idea".1 The official Medal of Honor citation read: "Fernández demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company...an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group...Fernández vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life".2345 The song looked at the soldier's perspective, started with Fernandez answering when his "country called" and he "went away to war" at the age of 21: "just in the prime of his young life" . It described the battle that he encountered and jumping on a hand grenade. It concluded that "America is proud of him, his buddies they are too" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Liberty 55891 (LB-2255), "Audition Record", Liberty Records, Inc., Los Angeles, California; "Danny Fernandez" (Eddy Harrison), Metric Music Co. - Eddy Harrison Music — BMI, 2:00; producer Dallas Smith; Eddy Harrison, arranged by Eddie Karam. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Danny died a heroes death, as some have died before
When Danny's country called on him he went away to war
Danny Fernandez was only 21...
In the prime of his young life
When they gave him a gun, they shipped him off across the sea
With many more beside and on that strange battleground
He bled and died, they just engaged the enemy and shells were coming fast
If they just had one more attack they knew they couldn't last...
A grenade fell in their mist, and panic seized the men
But Danny fell upon the bomb and saved his knightly friends
America is proud of him, his buddies they are too
He saved them all...
His mother puts his things away
She kisses one by one...
His greatest honor that he never knew he won
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾

1967

#2 Doc and The Medics Postmarked Home 1967 · Single · Postmarked Home / Wrong Side of Saigon · Kaylsodak # Klsd 0003 · USA
Annotation
Double-side Vietnam War record, released in 1967 (Kaylsodak Recording Company # Klsd 0003/0004), in Mitchell, South Dakota, USA, in the garage rock genre, with Mexican trumpets. The songs are composed by T. J. Magera. An article from The Daily Republic, Mitchell, South Dakota, on 29 July 1967, read: "the many faceted talents of Magera vastly transcend sales. They include composing and recording (Magera cuts his own discs on the "Kaylsodak Recording Company" label in partnership with Jan Grosz)... He's a gifted trumpet player and, as a composer, created such hopefuls as "The Ballad of John Kennedy," "The Eternal Light".... "Postmarked Home" , and "The Wrong Side of Saigon" ... Tom has his own band, not surprisingly named the "Versatones"".1 Both sides of this single are Vietnam War-related, narrated from the soldier's perspective. In the song "Postmarked Home" , the soldier described mail call - a reference to military personnel assembling for the distribution of mail - he received a letter and recalled home and his sweetheart. He said that he needed to "kill some more to make these people free", a small patriotic / pro-government message.

In the song "Wrong Side of Saigon" , also narrated from the soldier's perspective, the protagonist revealed that his sweetheart had left him: "shattered all my dreams". He expressed his sadness at being along in Saigon.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kaylsodak Recording Company, Mitchell, S.D., Klsd 0003 (18467), 45 RPM, pink label; "Postmarked Home" (T. J. Magera), 3:00, Kaylsodak Publishing, Mitchell, S.D.

The sleeve is a reproduced handwritten letter headed "Somewhere in Viet Nam - Dear Friends", overprinted "Postmarked Home", that sets out the song's lyrics and closes: "We had a new band entertaining the boys, they're called 'Doc and The Medics' and they record on the 'Kaylsodak' Label"; © 1967 T. J. Magera. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The battle was won, now it's the mail call
And our day is done, hopefully my name...
There is a letter for me and it's postmarked home
As I started to read I remembered my home, school, prom night, graduation ball
There in my arms all our love we knew
She said she would wait for me and always would be true
I hated to leave then, I feared for our love
Things could go wrong but with help from above
I'll soon be home, she'll waiting there for me
I've got to wait and kill some more to make these people free
Bravely we fight, and we've got 'em on the run
Fighting and killing until this war is done, far across the sea...
There's a letter for me, and it's postmarked home
#3 Joan Baez Saigon Bride 1967 · Single · Joan · Vanguard # VSD-79240 · USA
Annotation
Joan Baez also played an active and important role in the 1960s/70s protest and civil rights movement. She was born on Staten Island, New York, on 9 January 1941. Her father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community.1 Baez frequently playing at rallies and meetings, including Martin Luther King's March on Washington in 1963 and the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam on 15 October 1969. In 1972 Baez traveled to North Vietnam during Nixon's controversial "Christmas Bombings" on Hanoi and Haiphong (official named Operation Linebacker II).2 Baez produced an album about that trip, released in 1973, called Where Are You Now, My Son? (A&M Records # SP-4390). She also joined in other forms of protest, such as the Draft Resistance, an organisation run by her then husband David Harris. Together they released a film about his imprisonment for draft evasion in 1970 called Carry It On. The soundtrack included spoken-word extracts discussing the draft, and Baez performing live across the country (Carry It On, Vanguard Records # VSD-79313). From 1964, Baez refused to pay 60% of her taxes, which she claimed went towards armaments, and the Vietnam War.3. The country singer Bill Anderson attacked Baez for this in the song Where Have All Our Heroes Gone.

In 1967 Baez reflected on the war in the track "Saigon Bride" (Vanguard Records # VSD-79240), co-written with Nina Dusheck, and arranged by Peter Schickele. Baez narrated the song from the perspective of soldier, heading out to war, saying goodbye to his Vietnamese wife. Rather than a hard-hitting, political anti-war song, the gentle poetic ballad took a more emotional and personal approach to display opposition to the conflict. Gábor Szabó released a cover of the song in the same year: Saigon Bride (Impulse! # 45-268).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Farewell my wistful Saigon bride
I'm going out to stem the tide
A tide that never saw the seas
It flows through jungles, round the trees
Some say it's yellow, some say red
It will not matter when we're dead

1968

#4–6 Joan Baez Baptism 1968 · Album · Vanguard # VSD-79275 · USA
All 3 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
As noted above, Baez's father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community. Released on this 1968 album (Vanguard Records # VSD-79275) were several songs about war in general, the theme of the A-Side.1 Released during the Vietnam-era, they took an anti-war stance. The track "Song in the Blood" , a poem by Jacques Prevert, reflected on the "great puddles of blood on the world" and wondered "where is it all going?" The song "I Saw the Vision of Armies" was a poem by Walt Whitman, which looked at the battle scene, the symbol of the flag, and the suffering of mourning families: "through the smoke of the battles, pierced with missiles...a few shreds of flags....battle corpses, myriads of them...they suffered not, the living remained and suffered" . The song "Minister of War" was by English Orientalist Arthur Waley, which looked at the role of government in sending people to war: "we are the king's claws and fangs, why should you roll us on from misery to misery, giving us no place to stop in or take rest?" The album reached #84 in the Billboard Pop Albums chart.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#4 Joan Baez Song in the Blood 1968 · Album · Baptism · Vanguard # VSD-79275 · USA
Annotation
As noted above, Baez's father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community. Released on this 1968 album (Vanguard Records # VSD-79275) were several songs about war in general, the theme of the A-Side.1 Released during the Vietnam-era, they took an anti-war stance. The track "Song in the Blood" , a poem by Jacques Prevert, reflected on the "great puddles of blood on the world" and wondered "where is it all going?" The song "I Saw the Vision of Armies" was a poem by Walt Whitman, which looked at the battle scene, the symbol of the flag, and the suffering of mourning families: "through the smoke of the battles, pierced with missiles...a few shreds of flags....battle corpses, myriads of them...they suffered not, the living remained and suffered" . The song "Minister of War" was by English Orientalist Arthur Waley, which looked at the role of government in sending people to war: "we are the king's claws and fangs, why should you roll us on from misery to misery, giving us no place to stop in or take rest?" The album reached #84 in the Billboard Pop Albums chart.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Theme: Anti-War
#5 Joan Baez I Saw the Vision of Armies 1968 · Album · Baptism · Vanguard # VSD-79275 · USA
Annotation: see “Song in the Blood” above (same release).
Theme: Anti-War
#6 Joan Baez Minister of War 1968 · Album · Baptism · Vanguard # VSD-79275 · USA
Annotation: see “Song in the Blood” above (same release).
Theme: Anti-War
#7 Ricky Dean Flowers 1968 · Single · Flowers / I'll Never Love Another · Original Sound # OS-84 · USA
Annotation
The song "Flowers" (Original Sound # OS-84) is a teen / psychedelic pop song which looked at the impact of the war on soldiers. The narrator is about to return home, his tour is finished: "I'm coming home, my time is done" . However, he is killed in action before returning. This single was released in Hollywood, California, USA. Ricky Dean is a Mexican-American, born Rick Martinez.1 Composed by Paul Buff and Ricky Dean. Allison Buff is the female vocalist.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Original Sound OS-84 (or-171), 7120 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 46, Calif., white "Promo Copy — Not for Sale" label marked "Plug Side", compatible mono/stereo; "Flowers" (P. Buff, R. Martinez), Drive-In Music (BMI), 2:31; produced by Paul Buff. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The sun will warm her flowers
The April sky will bring them showers
In the darkness they will sleep, until the morning they will keep
While their sleeping she will weep
But not for long, I'm coming home, my time is done
I'll soon be leaving, this land so full of tears and grieving
In the morning I'll be gone
Someone else can carry on
I'll be coming home tomorrow, the lights are low, everyone, is sleeping
All the guns are quiet, everyone is sleeping
My sun will warm his flowers
The April sky will bring him showers
In the darkness he will sleep, till the morning I will weep
#8 Little Joe & The Latinaires A la guerra ya me llevan 1968 · Single · A la guerra ya me llevan / Como un perro · Buena Suerte # 929 · USA
Annotation
The tejano song "A la guerra ya me llevan" ( "They're Taking Me to the War" ) (Buena Suerte Records # 929), narrated from the soldier's perspective, expressed opposition to being drafted to go to the war, leaning towards the anti-war side: "they're taking me against my will" . Little Joe performed the song, a Mexican-American, born in Temple, Texas (17 October 1940), as José María De León Hernández. This political song helped established him as a major artist in the 1960s Chicano movement. He founded the record label Buena Suerte Records in 1968, based in Temple, TX.123 The narration saw the soldier expressing sympathy towards his mother, father, and girlfriend, telling them that "if in combat I find death, I wouldn't want you to cry" . The narrator also said that as he headed off to war, taken away from his family, he regretted fighting with his father. Note that Little Joe also released the Vietnam-related corrido El prisionero de Vietnam, with the group Little Joe & The Starlites, discussed below.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Buena Suerte Records 929, 45 RPM, LH-4865, P.O. Box 3725, Temple, Texas 76501; "A la guerra ya me llevan" (D.A.R.), canción ranchera, time 2:40; Little Joe and the Latinaires, "Cantan: Little Joe & Johnny Hernandez". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
They are taking me to war now
Sweet mother, they grabbed me in yesterday's draft
There you stay, very lonely without your son
God knows if we'll see each other again
Give this addressed envelope
To my girlfriend, who does not know where I am
And tell her that they are taking me as a soldier
And that I am going to other lands far away
Don't cry, sweet mother, for my luck
For I'm a man and my destiny was to fight
And if in combat I should find death
I wouldn't want you to cry
On my chest I always carry the medallion
That my mother gave me with so much faith
And if the shrapnel doesn't reach me
To your arms, sweet mother, I'll return
Here I leave my poor dear parents
Who have struggled since I was a boy
When they see the airplanes flying
That are taking me straight to Vietnam
Spanish
A la guerra ya me llevan
Madrecita me aggararon en la revelia de ayer
Hay te quedas sin tu hijito muy solita
Sabra dios si nos volveremos a ver
Hay le entregas este sobre retornado
A mi novia que no sabe en donde estoy
Y le dices que me llevan de soldado
Y a ostras tierras muy lejanos yo me voy
Ya no lloras madrecita por mi suerte
Que soy hombre y mi destino fue pelear
Y si acaso en el combate hallo la muerte
Yo no quisiera que tu vayas a llorar
En me pecho siempre llevo la medalla
Que mi madre me la dio con tanta fe
Y si acaso no me alcanza la metralla
A tus brazos madrecita volvere
Aqui dejo a mis podres padrecitos
Que desde nino batallaron con apa
Cuando miran ya volar los aeroplanos
Que me llevan derechito a llevan
Show full lyrics (43 lines) ▾
#9 Lázaro Martínez & Los Fabulosos Dominos Oracion de la madre del soldado 1968 · Single · Oracion de la madre del soldado / La maldicion de una madre · Gapoca # GA-263 · USA
Credited on the record as Lazaro Martinez Con Los Dominos De Joe Torres.
Notes
Gapoca Records GA-263 (P.O. Box 21100, Houston, Texas), pressed by Houston Records; A-side; label credit "Lazaro Martinez Con Los Dominos De Joe Torres". B-side "La Maldicion De Una Madre" (José Elizorio).
#10 Los Oros del Valle Corrido de Martin Rosales 1968 · Single · Corrido de Martin Rosales / Los Derechos Civiles · Ideal [San Benito] # 45-2438 · USA
Credited on the record as Los Oros Del Valle.
Annotation
The song "Corrido de Martin Rosales" (Ideal # 45-2438), by Los Oros Del Valle, was released in San Benito, Texas, USA. According to the Strachwitz Frontera Collection, this song paid tribute to the Mexican-American journalist Martin Rosales who reported from Vietnam in 1968, as the South Vietnam Spanish language correspondent on behalf of KGBT-TV in Harlingen, Texas. He was born on 27 December 1929, in Gonzales, Texas.12 There was also a soldier called Martin Angel Rosales, killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.3
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ideal 2438-A (San Benito, Texas); Corrido; written by Tony Ramirez; vocal Maria Alicia Hernandez. About Martin Rosales, KGBT-TV (Harlingen) Spanish-language correspondent in South Vietnam in 1968. B-side "Los Derechos Civiles". Arhoolie CD 367 gives the single as recorded in 1968; Frontera tape box dated 2-14-68.

1969

#11 Jacinto Antonio A la guerra me llevan 1969 · Single · A la guerra me llevan / Con in timidad · Columbia # 10090 · USA
Annotation
The song "A la guerra me llevan" ( "To the War They Take Me" ) (Discos Columbia # 10090) released in 1969 in Miami, Florida. A cover of a well-known Mexican-American war song, as above. The song also featured on the 1969 album Aqui Esta.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Columbia 10090 (0101-17081), "Balada Surf", manufactured in the U.S.A. by Miami Records Dist. Corp. under license from Columbia Records; "A la guerra me llevan" (Derechos Reservados), Jacinto Antonio. Purple and silver label, issued in a Discos Columbia company sleeve. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#12 Six Pak Weep No More 1969 · Single · Bring 'Em on Home / Weep No More · Gordo # 704 · USA
Annotation
Double-sided Vietnam War single by Chicano soul group Six Pak, released on the Californian label Gordo (# 704), founded by Eddie Davis (a sub-label of his Rampart Records). Both tracks had a Latin Soul feel to it - of course, the label focused on Mexican Americans.1 This formed part of the West Coast 'Eastside Sound' music scene. According to the president of Rampart Steven Chavez: "almost 50% of the artists from the East Side Sound era served in combat roles in Viet Nam, losing their innocence to a war in the prime of their youth, and returned to a changed American music scene that pretty much turned their back on them with the advent of new genres like hard rock, heavy metal, punk, disco and the like".2 Firstly, the group covered the song "Weep No More" , originally released by Nathan McKinney in 1964 (Weep No More), and written by Len Johnson. This version included a great electric guitar plucked throughout the track, strong organ, and group vocals. The label credited "Stevie" as the lead vocalist. The track "Bring 'Em on Home" leaned on the anti-war side. It also dealt with the draft. The narrator had been called up by the "board" , and he wanted the government to end the war "before it's time...to go there and fight" . He encouraged those who were "busy" or "afraid" to take a stand against the war. Written by Tom Johnson and Mario Paniagua, with the lead vocal by "Rudy".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gordo 704, Gordo Enterprises, Inc., Los Angeles, California, green label with sombrero cartoon logo; production and sound by Mario Paniagua & Eddie Davis, engineers Jimmy Valentine, Ivan Fisher and Bob MacLeod; "Bring 'Em on Home" (Tom Johnson – Mario Paniagua) (R-3251, JMS-7), Padua Music Co., BMI, 2:48, lead vocal by Rudy; flip "Weep No More" (Len Johnson) (R-3252, JMS-8), Bira Music, BMI, 3:48, lead vocal by Stevie. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
One by one, numbers are called
You know my birthday is on the list I was just thinking...
But the board went ahead...
I've just got time to speak my mind
Bring 'em on home before it's time, before me, to go there and fight
They gave me a knife and a gun that shoots
They told me what they want me to do
Kill a commie in the name of Christ...
People to busy to realise, others afraid to criticise...
We haven't much time
We can still change things if we try
#13 Six Pak Bring 'Em on Home 1969 · Single · Bring 'Em on Home / Weep No More · Gordo # 704 · USA
Annotation: see “Weep No More” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
One by one, numbers are called
You know my birthday is on the list I was just thinking...
But the board went ahead...
I've just got time to speak my mind
Bring 'em on home before it's time, before me, to go there and fight
They gave me a knife and a gun that shoots
They told me what they want me to do
Kill a commie in the name of Christ...
People to busy to realise, others afraid to criticise...
We haven't much time
We can still change things if we try
Theme: Anti-War
#14 Agapito Zuniga Corrido de Jimmy Aguirre 1969 · Single · Corrido de Jimmy Aguirre / Vivo Enganado · Escorpión # E.S.-114 · USA
Credited on the record as Agapito Zuñiga y su Conjunto.
Annotation
Agapito Zúñiga, a famous Mexican-American Corrido artist - corridos traditional spread news in Mexican territories through folk music in the late 18th century. Musicians continued this tradition in the US, singing about wars and political events, such as the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK (see Homenaje a Robert F. Kennedy, El corrido de John F. Kennedy, and Memorias del Dr. Martin Luther King as examples).12 Agapito Zúñiga was born 19 November 1924, in Burgos, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He immigrated to the US, and lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA, where he died on 16 January 2015. He was a member of the Mexican group Los Desveladores, which formed in 1946. He was a composer, singer, and accordion player. On 5 June 2010, he was inducted into the South Texas Walk of Fame in Corpus Christi.3

He released "Corrido de Jimmy Aguirre" (Discos Escorpión) in 1969 in Corpus, about the Mexican-American soldier Jimmy Aguire, who won a Distinguished Service Cross - he was killed in action (K.I.A.) while saving 5 members of his platoon.4 The song began with a patriotic tribute to the soldier, also praising his Mexican heritage: "Jimmy threw himself into combat, and his name asserted, he was Mexican, to die or to win" . The song ended with a patriotic line, encouraging people to fight for their country: "with this I say goodbye, with feeling and eagerness, have no means, boys, when you go to Vietnam" .5
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Escorpión E.S.-114-A, Side 1, 2118 Harriett Dr., Corpus Christi, Tex.; gold label with a black scorpion forming the label name; "Corrido de Jimmy Aguirre" (Jesse Saldivar-A. Zuñiga), marked "Corrido", time 3:29; Agapito Zuñiga y su Conjunto. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#15 George Jay The Real Silent Majority (Instrumental) 1969 · Single · The Real Silent Majority · Ditto # 151 · USA
Notes
Real Silent Majority, The (Jay, George)

Spoken-word, support for Nixon, pro-government, patriotic.
Reference to Vietnam War demonstrations and protesters.
Notes
Ditto Records, Los Angeles, Calif., 151, blue labels; "The Real Silent Majority" (Shrager - Chorney - Shrager), Falstaff Music Co., Inc. (BMI), George Jay; vocal side (91225) and instrumental side (91226), time 3:05. The vocal-side label is inscribed in ink "Thanks George Jay" with a handwritten time of 4:45. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#16 George Jay The Real Silent Majority (Vocal) 1969 · Single · The Real Silent Majority · Ditto # 151 · USA
Notes
Real Silent Majority, The (Jay, George)

Spoken-word, support for Nixon, pro-government, patriotic.
Reference to Vietnam War demonstrations and protesters.
Notes
Ditto Records, Los Angeles, Calif., 151, blue labels; "The Real Silent Majority" (Shrager - Chorney - Shrager), Falstaff Music Co., Inc. (BMI), George Jay; vocal side (91225) and instrumental side (91226), time 3:05. The vocal-side label is inscribed in ink "Thanks George Jay" with a handwritten time of 4:45. [From the record sleeve and labels]

1970

#17 The Tramrays Oracion en Vietnam 1970 · Single · Oracion en Vietnam / Sacos · Hacienda # 45-7002 · USA
Annotation
The song "Oración en Vietnam" ( "Prayer in Vietnam" ) (Hacienda # 45-7002), released in Belen, New Mexico. Vocal by E. Padilla, composed and produced by Tommy J. Ward.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hacienda Records 45-7002, © Hacienda Records-1970; "Oración en Vietnam" (Tommy J. Ward), 2:42, Kachina Music, BMI; The Tramrays, vocal: E. Padilla; produced by Tommy Ward. Sound Art, Box 903, Belen, N.M. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#18 Rodriguez Establishment Blues 1970 · Album · Cold Fact · Sussex # SXBS 7000 · USA
Annotation
Sixto Rodriquez was born on 10 July 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. Both his parents immigrated from Mexico, his father in the 1920s. He often sung about political and economic issues affecting inner city poor, and the marginalisation that Mexican-Americans faced.1 The 1970 song "Establishment Blues" (Sussex Records # SXBS 7000) contained a reference to draft inequality and war in Asia: "the little man gets shafted, sons and monies drafted, living by a time piece, new war in the Far East" . The 2012 film Searching for Sugar Man documented his career.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Theme: Anti-War
#19 Barbara Dane Ballad of Richard Campos 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation
FTA!: Songs of the GI Resistance (Paredon Records (# P-1003), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".1 This album focused on the anti-war movement, in particular those who were members of the US armed forces - recorded at Fort Hood (Texas), Fort Benning (Georgia), and Fort Bragg (North Carolina). The album included the song "Ballad of Richard Campos" , written by Mexican-American Daniel Valdez, who released it on record: El Louie / Richard Campos (Cucaracha Records # 1447), discussed below. It became more prominent and well-known after its inclusion in the Vietnam War Songbook, published in 1969 by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber, which contained 100 Vietnam War songs.2345 The song paid tribute to a man killed in Vietnam: "in a terminal in Oakland lies the brown body of a man, dead at 27, dead and gone to heaven, killed far away in Vietnam" . For the other Vietnam War songs on this album see the master list: Vietnam War Song Project. There are two other records about Campos on this list: El corrido de Ricardo Campos by Los Reyes de Albuquerque, and El soldado huerfanito (Homenaje al Sgt. Richard Campos) by Los Conquistadores.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P1003, © 1970 Paredon Records, PO Box 889, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11202; "Sung by Barbara Dane with active-duty GIs", "Recorded at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina"; edited by Irwin Silber.

The front shows a line of helmeted GIs walking and flashing peace signs. The 16-page booklet opens with a photograph of Barbara Dane at the Oleo Strut, Fort Hood, Texas (photo by Carolyn Mugar), and contains "About the GI Movement" by Irwin Silber, on the GI coffee houses and underground papers; "If This Be Treason..." by Barbara Dane, describing singing for soldiers and Marines at the Oleo Strut, Ft. Dix and an Oceanside USO; notes on each song; full lyrics with credits; "Barbara Dane: Singer for the GI Movement" by Howard Levy; and "Barbara Dane Speaks to the GI Movement", reprinted from The Fatigue Press, GI newspaper, Fort Hood, Texas, an autobiographical letter signed "With all my love, Barbara".

It is illustrated with GI-newspaper headlines ("GI's Unite!", "Fort Riley Rebellion", "Brag Briefs"), cartoons and the statement "The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the Dept. of the Army!", and closes with the Paredon Records manifesto.

Side I: Join the GI Movement (words Barbara Dane, after Aunt Molly Jackson's "I Am a Union Woman"); Hallelujah, I'm a Bum (new words 1970 by B. Dane and Irwin Silber); Ballad of Richard Campos (Danny Valdez); Go Tell It on the Mountain (Freedom Song from Mississippi 1964, brought up to date by B. Dane); Just Another Day (Bill Frederick); We Shall Not Be Moved, with Italian and Spanish verses.

Side II: The Resistance Hymn (tune Patriot Game, words adapted by B. Dane from "The Hello People"); Insubordination; Last Drink with Don (words Fred Gardner, music Barbara Dane); Bring 'Em Home (music and tag line Pete Seeger, new words by B. Dane and GIs from Ft. Hood, 11/9/69), with a footnote glossing "FTA" as the Army's "Fun, Travel and Adventure" and the GIs' "Fuck the Army!". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
They say I was born in the land of the free
But the home of the briefcase is all I can see
With our houses and highways we've covered the land
But our freedom's a fable, if our conscience is banned
So I'm going to prison so I can be free
I'm going to prison for what I believe
I've got something I'll die for, what else can they do?
I've got something to live for, and how about you?...
Some call me a coward, some call me a fool
The Daily News call me a communist tool
But I know you're my buddy, so you'll understand
I'll be true to myself or I can't be a man
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA"]
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (47 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#20 Lázaro Martínez A la guerra ya me llevan 1970 · Album · Promesa a la virgen de San Juan / Ala guerra ya me llevan · Buena Suerte # BS-1012 · USA
Credited on the record as La Zaro And The Dominant's.
Notes
Buena Suerte Records BS-1012 (P.O. Box 3725, Temple, Texas; "A J.T.J. Production"), pressed by Houston Records; side B, track 4, listed "Ala Guerra Ya Me Llevan". No writer credit. The LP also has English soul covers ("She's Ready", "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)").
#21 La Lupe No matarás 1970 · Album · That Genius Called the Queen... (Ese genio llamado La Reina) · Tico # SLP 1212 · USA
Annotation

Born 23 December 1936, Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba Died 29 February 1992, New York, NY, United States Bolero, Cuban Music “No Matarás” reflects the public turn in opinion towards the war and the times. Her passion is showcased in this tune, especially when she sings of the pain of mothers whose sons are killed in wars, while a quiet electric guitar gently wails in the background. (1)

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Track A2, printed "No Mataras" ("Thou Shalt Not Kill"); arranged by Joe Cain. Stereo SLP 1212; mono LP 1212.

1971

#22 Bobby Fischer Hero Street U.S.A. 1971 · Single · Hero # BF-3000 · USA
Annotation
The song "Hero Street U.S.A." (Hero Records # BF-3000) by Bobby Fischer is a tribute to Mexican-Americans who died in war. Released in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The picture sleeve said:
Quote
"More then 80 Mexican American men actually won more than a bushel of medals, and were all from a tiny block and a half street in Silvis Illinois, renamed from 2nd Street to Hero Street. Now as a tribute to the eight who never came back, and to those who risked the same fate. The people of Silvis, Illinois are working to build Hero Street Memorial Park in their honor. And that is how this record came to be. Bobby Fischer who lived in that area, wrote and recorded the story and is donating a percentage of his royalties to help build Hero Street Memorial Park".
The cover had pictures of the eight soldiers who died, named as Frank Sandoval, William Sandoval, Joseph Sandoval, Peter Masias, Johnny Munos, Joseph Gomez, Claro Soliz, & Tony Pompa. They died in World War Two and Korea. It is reported that over 100 people from 2nd Street had served in the US military. The street was renamed Hero Street in May 1967.12 The lyrics contained strong patriotic sentiments towards the soldiers who "defend our nation's honor" . The end of the song contained the message: "a block and half of Mexican boys, Americans every one" , an important representation of Mexican-American Civil Rights.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hero Records, Rec. No. BF-3000 (PRP-29391), green label, Nashville, Tennessee; "Hero Street U.S.A." (Fischer), 3:58, Barlow Music Corp., ASCAP; produced by Riggi Mareno and Jack Barlow.

The picture sleeve, headed "by Bobby Fischer, Barlow Music, Hero Records", surrounds the title with portrait photographs of eight servicemen named as Frank Sandoval, William Sandoval, Tony Pompa, Peter Masias, Claro Soliz, Joseph Sandoval, Joseph Gomez and Johnny Munos. Under the heading 'The story you are about to hear is true', the sleeve text explains that more than 80 Mexican American men from a block-and-a-half street in Silvis, Illinois, renamed from 2nd Street to Hero Street, won "more than a bushel of medals", and that the people of Silvis are building Hero Street Memorial Park as a tribute to the eight who never came back.

It adds that Bobby Fischer, who lived in that area, wrote and recorded the story and is donating a percentage of his royalties to the park, and invites readers to send two dollars to Joseph Terronez, 124 3rd Street, Silvis, Ill. 61282, for the record and the Hero Street Memorial Park Fund. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It's not much of a street in size, just a block and half long
It gets muddy in the spring and slick in the winter, and in the summer time dust slips into the windows of the little houses where 36 Mexican-American families live
They used to called 2nd Street in Silvis, Illinois, until they discovered that the little street had contributed more men to the last three wars then any area of its size in the country
And eight of those men never returned to their loved ones
So now in their honor, they've renamed it Hero Street, U.S.A.
Men come from all parts of the country to defend our nation's honor
And the men from Hero Street are no bravery than those from other towns and cities
It's just hard to believe that this little forlorn looking street in Silvis, Illinois, gave more than 80 men to our battles
And one more than a bushel of our countries highest medals
Little did the heroes know that when they played games of war on Billy Go Bluff, the little hill that rises behind this famous street
They were training for a job they would do later in their young lives
But this time it would be for their country
I know many thousands of our boys risked the very same fate
And they fought for the same rights and ideals
But to the 8 men who believed that freedom is always a goal and never an achievement and gave their lives above and beyond the call of duty
This story is a tribute to them and to those who have returned to Hero Street...
A block and half of Mexican boys, Americans every one, they believed the nation was worth the price they paid, a block and a half of heroes
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
Theme: Patriotic
Genre: ♪ Folk
#23 Liserio and The Blue's Aspect So Many People Couldn't Be Wrong 1971 · Single · So Many People Couldn't Be Wrong / Hey Girl! Walking Down the Street · High Tower # HTW-102 · USA
Notes
Mexican-American protest, Civil Rights, garage rock. Texas release.
#24 Joe Bataan Cry 1971 · Single · Cry / If I Were King · Fania # 611 · USA
Annotation
The song "Cry" (Fania Records # SLP 407) looked at a soldier whose girlfriend left him while fighting in Vietnam. Sung by Joe Bataan, a Latin Soul artist from New York. This album version was 7 minutes long. A shorter 3.50 minute version featured on the 1971 single Cry (Fania Records # 611). So it started with a spoken-word narration, in which a soldier said that "here I am in Vietnam, in a foxhole" . His friend Sam received a "dear john...here in stinky Vietnam" . The soldier encouraged his friend to "go right on man and cry" because it would make him "feel better" . The song included a minor anti-war message as well. The narrator raised the question "war, what is it for?" He answered: "nothing, I'm telling you" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
War, is a funny thing, here I am in Vietnam
In a foxhole with my buddy Sam
He just got a letter from his girl
And I can see his face change from cold to ice
Yeah, it was one of those kinds
You see, the letter from his girl wasn't very nice
It was a dear john all the way over here in stinky Vietnam...
If your sweetheart send a letter, of goodbye
It's no secret, you'll feel better if you cry
Awaken from a bad dream, don't you sometimes think it's real
But it's only false emotions that you feel
Sad if your heartaches seems to hang around too long
And the blues keep getting bluer with each song...
So let yourself loose Sam, go right on man and cry
If we got to fight a war, what is it for?
Nothing I'm telling you man
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
#25 Cheech and Chong Vietnam 1971 · Album · Cheech and Chong · Ode # SP 77010 · USA
Themes: Draft Drugs

1972

#26–31 Various Artists Carry It On 1972 · Album · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
All 6 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
As discussed above, Joan Baez played an active and important role in the 1960s/70s protest and civil rights movement. She was born on Staten Island, New York, on 9 January 1941. Her father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community.1 She joined in various forms of protest, such as the Draft Resistance, an organisation run by her then husband David Harris. Together they released a film about his imprisonment for draft evasion in 1970 called Carry It On. This soundtrack (Vanguard Records # VSD-79313) includes spoken-word extracts discussing the draft, and Baez performing live across the country.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#26 Joan Baez Carry It On 1972 · Album · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation
As discussed above, Joan Baez played an active and important role in the 1960s/70s protest and civil rights movement. She was born on Staten Island, New York, on 9 January 1941. Her father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community.1 She joined in various forms of protest, such as the Draft Resistance, an organisation run by her then husband David Harris. Together they released a film about his imprisonment for draft evasion in 1970 called Carry It On. This soundtrack (Vanguard Records # VSD-79313) includes spoken-word extracts discussing the draft, and Baez performing live across the country.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#27 Joan Baez and David Harris Idols and Heroes 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#28 Joan Baez and David Harris In Forty Days 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#29 Joan Baez Joe Hill 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#30 David Harris Life Is Sacred 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#31 Joan Baez We Shall Overcome 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#32 Malo Peace 1972 · Single · Cafe / Peace · Warner Bros. # WB 7605 · USA
Annotation
Latin rock group Malo formed in San Francisco, California, USA in 1974. They disbanded in 1974. The originally line-up consisted of several Mexican-Americans, such as Arcelio Garcia (percussion, vocals), and Jorge Santana (guitar, vocals) (also a member of Santana with his brother Carlos Santana). The song "Peace" (Warner Bros. Records #WB 7605) is a Vietnam-era protest: "stop the war" . The LP version of this song is over 9 minutes.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Warner Bros. Records WB 7605 (PCA0693)S, white "Promotion - Not for Sale" label; "Peace" (A. Garcia - P. Tellez - A. Zarate - I. Versoza), 3:39, intro :23, Canterbury Music, BMI; produced by David Rubinson; from the Warner Bros. album BS 2584 - Malo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Theme: Anti-War
#33 Royal Jesters Sing a Song for Peace 1972 · Single · Sing a Song for Peace / Manning Ave · Optimum # OP-106 · USA
Annotation
From San Antonio, Texas, USA, the Royal Jesters were a Mexican-American group combining doo-wop, pop, and soul, led by Oscar Lawson and Henry Hernandez, which they founded when in high school at the age of 15. They later founded the record label Optimum Records in San Antonio, to release their music. The organist, Luvine Elias Jr., said that the group "were the first Hispanics that actually did doo-wop".123 The track "Sing a Song of Peace" (Optimum Records # OP-106) was a generic Vietnam-era peace song, with an additional Civil Rights message, calling on people to live together, and that a "change is gonna come" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Optimum Records OP-106-A, 162 Marlena Dr., San Antonio, Tex.; "Sing a Song for Peace" (Al Garcia), Neptune Music, 2:59; Royal Jesters, violins by Tieber Brounoff Continentals; produced by Henry Hernandez & Oscar Lawson, arranged by Al Garcia. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Sing, sing a song of peace
We've all got to live together
So set your mind at ease
People get ready, a change, is gonna come...
People, tomorrow every heart will change
There will be love in everything we re-arrange
Help to live to together
Theme: Anti-War

1973-1975: Paris Peace Accords to the Fall of Saigon

The Daniel D. Fernandez Memorial Park in Los Lunas, a tribute to the Mexican-American soldier, who was K.I.A. and received a Medal of Honor.
Key EventsThe Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam was signed at the International Conference Centre in Paris on 27 January 1973. The final US troops left Vietnam, and the draft was official ended. American Prisoners of War (POWs) also started to return to the US under Operation Homecoming. The Congress passed further legislation to prevent the use of US military forces in Southeast Asia, even if North Vietnam violated the ceasefire agreement. Throughout 1974 North Vietnam breaks the peace agreement, but the US expressed reluctance to get involved. A final offensive by the North in 1975 sees the North and South unified.
  • 23 January 1973: Nixon announces peace agreement: 'peace with honor'.
  • 27 January 1973: Paris Peace Accords signed.
  • 27 January 1973: Draft official ended in favour of voluntary enlistment.
  • 12 February 1973: Operation Homecoming.
  • 29 March 1973: Final US troops leave Vietnam.
  • 30 April 1973: Halderman and Ehrlichman resign over Watergate.
  • 19 June 1973: Case-Church Amendment.
  • 14 August 1973: Cambodia bombing halted, in compliance with Congressional ban.
  • 7 November 1973: Congress passed War Powers Act.
  • 9 August 1974: Richard Nixon's resigns as president. Gerald Ford takes over.
  • 13 December 1974: North Vietnam violates peace agreement.
  • 10 March 1975: North Vietnamese offensive on South.
  • 30 April 1975: US Embassy in Saigon fully evacuated.

1973

#34 Joan Baez Where Are You Now My Son? 1973 · Album · Where Are You Now, My Son? · A&M # SP-4390 · USA
Annotation
In 1972 Baez traveled to North Vietnam during Nixon's controversial "Christmas Bombings" on Hanoi and Haiphong (official named Operation Linebacker II).1 Baez produced this protest album about that trip, released in 1973. She was also involved in other forms of protest, such as Martin Luther King's March on Washington in 1963 and the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam on 15 October 1969; the Draft Resistance, an organisation run by her then husband David Harris. Moreover, from 1964, Baez refused to pay 60% of her taxes, which she claimed went towards armaments, and the Vietnam War.2. The country singer Bill Anderson attacked Baez for this in the song "Where Have All Our Heroes Gone". Also see the Baez song "Saigon Bride" released in 1967.

The title track "Where Are You Now, My Son?" (A&M Records # SP-4390) included a poignant reference to the Christmas holiday. Firstly, Baez recalled the soldiers "sheepishly" asking her on Christmas eve to sing an old folk song. Then the group - the French, the Poles, the Indians, the Cubans, the Vietnamese, and the Americans - turned to the "familiar psalms" of Christmas, but the singing "was shattered by the bombs" , reminding then that they were in the middle of a war zone.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
The preacher read a Christmas prayer and the men kneeled on the ground
Then sheepishly asked me to, sing, 'They Drove Old Dixie Down', yours was the righteous gun, where are you now, my son?
We gathered in the lobby celebrating Christmas Eve
The French, the Poles, the Indians, Cubans and Vietnamese
The tiny tree our host had fixed sweetened familiar psalms, but the most sacred of Christmas prayers was shattered by the bombs
#35 Dawn & Tony Orlando Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree 1973 · Single · Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree / I Can't Believe How Much I Love You · Bell # 45,318 · USA
Credited on the record as Dawn featuring Tony Orlando.
Notes
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree (Dawn)

P.O.W.
Popular country hit with Johnny Carver as well
Notes
Bell 45,318 (1592); "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" (Irwin Levine-L. Russell Brown), 3:19, Levine & Brown Music, Inc. (BMI), "From the LP 'Tuneweaving' Bell 1112"; arranged by Frank Hunter, rhythm concept Frank Owens; produced by Hank Medress, Dave Appell & The Tokens; ℗ 1973 Bell Records, a division of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., N.Y.C. [From the record sleeve and labels]

1974

#36 Joan Baez Johnny, I Hardly Knew You 1974 · Single · Johnny, I Hardly Knew Yeh / Where's My Apple Pie · A&M # 8268-S · USA
Annotation
As discussed above, Joan Baez played an active and important role in the 1960s/70s protest and civil rights movement. She was born on Staten Island, New York, on 9 January 1941. Her father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community.1 She released the protest song "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Yeh" (A&M Records # 8268-S), sung to the same tune as the US Civil War song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home". Published in London in 1867 and written by Joseph B. Geoghegan, the song was originally an Irish anti-recruitment song, related to the Kandyan Wars in Sri Lanka (1796 and 1818). It saw a revival in the 1960s in the Vietnam-era and has become a popular anti-war, protest song.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
While on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo...
A stick in the hand, a drop in the eye
A Doleful damsel I did cry
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Where are the eyes that looked so mild...
We had guns and drums and drums and guns...
The enemy never slew ya
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Where are the legs with which you run...
When first you went to carry a gun
Indeed your dancing days are done....
You haven't an arm, you haven't a leg...
You're a spineless boneless, chickenless egg
You'll have to be out with a bowl out to beg...
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
Theme: Vet

1975

#37 El Gusano Pleiku 1975 · Album · Fantasia del Barrio · Joey # JOEY-2016 · USA
Annotation
Psychedelic rock Mexican-American group founded in Texas, said to have recorded this album in one 10-hour session in San Antonio, TX, featuring Eugenio Jaimez, Sonny Ramirez, Ruben Ramirez, and Carlos Salazar. Lead singer Eugenio Jaimez, from Cotulla, TX, where President Lyndon B. Johnson once taught at the Welhausen Mexican School, was wounded in the Vietnam War. Now living in Loredo, Texas, he described the album as a: "remembrance of a hellish war that many of our brothers met with by chance".1 The album started with describing his agricultural background with "Work Your Hand to the Bone", on to serving in the Vietnam War with the track "Pleiku" , and then returning to the US with "Going Home" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Joey JOEY-2016, track A3; recorded in one session at Zaz Recording Studio, San Antonio; all tracks written and arranged by Eugenio Jaimez Jr. Reissued by Heavy Light Records, Austin (HLR-LP002, 2010).
#38 El Gusano Going Home 1975 · Album · Fantasia del Barrio · Joey # JOEY-2016 · USA
Annotation: see “Pleiku” above (same release).
#39 Joan Baez Oui, La Guerre Est Gagnée 1975 · Compilation · La lutte du peuple entier jusqu'à la victoire / Hommage du monde entier a la lutte du peuple Vietnamien · Not On Label # none · USA
Notes
France, post-war documentary record, spoken word, contemporary folk songs.
Notes
Side A is a montage from documents brought back from Vietnam (speeches, field recordings); side B is 'chants et musique'.

Sleeve states record produced by communists working at French Radio and Television (ORTF); Joan Baez sings and speaks in French; sold at the Fête de l'Humanité, 13-14 September 1975; includes two pink stencil-duplicated sheets. Layout/artwork: F. Coudert.

Track B1 of the compilation. Yes, the War Is Won, sung in French on a post-war documentary LP produced by communists working at French radio and television (ORTF) and sold at the Fête de l'Humanité, 13-14 September 1975.
#40 Joan Baez We Shall Overcome 1975 · Compilation · Generazione Vietnam · I Dischi Dello Zodiaco # VPA 8251 · USA
Notes
Patrocinato dal comitato Italia-Vietnam di Bologna. With booklet.

Track B8 of the compilation. From the Vietnam-themed compilation 'Generazione Vietnam', sponsored by the Comitato Italia-Vietnam di Bologna and released with a booklet on I Dischi dello Zodiaco (VPA 8251).

Cover of We Shall Overcome – Traditional. I Dischi dello Zodiaco VPA 8251, stereo, ℗ 1975, made in Italy, yellow labels; "Antologia storica di 16 canzoni di solidarietà cantate in Italia e nel mondo alle manifestazioni pacifiste degli anni '50-'60-'70". Patronage: Comitato Italia-Vietnam, Bologna; coordination Antonio Panieri, regional councillor; realisation Gianfranco Ginestri of the Canzoniere delle Lame; Italian musical direction Janna Carioli and Mirko Medici; cover a 1968 Cuban Ho Chi Minh portrait ("Menderos Cubano"), design Mario Barbagallo; produced by Editoriale Sciascia, August 1975; also on cassette VC 0732.

Back cover photos: a Bologna peace march ("Con il Viet-Nam fino alla vittoria" banner) and the Canzoniere delle Lame with Il Contemporaneo at the X World Youth Festival, Berlin.

Side A (Italian groups): 1 Liberiamo il Sud Vietnam (Inno Viet Cong, versione italiana; Sieng–Nicotra–Carioli–Ginestri) 2:16, Canzoniere delle Lame; 2 Lettera alla mia amica (Medici–Varini–Anonimo) 4:27, Il Contemporaneo di Modena; 3 Giù le mani dal Vietnam (Giuffrida–Nicotra–Boffardi–Carioli) 1:27, Lame; 4 Argento e oro (Medici–Varini–Beidler) 2:37, Contemporaneo; 5 Yankee, tornatevene a casa (Giuffrida–Nicotra–Boffardi–Carioli) 2:40, Lame; 6 Canto per Nguyen Van Troy (Medici–Varini–Xuan) 3:35, Contemporaneo; 7 Al poeta compagno Vinh Long (Giuffrida–Nicotra–Nocciolino) 2:23, Lame; 8 Giuramento (Medici–Varini–Khanh) 2:16, Contemporaneo.

Side B (international): 1 Giai-Phong-Mien-Nam (Sieng; Comitato Vietnam/Hanoi) 2:38, Coro partigiano, Vietnam; 2 La ballade de Ho Chi Minh (MacColl–Gansel–Grosz) 2:58, Francesca Solleville, France; 3 Los Vietnamitas (Puebla) 2:44, Carlos Puebla, Cuba; 4 Erkänn PRR (Östra FNL) 2:18, Norrköpings grupp, Sweden; 5 Vietnamesisches Siegeslied (Mitchell, FDJ) 2:14, Oktober Klub, GDR; 6 Por Vietnam (Carrasco–Gómez, DICAP) 2:13, Quilapayún, Chile; 7 Pirati dvatzatova vieka / I pirati del ventesimo secolo (Mazikaite, Melodia) 2:18, Dzilda Mazikaite, USSR; 8 We Shall Overcome (Seeger–Carawan–Hamilton–Horton) 3:23, Joan Baez, USA. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Post-War: 1976-present

Post-Vietnam War songs tend to focus on Vietnam veterans - highlighting particular stereotypes, such as psychological problems (for example, PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder), homelessness, drug addiction, and the struggle to re-adjust to society. Attention is also given to social division (between those who supported the war and not), and the lack of adequate government / institutional support for veterans.

Other frequent topics include the Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) / Missing in Action (M.I.A.) issue, and Orange Agent, a defoliant dropped by the US on the South Vietnamese/Cambodian border (the "Ho Chi Minh Trail"), to destroy Vietcong cover (broad leaf plants etc). But the toxin had long term negative effects on those exposed (cancer & genetic defects). Several lawsuits were brought against the US government and chemical companies from the 1980s, therefore bringing greater attention in popular music to this issue.

Many song appeared in the immediate aftermath of the war, and then dipped in the mid-to late 70s. A revival occurred around the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, which drove many comparisons to Vietnam and role of the US military in global affairs. A surge and revival of interest is seen in the 1980s Reagan era of seeking to overcome the 'Vietnam Syndrome'. In the 1990s, several songs compared the conflict to the First Gul War, and in 21st century, the Vietnam conflict has been used in song to reflect on current wars and problems, including the Afghanistan invasion and Iraq War.

1976

#41 Joan Baez (Ain't Gonna Let Nobody) Turn Me Around 1976 · Live · From Every Stage · A&M # SP-3704 · USA
Annotation
The song "(Ain't Gonna Let Nobody) Turn Me around" , live recording - Civil Rights songs updated with war lyrics, performed at prominent anti-war demonstrations.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
A&M SP-3704, 2 x LP, track A1, 2:50; recorded live July–August 1975 (Philadelphia Spectrum, Nassau Coliseum, Hollywood Bowl, Berkeley Greek Theatre and others); produced by David Kershenbaum. A shorter recording (1:26) is on "Brothers in Arms" (Gold Castle, 1991).

1983

#42 Al Reyes Vietnam Veterano 1983 · Album · California Corazón · Cuervo # S-1001 · USA
Annotation
Mexican-American artist Al Reyes, based in California, USA, released the post-war song "Vietnam Veterano" (Cuervo Records # S-1001). This song also featured on the 2005 Smithsonian compilation Rolas de Aztlán: Songs of the Chicano Movement, listed below.123 The song deals with a common post-war issue found in 80s song, the mistreatment of the Vietnam veteran. But this song focuses on the additional element - Mexican-Americans facing racism back home in the US, despite fighting for their country. The song began with a combat description "on a beach in Da Nang...through jungles, steamy hot" . The soldier said that "Chicanos fought and Chicanos died" . Back in the US, on the streets of Los Angeles, the Mexican-American veterans "found out they didn’t care" . The narrator recalled that Mexican-Americans had fought for the US in World War Two. It also contained a reference to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): "the scars are still on you, do you still hear the helicopter sound?" , continuing the 1980s trend of portraying veterans / soldiers as suffering from PTSD.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Cuervo Records, Fresno, California, "California Corazón (Heart): Songs from the San Joaquin Valley", white label, with a lyric inner sleeve; Side B track 3: "Vietnam Veterano", "to all those who were 'over there' and their families". All compositions by Al Reyes; produced by Al Reyes and Tony Manjarrez, musical direction by Tony Manjarrez. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
You found yourself on a beach in Da Nang
With dudes from Tejas, corridos you sang
To get your mind on another patrol
Get your 16 ready, its time to go
You crawled through jungles, steamy-hot
You saw vatos your age get shot
Heard the cries
Saw them die there
You’ve come home with ugly nightmares, qué loco
Vietnam Veterano
Gonzales, Torres, y Lescano
On the frontlines, again
Los chicanos
Martínez, García y Lujano, in Chu Lai
You were fighting away with the raza on the streets in L.A
They say this country ships us all off to fight
To return and deny us our rights
So Chicanos fought and Chicanos died
Spirits of Aztec warriors at their sides
Fight fiercely, what else could we do?
Just like we did in World War II
Qué loco, Vietnam veterano, José, Luis y Chano /On the frontlines, again
Los chicanos Martínez, García y Lujano, you soon found out they didn’t care about what you went through over there
Don’t ask, because not much you’ll get
This war is one they’d rather forget
Qué loco, Vietnam veterano
The scars are still on you, do you still hear the helicopter sound?
Don’t let them put you down
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾
#43 Al Reyes Vietnam Veterano 1983 · Album · California Corazón · Cuervo # S-1001 · USA
Annotation
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings compilation (# SFW40516) of political songs, which also contained the track "Vietnam Veterano" by Al Reyes, discussed above.123
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Cuervo Records, Fresno, California, "California Corazón (Heart): Songs from the San Joaquin Valley", white label, with a lyric inner sleeve; Side B track 3: "Vietnam Veterano", "to all those who were 'over there' and their families". All compositions by Al Reyes; produced by Al Reyes and Tony Manjarrez, musical direction by Tony Manjarrez. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
You found yourself on a beach in Da Nang
With dudes from Tejas, corridos you sang
To get your mind on another patrol
Get your 16 ready, its time to go
You crawled through jungles, steamy-hot
You saw vatos your age get shot
Heard the cries
Saw them die there
You’ve come home with ugly nightmares, qué loco
Vietnam Veterano
Gonzales, Torres, y Lescano
On the frontlines, again
Los chicanos
Martínez, García y Lujano, in Chu Lai
You were fighting away with the raza on the streets in L.A
They say this country ships us all off to fight
To return and deny us our rights
So Chicanos fought and Chicanos died
Spirits of Aztec warriors at their sides
Fight fiercely, what else could we do?
Just like we did in World War II
Qué loco, Vietnam veterano, José, Luis y Chano /On the frontlines, again
Los chicanos Martínez, García y Lujano, you soon found out they didn’t care about what you went through over there
Don’t ask, because not much you’ll get
This war is one they’d rather forget
Qué loco, Vietnam veterano
The scars are still on you, do you still hear the helicopter sound?
Don’t let them put you down
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾

1991

#44 Joan Baez Goodnight Saigon 1991 · Compilation · Brothers in Arms · Gold Castle # D2-71363 · USA
Annotation
The pop rock song "Goodnight Saigon" (Gold Castle Records # D2-71363) is one of the most popular and well-known post-war Vietnam War songs released in the 1980s by Billy Joel, covered here by Joan Baez. The song often portrayed as capturing the spirit of the conflict, ten years after its conclusion. It covers many aspects of the war in the space of seven minutes. It starts out with US marines beginning their military training in the US, eager to fight the enemy: “we met as soul mates on Parris Island…we were so gun ho to lay down our lives”. Joel moved on to the soldiers new conditions in Vietnam: “"we had no home front, we had no soft soap...we dug in deep and shot on sight". But the narrator pointed out that the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese had strategic advantages over the US search and destroy tactics: "we held the coastline, they held the highlands...they heard the hum of our motors, they counted the rotors, and waited for us to arrive". The song also sought to present the cultural atmosphere of US soldier life on Vietnam bases, such as music and drugs: "They sent us Playboy, they gave us Bob Hope...we passed the hash pipe and played our Doors tapes".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gold Castle D2-71363, track 2, 5:56; Discogs: "not previously released". Billy Joel's song from "The Nylon Curtain" (1982; VWSP0976).

2018

#45 Pepe Pena Carta de un soldado 2018 · Single · Carta de un soldado / El padre del soldado · Orfeón # 2188 · USA
Credited on the record as Pepe Peña.
Annotation
This one was released on a Mexican record label (Orfeón # 2188) although seems to be distributed in the US. Both songs were popular with Mexican-American artists, as seen on this list: "Carta de un soldado" and "El padre del soldado" . The artist biography is unknown at this time, thus unsure if Mexican or Mexican-American.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Orfeón 2188 (PP-BC-12368-A / -B), 45 R.P.M., "Made in U.S.A. for Ameramex Phono Disc Corporation"; "Carta de un soldado" (B. Cárdenas – Fco. Ignacio Taibo), narración, 2:59; flip "El padre del soldado" (D.A.R.), canción, 2:47; producción de Billy Cárdenas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#46 Pepe Pena padre del soldado 2018 · Single · Carta de un soldado / El padre del soldado · Orfeón # 2188 · USA
Credited on the record as Pepe Peña.
Annotation: see “Carta de un soldado” above (same release).

Unknown date

#47 Juan Alfredo Perez Adios a mi novia Compilation · El hijo del soldado raso · Falcon # FLP-2014 · USA
Annotation
Vietnam-era compilation released on ECO (No. 498), from Mexico City, Mexico and on Falcon (FLP-2014), a label based in McAllen, Texas, USA. It featured several Mexican-American artists, recording songs about soldiers in the Vietnam War era. Such as Freddie Gómez, born in Los Indios, Texas, USA (6 August 1932). He died in Carricitos, Texas, USA on 3 September 2005. On this compilation, he had the songs "El hijo del soldado raso", "Soldado de levita", "El soldado raso". Several of these artist appeared on the Mexican-American LP Porque estamos en Vietnam discussed below, which together with this record, were released by the Mexican-American record-label owner Arnaldo Ramírez, from Texas, USA.

Juan Alfredo Perez featured with several songs, including "Adios a mi novia" ( "Goodbye to My Girlfriend" ), narrated from the soldier's perspective, missing his partner back home: "in case I die in the battle, pray a lot" , and if not, "we would get a house between us" . Transcription and translation by Joel Garcia.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Falcon Records FLP-2014 ("Serie 2000"), 12" LP, track B1 "Adiós A Mi Novia"; shared with Freddie Gomez, Fred Vela and Los Picaros. No year, times or writer credits on the record. The same artist's single (Falcon 1521, "Juan Alfredo Pérez con Los Halcones") is probably the same recording. ECO 498 (Mexico) not traced.
Lyrics
English
Don't forget me, please, when I go
For it isn't easy to part from someone you love
And if by chance I die in battle, pray a lot, and may God hear your prayers
But if God grants me life
And I see you again, we'll make a home between the two of us, and I swear to be with you until death and to give you my heart, as to God
But if God grants me life and I see you again, we'll make a home between the two of us, and I swear to be with you until death and to give you my heart, as to God
Spanish
No me olvidas porfavor quando ve vaya
Que no es facil a dejarse de un amor
Y se a caso yo me murir en la batalla resa mucho y que tus rezos oiga dios
Mas si dios me presta vida
Y vuelvo a ver te por haremos un hogar entre los dos y te juro estar contigo hasta la muerte y intregerte, como a dios, mi corazon
Mas si dios me presta vida, y vuelvo a ver te por haremos un hogar entre los dos y te juro estar contigo hasta la muerte y intregerte, como a dios, mi corazon
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#48 Lalo Guerrero Soldado raso Single · Soldado raso / No naci pa' soldado · Colonial # 533 · USA
Credited on the record as Lalo Guerrero con El Mariachi Colonial.
Annotation
Double war-related single, with "Soldado raso" and "No naci pa' soldado" (Colonial # 533), released in Monterey Park, Califorinia, USA, by Lalo Guerrero - born 24 December 1916, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and died 17 March 2005, in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. He has the nickname "The Father of Chicano Music". He also released La tragedia del 29 de Agosto / Homenaje a Ruben Salazar about the death of Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar, who died while covering the Chicano Moratorium protest march on 29 August 1970, discussed below. Also below, is his single Carta de un soldado.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Colonial 533 (matrix CR-973), P.O. Box 734, Monterey Park, California; Ranchera. No date on the record. Song by Felipe Valdés Leal.
#49 Lalo Guerrero No naci pa' soldado Single · Soldado raso / No naci pa' soldado · Colonial # 533 · USA
Credited on the record as Lalo Guerrero con El Mariachi Colonial.
Annotation
Double war-related single, with "Soldado raso" and "No naci pa' soldado" (Colonial # 533), released in Monterey Park, Califorinia, USA, by Lalo Guerrero - born 24 December 1916, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and died 17 March 2005, in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. He has the nickname "The Father of Chicano Music". He also released La tragedia del 29 de Agosto / Homenaje a Ruben Salazar about the death of Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar, who died while covering the Chicano Moratorium protest march on 29 August 1970, discussed below. Also below, is his single Carta de un soldado.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Colonial 533 (matrix CR-974), P.O. Box 734, Monterey Park, California; Ranchera; written by Lalo Guerrero. Frontera subject tags: complaint, war, soldier.
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#50 Baltazar Lopez Adios a mi novia Single · Adios a mi novia / Si tu supieras · Infal # IN-134 · USA
Credited on the record as Baltazar Lopez y su Orquesta.
Annotation
Mexican-American artist from Colorado, USA., he reelased the song "Adios a mi novia" ("Goodbye to My Girlfriend") (Infal Records # IN-134) which is narrated from a soldier's perspective, who asked his girlfriend to "please don't forget me", and he prayed to god that he would not be killed in battle. Song featured on the album Adios a mi novia. Another version of this song is by Luis Cacho on the single La despedida / Adios a mi novia, discussed below.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Infal Records IN-134 (Frontera lists this side as IN-134-B), Commerce City, Colorado; Bolero; no writer credit, no date. Also on the LP "Adios A Mi Novia" (Normex NX 6001, 1973, track A1, 3:11).
Lyrics
English
Don't stop loving me and don't cry if they send me to fight
Pray to god I'm not killed
That I return soon to your side and be yours once again
Please don't forget me while I'm gone
As it's not that easy to forget a love
If I am killed in battle pray so that god hears
And if god grants me life so that I return to see you
We will create a home together and live happily ever after
And give our hearts to god...
#51 George Jay Greetings - This Is Uncle Sam Single · Another Lonely Night / Greetings - This Is Uncle Sam · ARV # A-5012 · USA
Annotation
The track "Greetings - This Is Uncle Sam" (ARV International # A-5012) was a cover of The Valadiers' Vietnam draft song Greeting (This Is Uncle Sam) (1961), also recorded by The Monitors in 1966 (Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam), both on the Motown Records label. Unlike those other versions, this one actually specified the conflict: "I need you boy, to fight in Vietnam" . George Jay was part of the Texas-Mexican music scene - referred to as Tejano Music, a hybrid of conjunto and Norteño music, performed by Mexican-Americans and influenced by Mexican folk music. On this track it contained strong soul influences.1 On 25 November 1972, Billboard reported on the explosion of Tex-Mex music, referencing Arnaldo Ramírez, the owner of the ARV label which released this record. Additionally, he owned the labels Falcon and Bronco, also featured on this list.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Greetings, this is Uncle Sam
And I'm gonna take you to a far off land
You'll say goodbye to all you buddies
And say hello to your new friends
Cause you're in the army now and your new life has just begun
I need you right now boy to fight for gun and land
I can just see me now with a rifle in my hand
I don't want to have to say goodbye to my friends
And I hope to see them once again
And darling while I'm away please write to me everyday
Oh no, you're in the army now...
I need you boy, to fight in Vietnam...
I need you baby, please don't forget about me darling
'Cause I'm going to Vietnam
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#52 Daniel Valdez Richard Campos Single · El Louie / Richard Campos · Cucaracha # 1447 · USA
Annotation
"Richard Campos" , an obscure Mexican-American Vietnam War song from California, which also appeared under the name "Corrido de Ricardo Campos". It became more prominent and well-known after its inclusion in the Vietnam War Songbook, published in 1969 by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber, which contained 100 Vietnam War songs.1234 Dane recorded a version of the song on the album FTA!: Songs of the GI Resistance (Paredon Records # P-1003) called "Ballad of Richard Campos", discussed above. The song detailed the mistreatment of a Mexican-American soldier, K.I.A. in Vietnam: "dead at twenty-seven...killed far away in Viet Nam" . The body lay unclaimed at the airport. It called on people to honor him: "for this Mexican boy, let America honor his name" . The narrator pondered if he would be treated this way if he had not died. The song also questioned why someone should have to kill for their country, thus presenting anti-war sentiment. This song is based on the true story of Richard F. Campos56 Daniel Valdez was born 27 April 1949 in California, USA. His brother, Luis Valdez founded the Teatro Campesino in 1965, a Mexican-American theatrical group. There are two other records about Campos on this list: El corrido de Ricardo Campos by Los Reyes de Albuquerque, and El soldado huerfanito (Homenaje al Sgt. Richard Campos) by Los Conquistadores.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
In a terminal in Oakland, lies a brown body of a man
Dead at twenty-seven, dead and gone to heaven
Killed far away in Viet Nam
So they ship you back to where you came from
Like a dummy you were tucked around in an aeroplane
Back to the hell from which you tried to escape
Back to the so-called free United States
But, should a man, should he have to kill in order to live like a human being in this country?...
You've never had an old man
And your mother died just trying to keep you alive
Year after year she worked so hard and long
The money she made was never quite enough...
Welcome home Richard Campos, welcome home
Welcome home to a hero's grave
You had died and you had killed and destroyed
Now let to be weeping for this Mexican boy
Let America honor his name, but should a man, should he have to kill in order to live like a human being in this country?...
They will come Richard Campos, they will come...
For your body soon
Your military fathers will pay their respects...
They will bury you this afternoon...
You are dead Richard Campos, you are gone...
If you never would have died would they treat you the same?
Or they'd send you on your way with a medal stuck in your hand
Saying: thank you boy...you have paid your debt to Uncle Sam
Show full lyrics (26 lines) ▾
#53 Trio Totonacas Mexicanos en Vietnam Single · Mexicanos en Vietnam / Tres Palabras · Del Centro # DC 5041 · USA
Annotation
The song "Mexicanos en Vietnam" (Del Centro # DC 5041) by Trio Totonacas, a Spanish language ranchera track. The song title translates as "Mexicans in Vietnam" . Unknown date and location - although based on the lyrics, this was probably released in Texas, USA. This song is especially interesting in that it places much focus on cultural identity and nationality - between being a Mexican-American, from Texas, as well as retaining a Mexican cultural heritage: "I am Mexican...I was born abroad...it is my pride to be Texan and Texan-Mexican" . It contains patriotic sentiment, recalling previous wars, including World War Two and the Korean War: "in the war in Germany we offered our lives" and "in Korea we tested it" , a common feature of patriotic songs, which sought to connect the ongoing struggle of the US to fight justified wars. The song concluded by praising the Mexican-Americans who fight for the US in Vietnam. Transcription by Eric Silberberg and Ignacia Morales Reyes. Translation by Eric Silberberg.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Del Centro Records DC5041, cream label, 45 RPM, Hi Fidelity; "Mexicanos en Vietnam" (Nicolas Montalvo), 2:45. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I am also Mexican
While I was born abroad
It was thus as God wanted
But I feel deep inside
On the left side of my chest
The beat of the heart
It's my pride to be Texan
And Texan-Mexicans
We don’t know how to crack
Well, the blood that we carry
It’s of good Mexicans
I am Texan, and what else is there
Ay, I shout valiantly
Long live the United States
That the traitor lives and dies
In the war in Germany
We offered our lives
Without retreat
In Korea we tested it
Now we continue together
With the War in Vietnam
Well now I have already said goodbye to all my friends
I only want to dedicate
The joy of this corrido (song form) to all the Mexicans
That one finds in Vietnam
Spanish
Yo también soy Mexicano
Si nací en extranjero
Fue porque así quizó Dios
Pero siento muy adentro
Al izquierda de mi pecho
Palpitar el corazón
Es mi orgullo ser Tejano
Y los México Tejanos no nos sabemos rajar
Pues, la sangre que llevamos
Es de buenos Mexicanos
Soy Tejano y qué más da
Ay, grito por mucho valor
Que viva Estados Unidos /Que viva y muera el traidor
En la guerra de Alemania
Ofrendamos nuestras vidas
Sin echarnos pa’ atrás
En Corea lo probamos
Ahora juntos continuamos
Con la Guerra de Vietnam
Ahora si ya me despido
De toditos mis amigos
Solo quiero dedicar
La alegría de ser[sic] corrido
A todos los Mexicanos
Show full lyrics (52 lines) ▾
#54 Jimmy Jimenez Ya Volvi de Vietnam Single · Ya Volvi de Vietnam / Dos Corazones · Corona # 2392 · USA
Credited on the record as Jimmy Jimenez y su Conjunto.
Annotation
The song "Ya volvi de Vietnam" (Corona Records # 2392) ( "I Just Got Back From Vietnam" ) by Jimmy Jimenez - there are many versions of this song, see below. This one was released in San Antonio, Texas, USA, one of the big recording centres for Mexican-American music. The song, as suggested in the title, focused on a soldier returning to the US, from the soldier / veteran's perspective. The returning soldier recalled how he fought side-by-side with a friend from his neighbourhood, with combat descriptions: "bullets and grenades flew through the wind" . Sadly, the soldier's friend was Killed in Action (K.I.A.), and thus he did not return home happy, but with "guilt that makes me suffer a lot" . The song contained patriotic, anti-communist sentiments: "fighting against those red traitors" . Also note the religious content, referencing god several times. Transcription by Eric Silberberg and Ignacia Morales Reyes. Translation by Eric Silberberg.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Red Corona label, Rangel Music Co., San Antonio, Texas, record no. 2392-A (COR-5323), unbreakable, 45 R.P.M.; "Ya Volvi de Vietnam", corrido, 2:31, by Jimmy Jimenez y su Conjunto. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I've come back from Vietnam, my friends
By God's will I come to tell you
That I don't come back happy or content
I carry a sorrow that makes me suffer greatly
A very dear friend from my neighbourhood
As ill luck would have it, the two of us ended up
On the same battlefield over there in Vietnam
Rifle in hand they sent us in to fight
We got through fine, my friend and I, side by side
Fighting against those treacherous reds
Bullets and grenades flew through the wind
And walking and advancing all along the trail
That unhappy day came, and I can't forget
How they rained a hail of bullets on us
My friend fell, dying, and he said to me
'My friend, I want to die in your arms
Tell my mother and my girlfriend not to cry
And my friends not to lose hope'
Carry in your souls this fine memory
Of a faithful friend who rests in peace with God
Spanish
Ya volví de Vietnam, amigos míos
Por la voluntad de Dios vengo a decir
Que no vengo dichoso ni contento
Traigo una pena que mucho me hace sufrir
Un amigo de mi barrio muy querido
No con la suerte que los dos fuimos a dar
Al mismo campo de batalla allá en Vietnam
Con rifle en mano nos metieron a pelear
Pasamos bien por yo y mi amigo a lado a lado
Peleando en contra de esos rojos traicioneros
Volaban balas y granadas por el viento
Y caminando y avanzando en ‘to sendero
legó ese día desdichado y no me olvido
Que nos echaron una lluvia de balazos
Cayó mi amigo, agonizando, y me decía
'Amigo mío, quiero morir en tus brazos
Dile a mi madre y a mi novia que no llore
Y a mis amigos que no pierdan la esperanza.'
Lleven en su alma este fino recuerdo
De un fiel amigo que con dios en paz descansa
Show full lyrics (43 lines) ▾
#55 Los Venaditos de Abel Cantu Ya volvi de Vietnam Single · Ya volvi de Vietnam / El corrido del frijol · Lira # LI-1976 · USA
Credited on the record as Los Venaditos De Abel Cantú.
Annotation
Another version of the song "Ya volvi de Vietnam" (Lira # LI-1976) ("I Just Got Back From Vietnam"). The composition is credited to L. Jimenez. Released in San Antonio, Texas, USA, one of the big recording centres for Mexican-American music. The song also featured on their LP, of the same name: Ya volvi de Vietnam (Buena Vida # 309) - on a Californian record label.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Lira LI-1976-A, 2606 Ruiz St., San Antonio, Texas; Corrido; written by L. Jimenez. Also on the group's LP "Ya Volvi de Vietnam" (Buena Vida 309, Montebello, California; track A1, 2:10).
#56 Jesse Navarro Ya volvi de Vietnam Single · Ya volvi de Vietnam / Las estampias · Navarro # 1001 · USA
Annotation
This version of "Ya volvi de Vietnam" (Navarro Records) ("I Just Got Back From Vietnam") is credited to the singer, Jesse Navarro. Released in Corpus Christi, another major centre of Mexican-American music.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Navarro Records 1001-A, 2820 Coleman, Corpus Christi, Texas; Ranchera; vocal and writer credit Jesse Navarro. No date.
#57 Shorty Martinez Padre de un soldado Single · El padre de un Soldado / Ya volvi de Vietnam · Gapoca # GA-252 · USA
Credited on the record as Shorty Martinez y su conjunto.
Annotation
Double-sided Vietnam War single featuring the track "El padre de un soldado" ( "The Father of a Soldier" ). The song writing credit is given to Francisco Montalvo. Copyright was filed in 1968 - thus the same song that appeared on the Los Ideales del Norte single El padre de un soldado / Cartas que vienen discussed below.1 This also featured another version of the song "Ya volvi de Vietnam" . Released on Gapoca Records (# GA-252), from Houston, Texas, USA. The first song was from the home front perspective, narrated by the father of a soldier, who prayed to god to "protect all the soldiers that find themselves in Vietnam" - making particular reference to the "Virgin of San Juan" , the Roman Catholic title of the "Virgin Mary" used in Mexico and Texas. As the soldier went off to war, he told his parents that "I am pure Mexican and I am not afraid to die" . At the end of the song, the father offered his own life in the place of his son: "in place of the life of my son I offer you my own" . Transcription by Eric Silberberg and Ignacia Morales Reyes. Translation by Eric Silberberg.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gapoca Records GA-252, Hi-Fi, 45 RPM, P.O. Box 21100, Hou. Tex. 77026, orange label with stars; both sides are labelled "Corrido" and credited to Shorty Martinez y su conjunto, "Cantan: Julian y Shorty". GA-252-A (LH-3680) "El Padre de un Soldado" (F. Montalvo), time 2:55; GA-252-B (LH-3681) "Ya Volvi de Vietnam", time 2:15, no writer printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I am a father like many others
We don't know what to think
That we have our sons
Fighting there in Vietnam
Miraculous Virgin
Return them as they left
Holy God I ask you
To have more compassion
For our dear sons
Who are in another nation
Think of the time that they took
Part of my heart
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect all the soldiers
That find themselves in Vietnam
Goodbye my dear parents
He said to us as he left
He said don’t stay sad
I am also going to suffer
I am pure Mexican
And I am not afraid to die
He said goodbye to his girlfriend
And to his brothers also
He gave a hug to his mother
And gave me another as well
He entrusts himself before us
And before God as well
Holy God you know
What a mother suffers
To give life to her son
Until his life is at risk
In place of the life of my son
I offer you my own
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect all the soldiers
That find themselves in Vietnam
Spanish
Soy un padre como hay muchos
Que no hayamos que pensar
Pues tenemos nuestros hijos
Peleando allá en Vietnam
Virgencita milagrosa
Vuélvelos como se van
Diosito santo te pido
Que tengas más compasión
De nuestro hijo querido
Quien anda en otra nación
Piensa vez que se llevaron
Parte de mi corazón
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Adios mis padres queridos
Nos dijo él al partir
Dijo no se queden tristes
Yo también voy a sufrir
Soy purito Mexicano
Y no le temo al morir
Se despidió de su novia
De sus hermanos también
Le dio un abrazo a su madre
Y a mi me dio otro también
Se encomienda ante nosotros
Y ante Diosito también
Diosito santo tú sabes
Lo que una madre sufrió
Para darle vida a su hijo
Hasta su vida riesgo
A cambio de la de mijo
Mi vida te ofrezco yo
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Show full lyrics (79 lines) ▾
#58 Shorty Martinez Ya volvi de Vietnam Single · El padre de un Soldado / Ya volvi de Vietnam · Gapoca # GA-252 · USA
Credited on the record as Shorty Martinez y su conjunto.
Annotation: see “Padre de un soldado” above (same release).
Lyrics
Spanish
I am a father like many others
We don't know what to think
That we have our sons
Fighting there in Vietnam
Miraculous Virgin
Return them as they left
Holy God I ask you
To have more compassion
For our dear sons
Who are in another nation
Think of the time that they took
Part of my heart
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect all the soldiers
That find themselves in Vietnam
Goodbye my dear parents
He said to us as he left
He said don’t stay sad
I am also going to suffer
I am pure Mexican
And I am not afraid to die
He said goodbye to his girlfriend
And to his brothers also
He gave a hug to his mother
And gave me another as well
He entrusts himself before us
And before God as well
Holy God you know
What a mother suffers
To give life to her son
Until his life is at risk
In place of the life of my son
I offer you my own
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect all the soldiers
That find themselves in Vietnam
Soy un padre como hay muchos
Que no hayamos que pensar
Pues tenemos nuestros hijos
Peleando allá en Vietnam
Virgencita milagrosa
Vuélvelos como se van
Diosito santo te pido
Que tengas más compasión
De nuestro hijo querido
Quien anda en otra nación
Piensa vez que se llevaron
Parte de mi corazón
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Adios mis padres queridos
Nos dijo él al partir
Dijo no se queden tristes
Yo también voy a sufrir
Soy purito Mexicano
Y no le temo al morir
Se despidió de su novia
De sus hermanos también
Le dio un abrazo a su madre
Y a mi me dio otro también
Se encomienda ante nosotros
Y ante Diosito también
Diosito santo tú sabes
Lo que una madre sufrió
Para darle vida a su hijo
Hasta su vida riesgo
A cambio de la de mijo
Mi vida te ofrezco yo
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Show full lyrics (77 lines) ▾
#59 Flaco Jimenez & Toby Torres El padre de un soldado Single · El padre de un soldado / Tengo a mi lupe · Lira # LI-1948 · USA
Credited on the record as Flaco Jimenez Y Toby Torres y su conjunto.
Annotation
The song "El padre de un soldado" ("The Father of a Soldier") (Lira # LI-1948) focused on the home front perspective, looking at a father, whose son is fighting in Vietnam. Released in San Antonio, Texas, USA. This record label also put out the Vietnam single Ya volvi de Vietnam by Los Venaditos de Abel Cantu. The lyrics are the same as above.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Lira LI-1948-A, 2606 Ruiz St., San Antonio, Texas; Corrido / Ranchera; recorded in San Antonio by José Morante (Arhoolie CD 396, which gives 3:09); Toby Torres on bajo sexto and vocals. No writer credit on the record; the song is Francisco Montalvo's.
#60 Los Dinos padre de un soldado Single · El padre de un soldado / A mi me toco perder · Bego # BG-426 · USA
Annotation
The ranchera song "El padre de un soldado" (Bego # BG-426) ( "The Father of a Soldier" ) by popular Corpus Christi, Texas, USA group Los Dinos, formed in 1957. This looked at the home front perspective, as the title suggested, about a father of a soldier, who was fighting in the Vietnam War. The record was released in in McAllen, Texas, USA, on one of the record labels owned by Arnaldo Ramírez, the others being ARV, Falcon, and Bronco, all Mexican-American focused, based in Texas, USA. He featured in Billboard on 25 November 1972, in an article focusing on the explosion of Tex-Mex music.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bego BG-426, red and silver label with a crown logo, 415 South 17th, McAllen, Texas; "El Padre de un Soldado", Ranchera, credit "(D. A. R.)"; Los Dinos. No time is printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I am a father like many others
Who don't know what to think
For we have our sons
Fighting over there in Vietnam
Miraculous Virgin
Return them as they left
Holy God, I ask you
To have more compassion
For our dear son
Who is in another nation
Think that they took away
Part of my heart
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect all the soldiers
That find themselves in Vietnam
Goodbye my dear parents
He said to us as he left
He said don't stay sad
I am also going to suffer
I am pure Mexican
And I am not afraid to die
He said goodbye to his girlfriend
And to his brothers also
He gave a hug to his mother
And gave me another as well
He entrusts himself to us
And to God as well
Holy God, you know
What a mother suffered
To give life to her son
Even risking her own life
In exchange for my son's life
I offer you my own
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect all the soldiers
That find themselves in Vietnam
Spanish
Soy un padre como hay muchos
Que no hayamos que pensar
Pues tenemos nuestros hijos
Peleando allá en Vietnam
Virgencita milagrosa
Vuélvelos como se van
Diosito santo te pido
Que tengas más compasión
De nuestro hijo querido
Quien anda en otra nación
Piensa vez que se llevaron
Parte de mi corazón
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Adios mis padres queridos
Nos dijo él al partir
Dijo no se queden tristes
Yo también voy a sufrir
Soy purito Mexicano
Y no le temo al morir
Se despidió de su novia
De sus hermanos también
Le dio un abrazo a su madre
Y a mi me dio otro también
Se encomienda ante nosotros
Y ante Diosito también
Diosito santo tú sabes
Lo que una madre sufrió
Para darle vida a su hijo
Hasta su vida riesgo
A cambio de la de mijo
Mi vida te ofrezco yo
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Show full lyrics (79 lines) ▾
#61 Fred Vela La madre del soldado Single · La madre del soldado / La baraja · Falcon # 1514 · USA
Annotation
"La madre del soldado" ( "Soldier's Mother" ) (Falcon # 1514) focused on the perspective of a mother whose son was fighting in Vietnam. Featured on one of the Arnaldo Ramírez Mexican-American record labels in McAllen, Texas: ARV, Falcon, Bronco, and Bego.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Falcon Record Company 1514, 45 RPM, orange label, 821 North 23rd., McAllen, Texas; "La Madre del Soldado" (Marco Rivera), Ramms-BMI, 3:06; matrix F-4725. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#62 Gilberto Perez A la guerra ya me llevan Single · A la guerra ya me llevan / Dam la llave · Falcon # 1408 · USA
Credited on the record as Gilberto Perez y Sus Compadres.
Annotation
Gilberto Perez, Mexican-American artist born in Mercedes, Texas, USA on 3 August 1935. The track "A la guerra ya me llevan" (They Take Me to War) (Falcon # 1408) also featured on the Vietnam War compilation Porque estamos en Vietnam (Bronco # BRLP-043). Narrated from the soldier's perspective, it expressed opposition to being drafted to go to the war, leaning towards the anti-war side: "they're taking me against my will" . As above.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Falcon Record Company 1408, 45 RPM, F-3788, 821 North 23rd, McAllen, Texas; "A la guerra ya me llevan", ranchera, arranged by Gilberto Pérez; credited to Gilberto Perez y Sus Compadres. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#63 Ramon Ayala & Los Bravos del Norte El soldado raso Single · El soldado raso / Ya te he olvidado · Freddie # FR-334 · USA
Credited on the record as Ramon Ayala y Los Bravos del Norte.
Annotation
The song "El soldado raso" (Freddie Records # FR-334) ( "The Common Soldier" ) - a traditional Mexican war song, released in Corpus Christi, Texas, on a record label founded by Freddie Martínez, during the Vietnam War era. Ramon Ayala was born on 8 December 1945, in Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico, while the group Los Bravos del Norte was formed in Mexico, in 1971. Narrated from the perspective of "a private" off to war, the soldier was concerned about leaving his mother, asking the "Virgin of Guadalupe" to protect her - this is a Catholic title for the Virgin Mary, dating back to apparitions in December 1531 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The lyrics contained some nationalist content related to being Mexican: "I will prove that my race knows how to die" and "here goes another Meixcan that is going to risk his life" . Transcription by Eric Silberberg and Ignacia Morales Reyes. Translation by Eric Silberberg.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Freddie FR-334-1 (LH-18081), stereo, red label with trumpet logo, 1316 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401; "El Soldado Raso" (Felipe Valdez Leal), time 4:00; credited to Ramon Ayala y Los Bravos del Norte. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I’m going to be a private
I’m going to enter the ranks
With the brave guys
That leave dear mothers
That leave girlfriends crying
Crying over their goodbye
I leave content for war
I got a rifle and a pistol
I will return a sargent
When this thing is finished
I only feel sorry
To leave my mother alone
Dark Virgin
To you I entrust my mother
Care for her, she is very good
Care for her until I return
Virgin of Guadalupe
Protect my flag
When you find me there in campaign
Very far from my country
I will prove that my race
Knows how to die where it wants
Tomorrow I leave early
At the break of the dawn
Here goes another Meixcan
That is going to risk his life
That says goodbye singing
Long live my country
Dark Virgin
Send him your consolation
Never again permit
That heaven take a life
Spanish
Me voy de soldado raso
Voy a ingresar a las filas
Con los valientes muchachos
Que dejan madres queridas
Que dejan novia llorando
Llorando su despedida
Salgo contento a la guerra
Ya tengo rifle y pistola
Ya volveré de sargento /Cuando se acabe la bola
Nomás una cosa siento
Dejar a mi madre sola
Virgen morena
Mi madre te encomiendo
Cuídala que es muy buena
Cuídala mientras vuelvo
Virgen guadalupana
Protégela a mi bandera
Hay cuando me halle en campaña
Muy lejos ya de mi tierra
Les probaré que mi raza
Sabe morir donde quiera
Mañana salgo temprano
Al despuntar nuevo día
Aquí va otro Mexican
Que va a jugarse la vida
Que se despide cantando
Que viva la patria mía
Virgen morena
Mandale su consuelo
Nunca jamás permitas
Que se la lleve cielo
Show full lyrics (66 lines) ▾
#64–82 Various Artists Porque estamos en Vietnam Album · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
All 11 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
"Porque estamos en Vietnam" ( "Why We Are in Vietnam" ) - a various artist compilation of 10 Vietnam War songs, in the Tex-Mex / tejano genres, including the single of the same name above. Released on Bronco (# BRLP-043) - record label owned by Arnaldo Ramírez, who also founded the Mexican-American record labels ARV, Falcon, and Bego, also based in Texas. He featured in Billboard on 25 November 1972, in an article focusing on the explosion of Tex-Mex music.1 Born on 9 April 1918, in Mission, Texas, USA, he died there on 11 May 1993. 9 out of 10 of these songs took a patriotic perspective, with only one calling for peace in Vietnam.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#64 Freddie Gomez Soldado raso Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation
Freddie Gomez song "Soldado raso" (Falcon # 1117), which appeared on both the 1966 album El hijo del soldado raso (Falcon Records # FLP-2014), and the LP Porque estamos en Vietnam (Bronco # BRLP-043), discussed below. Gomez was born in Los Indios, Texas, USA (6 August 1932). He died in Carricitos, Texas, USA on 3 September 2005. These records all featured on the Arnaldo Ramírez Mexican-American record labels in Texas: ARV, Falcon, Bronco, and Bego.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bronco BRLP-043, red labels with the black rearing-horse Bronco logo, "A Division of Falcon Record Co. McAllen, Texas", label title "Vietnam -Por que estamos en Vietnam-"; back cover "Otra producción 'Falcon' en alta fidelidad", manufactured by Falcon Record Co., McAllen, Texas. Lado A: "Una carta a mi hijo" (Gabino García; Vicente Gutiérrez, Ramms-BMI) 3:05, "Paz en la tierra" (Juan Alfredo Pérez; Juan Alfredo Pérez, Ramms-BMI) 2:37, "La canción del soldado" (Juan Alfredo Pérez; Francisco Salazar) 2:17, "A la guerra me llevan" (Gilberto Pérez; arr.

G. Pérez) 2:50, "El hijo del soldado" (Freddie Gómez; José A. Morante) 3:10; Lado B: "Por que estamos en Vietnam" (Arnaldo Ramírez; Arnaldo Ramírez, Ramms-BMI) 3:30, "El padre del soldado" (Henry Zimmerle; Francisco Montalvo) 3:30, "Esperanza de un soldado" (Los Dos Rebeldes; López-Maldonado) 2:20, "La novia del soldado" (Eligio Salinas; Rafael Cantú, Ramms-BMI) 2:56, "Soldado raso" (Freddie Gómez; Felipe Valdes Leal) 3:05.

The back is headed "Un homenaje a los integrantes de nuestras fuerzas armadas, con un saludo muy especial para nuestros soldados, marinos y pilotos" and prints a Spanish statement by Dean Rusk, "Secretario de Estado - U.S.A.", explaining that the United States is in Vietnam because of mutual-security treaty commitments made in 1955, and that failing to honour them would risk a world war; it credits a "special performance for this album" by the Falcon artists Juan Alfredo Perez, Freddie Gomez, Eligio Salinas, Henry Zimmerle, Los Dos Rebeldes, Gilberto Perez, Arnaldo Ramirez and Gavino Garcia, and advertises Bronco BRLP-042 (Beulah), BRLP-040 (Hermanos Layton) and BRLP-039 (Luis Aguilar and María Alejandra).

The front cover is a drawing of soldiers in green uniforms advancing through grass, one handing a rifle across the ground, and this copy carries a handwritten ballpoint inscription dated "Jan 26 '71". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#65 Freddie Gomez El hijo del soldado Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Soldado raso” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
I'm leaving as a private, like my father did
Because I'm a valiant lad and I might not make it back
Don't cry, my beloved mother, I'll carry you in my soul
Tell my girlfriend that I didn't want to let her know
I'd rather write her a letter, I don't want to see her cry
If they don't kill me, we'll come back and get married
I leave early tomorrow on an airplane to Vietnam
I'm going to a land without hunger and I'll try my luck again
The Mexican people never know how to back down
Virgin of heaven, patroness of kindness, give them love and comfort, and charity to my love
They gave me a rifle and a pistol, they also gave me a cannon
To destroy enemies, a fight without conditions
This is a new war, our nation is in danger
I'm going with my comrades from Chicago and New York
Los Angeles, San Francisco, the ones from Phoenix were the best
And also some brothers of the tricolour flag
Goodbye San Antonio, Texas, I leave you my devotion
When I come back [?] I'll sing you a different song
Because my people are valiant and full of heart
Spanish
Me voi de soldado razo como mi padre se fue
Por lo valiente muchach y talves no volvere
No llores madre querida que mi alma te llevare
Le dicen a mi amorada que no le quise avisar
Mejor le escribo una carta, no quiero ver la llorar
Acaso no me matan y nos venemos a casar
Mañana salgo temprano en un avion a Vietnam
Me voi a tierra sin hambre y voi de nuevo a probar
La raza mexicana nunca se sabe rajar
Virgen del cielo partona de la bondad, dales amor y consuelo y a mi amor la caridad
Me dieron rifle y pistola, tambien me dieron canon (?)
Para destrier enemigos, el playto/plaito sin condición
Esta es una nueva guerra, peligra nuestra nacion
Me voi con mis compañeros de chicago y nueva york
Los angeles, san francisco, de phoenix fue lo mejor
Tambien algunos hermanos del padellon tricolor
Adios San Antonio Texas, te dejo mi devoción
Quando ya vuelva un (pante?) le cantaro otro cancion
Porque mi raza es valiente y de corazon
Show full lyrics (41 lines) ▾
#68 Freddie Gomez El hijo del soldado Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation
The single release of Freddie Gomez's "El hijo del soldado razo" ("The Son of a Soldier") (Falcon # 1509) which appeared on both the 1966 album El hijo del soldado raso (Falcon Records # FLP-2014), and the LP Porque estamos en Vietnam (Bronco # BRLP-043). Gomez was born in Los Indios, Texas, USA (6 August 1932). He died in Carricitos, Texas, USA on 3 September 2005. These records all featured on the Arnaldo Ramírez Mexican-American record labels in Texas: ARV, Falcon, Bronco, and Bego.

It's narrated from the soldier's perspective: "I leave early tomorrow on an airplane to Vietnam", following in the footsteps of his father. His mother cries as he departs, and he does not want to tell his girlfriend. The narrator seeks to displace strength, emphasising his heritage: "the Mexican race will never crack", also noting others from the same background: "men from the fatherland of three colours" (the Mexican flag). It concludes with the soldier saying "Goodbye San Antonio, Texas, I leave you with my devotion", leaning towards the patriotic perspective. Transcription and translation by Joel Garcia.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bronco BRLP-043, red labels with the black rearing-horse Bronco logo, "A Division of Falcon Record Co. McAllen, Texas", label title "Vietnam -Por que estamos en Vietnam-"; back cover "Otra producción 'Falcon' en alta fidelidad", manufactured by Falcon Record Co., McAllen, Texas. Lado A: "Una carta a mi hijo" (Gabino García; Vicente Gutiérrez, Ramms-BMI) 3:05, "Paz en la tierra" (Juan Alfredo Pérez; Juan Alfredo Pérez, Ramms-BMI) 2:37, "La canción del soldado" (Juan Alfredo Pérez; Francisco Salazar) 2:17, "A la guerra me llevan" (Gilberto Pérez; arr.

G. Pérez) 2:50, "El hijo del soldado" (Freddie Gómez; José A. Morante) 3:10; Lado B: "Por que estamos en Vietnam" (Arnaldo Ramírez; Arnaldo Ramírez, Ramms-BMI) 3:30, "El padre del soldado" (Henry Zimmerle; Francisco Montalvo) 3:30, "Esperanza de un soldado" (Los Dos Rebeldes; López-Maldonado) 2:20, "La novia del soldado" (Eligio Salinas; Rafael Cantú, Ramms-BMI) 2:56, "Soldado raso" (Freddie Gómez; Felipe Valdes Leal) 3:05.

The back is headed "Un homenaje a los integrantes de nuestras fuerzas armadas, con un saludo muy especial para nuestros soldados, marinos y pilotos" and prints a Spanish statement by Dean Rusk, "Secretario de Estado - U.S.A.", explaining that the United States is in Vietnam because of mutual-security treaty commitments made in 1955, and that failing to honour them would risk a world war; it credits a "special performance for this album" by the Falcon artists Juan Alfredo Perez, Freddie Gomez, Eligio Salinas, Henry Zimmerle, Los Dos Rebeldes, Gilberto Perez, Arnaldo Ramirez and Gavino Garcia, and advertises Bronco BRLP-042 (Beulah), BRLP-040 (Hermanos Layton) and BRLP-039 (Luis Aguilar and María Alejandra).

The front cover is a drawing of soldiers in green uniforms advancing through grass, one handing a rifle across the ground, and this copy carries a handwritten ballpoint inscription dated "Jan 26 '71". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'm leaving as a private, like my father did
Because I'm a valiant lad and I might not make it back
Don't cry, my beloved mother, I'll carry you in my soul
Tell my girlfriend that I didn't want to let her know
I'd rather write her a letter, I don't want to see her cry
If they don't kill me, we'll come back and get married
I leave early tomorrow on an airplane to Vietnam
I'm going to a land without hunger and I'll try my luck again
The Mexican people never know how to back down
Virgin of heaven, patroness of kindness, give them love and comfort, and charity to my love
They gave me a rifle and a pistol, they also gave me a cannon
To destroy enemies, a fight without conditions
This is a new war, our nation is in danger
I'm going with my comrades from Chicago and New York
Los Angeles, San Francisco, the ones from Phoenix were the best
And also some brothers of the tricolour flag
Goodbye San Antonio, Texas, I leave you my devotion
When I come back [?] I'll sing you a different song
Because my people are valiant and full of heart
Spanish
Me voi de soldado razo como mi padre se fue
Por lo valiente muchach y talves no volvere
No llores madre querida que mi alma te llevare
Le dicen a mi amorada que no le quise avisar
Mejor le escribo una carta, no quiero ver la llorar
Acaso no me matan y nos venemos a casar
Mañana salgo temprano en un avion a Vietnam
Me voi a tierra sin hambre y voi de nuevo a probar
La raza mexicana nunca se sabe rajar
Virgen del cielo partona de la bondad, dales amor y consuelo y a mi amor la caridad
Me dieron rifle y pistola, tambien me dieron canon (?)
Para destrier enemigos, el playto/plaito sin condición
Esta es una nueva guerra, peligra nuestra nacion
Me voi con mis compañeros de chicago y nueva york
Los angeles, san francisco, de phoenix fue lo mejor
Tambien algunos hermanos del padellon tricolor
Adios San Antonio Texas, te dejo mi devoción
Quando ya vuelva un (pante?) le cantaro otro cancion
Porque mi raza es valiente y de corazon
Show full lyrics (41 lines) ▾
#75 Arnaldo Ramírez Porque estamos en Vietnam Album · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation
"Porque estamos en Vietnam" ( "Why We Are in Vietnam" ) - a various artist compilation of 10 Vietnam War songs, in the Tex-Mex / tejano genres, including the single of the same name above. Released on Bronco (# BRLP-043) - record label owned by Arnaldo Ramírez, who also founded the Mexican-American record labels ARV, Falcon, and Bego, also based in Texas. He featured in Billboard on 25 November 1972, in an article focusing on the explosion of Tex-Mex music.1 Born on 9 April 1918, in Mission, Texas, USA, he died there on 11 May 1993. 9 out of 10 of these songs took a patriotic perspective, with only one calling for peace in Vietnam.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bronco BRLP-043, red labels with the black rearing-horse Bronco logo, "A Division of Falcon Record Co. McAllen, Texas", label title "Vietnam -Por que estamos en Vietnam-"; back cover "Otra producción 'Falcon' en alta fidelidad", manufactured by Falcon Record Co., McAllen, Texas. Lado A: "Una carta a mi hijo" (Gabino García; Vicente Gutiérrez, Ramms-BMI) 3:05, "Paz en la tierra" (Juan Alfredo Pérez; Juan Alfredo Pérez, Ramms-BMI) 2:37, "La canción del soldado" (Juan Alfredo Pérez; Francisco Salazar) 2:17, "A la guerra me llevan" (Gilberto Pérez; arr.

G. Pérez) 2:50, "El hijo del soldado" (Freddie Gómez; José A. Morante) 3:10; Lado B: "Por que estamos en Vietnam" (Arnaldo Ramírez; Arnaldo Ramírez, Ramms-BMI) 3:30, "El padre del soldado" (Henry Zimmerle; Francisco Montalvo) 3:30, "Esperanza de un soldado" (Los Dos Rebeldes; López-Maldonado) 2:20, "La novia del soldado" (Eligio Salinas; Rafael Cantú, Ramms-BMI) 2:56, "Soldado raso" (Freddie Gómez; Felipe Valdes Leal) 3:05.

The back is headed "Un homenaje a los integrantes de nuestras fuerzas armadas, con un saludo muy especial para nuestros soldados, marinos y pilotos" and prints a Spanish statement by Dean Rusk, "Secretario de Estado - U.S.A.", explaining that the United States is in Vietnam because of mutual-security treaty commitments made in 1955, and that failing to honour them would risk a world war; it credits a "special performance for this album" by the Falcon artists Juan Alfredo Perez, Freddie Gomez, Eligio Salinas, Henry Zimmerle, Los Dos Rebeldes, Gilberto Perez, Arnaldo Ramirez and Gavino Garcia, and advertises Bronco BRLP-042 (Beulah), BRLP-040 (Hermanos Layton) and BRLP-039 (Luis Aguilar and María Alejandra).

The front cover is a drawing of soldiers in green uniforms advancing through grass, one handing a rifle across the ground, and this copy carries a handwritten ballpoint inscription dated "Jan 26 '71". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
Spanish
Full track listing:
A1| Gabino Garcia - "Una carta a mi hijo"
A2| Juan Alfredo Perez - "Paz en la tierra"
A3| Juan Alfredo Perez - "La cancion del soldado"
A4| Gilberto Perez - "A la cuerra me llevan"
A5| Freddie Gómez - "El hijo del soldado"
B1| Arnaldo Ramírez - "Porque estamos en Vietnam"
B2| Henry Zimmerle - "El padre del soldado"
B3| Los Dos Rebeldes - "Esperanza de un soldado"
B4| Eligio Salinas - "La novia del soldado"
B5| Freddie Gómez - "Soldado raso
#76 Gilberto Perez A la guerra me llevan Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#77 Los Dos Rebeldes Esperanza de un soldado Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#78 Juan Alfredo Perez La cancion del soldado Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#79 Eligio Salinas La novia del soldado Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#80 Henry Zimmerle El padre del soldado Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#81 Juan Alfredo Perez Paz en la tierra Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#82 Gabino Garcia Una carta a mi hijo Album · Porque estamos en Vietnam · Bronco # BRLP-043 · USA
Annotation: see “Porque estamos en Vietnam” above (same release).
#66 Mariachi Jalisciense El soldado raso Single · El soldado raso / Que seas feliz · El Zarape # E.Z.-168 · USA
Credited on the record as Mariachi Jalisciense, Cantan: Little Joe y Johnny.
Annotation
Tex-Mex group, featuring Rubén Fuentes. The song "El soldado raso" (El Zarape # E.Z.-168) ( "The Common Soldier" ) was released in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
El Zarape Records E.Z.-168, Side 1, magenta and cream label; "El Soldado Raso", time 3:30; Mariachi Jalisciense, "Cantan: Little Joe y Johnny"; prod. by Johnny Gonzales; El Zarape Recording Co. – Distributors, P.O. Box 8921, Dallas 16, Texas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#67 Pepe Maldonado En el frente del Viet Nam Single · En el frente del Viet Nam / Triste Navidad · Del Sur # DS-105 · USA
Credited on the record as Pepe Maldonado y su Conjunto.
Annotation
Pepe Maldonado was born in 1941 in Rio Grande City, Texas, USA. His family moved to Edinburg, Texas, USA, where he founded the recording studio and record label Del Sur.12 He also is known as Jose "Pepe" Maldonado Sr. and Pepe Maldonado y Su Conjunto. He recorded and released the song "En el frente del Viet Nam" (Del Sur # DS-105), which translates as: "On the front in Vietnam" , which looked at the soldier's perspective. The narrator expressed loneliness, missing his parents and brothers: "I am far from my parents...my brothers" . At the end of the song, the soldier looked forward to returning home to marry his sweetheart. Composed by Jose Refujio Reyes. Transcription and translation by Eric Silberberg.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Del Sur DS-105, gold label with palm-tree logo; "En el frente del Viet Nam" (Jose Refujio Reyes), 2:05; Pepe Maldonado y su Conjunto, "Canta: Pepe Maldonado"; Pepe Maldonado Production, Rt. 2, Box 420, Edinburg, Texas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I am alone and abandoned
On the front in Vietnam
I am far from my country
I am far from my home
From my parents, I am far
To my brothers, I left
Only that memory of how much I cried
I said goodbye to them all when I left my country
The enemy searches for me
They want to kill me
And I defend my life
Because I want to return
To look for my lover who I am going to marry
Spanish
Estoy solo y abandonado
En el frente del Viet Nam
Estoy lejos de mi patria
Estoy lejos de mi hogar
De mis padres, estoy lejos
A mis hermanos dejé
Solo aquel recuerdo de lo mucho que lloré
Ya les despedirme de todos cuando mi patria dejé
Los enemigos me buscan
Para quererme matar
Y yo defiendo mi vida
Porque quiero regresar
Para buscar a mi amada con quien me voy a casar
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾
#69 Pepe Maldonado El hijo del soldado razo Single · El hijo del soldado razo / Aquel amor · Ideal [San Benito] # 45-2312 · USA
Credited on the record as Pepe Maldonado Y Su Conjunto.
Annotation
Another cover of the song "El hijo del soldado razo" (Ideal # 2312) by Pepe Maldonado - born in 1941 in Rio Grande City, Texas, USA. His family moved to Edinburg, Texas, USA, where he founded the recording studio and record label Del Sur.12 He also is known as Jose "Pepe" Maldonado Sr. and Pepe Maldonado y Su Conjunto. He also released the song "En el frente del Viet Nam", discussed above.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ideal 45-2312 (Ideal Recording Company, San Benito, Texas), A-side, 3:12; no writer credit on the record (José A. Morante on the other versions). A Frontera tape copy carries a typed date 12-8-65 (archive tape, not the record).
#70 Manuel Guerrero & Toby Torres El hijo del soldado razo Single · El hijo del soldado razo / Hojita verde · Sombrero # SO-2264 · USA
Credited on the record as Manuel Guerrero y Toby Torres con Los Arcos.
Annotation
Another cover song of "El hijo del soldado razo" (Sombrero # SO-2264) released in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Sombrero SO-2264-A, 2606 Ruiz St., San Antonio, Texas (N.R.C. Productions); Corrido; written by José A. Morante. No date.
#71 Los Azotes Norteños El hijo del soldado razo Album · Sombrero # SO-2004 · USA
Annotation
Collaboration between Manuel Guerrero and Raul Gutierrez, both featured elsewhere on this list. The title track is another cover of the song "El hijo del soldado razo" (Sombrero # SO-2004) released in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The LP cover is also of particular interest, featuring the photo portrait of a soldier, and a photo of soldiers fighting in a battle with a tank (probably World War Two). The back of the LP said that the album was dedicated to the bravery of the common soldier, thus recalling the Mexican music heritage of singing about soldiers.1
Liner notes
The theme of this album is a sincere tribute to the value of our race, our soldiers, citizens, our people, and that they are always ready to defend it even at the cost of their own lives. And to the customs implanted by our grandmothers in those tempos that proclaimed their tradedies or their exploits to the beat of the notes of the brave coriddo that you have sprout in the soul the cry of honor and glory of a bronze race
Liner notes
El tema de este album, es un sincero homenaje al valor de nuestra raza, de nuestra soldados, ciudadanos, de nuestra peublo, y que siempre estan dispuestos a defenderld aun a costa de sus propias vidas. Ya a las costombres implantadas por nuestras abuelas en aquellos tempos que pregonaban sus tradedias o sus hazanas al compas de las notas del coriddo bravio que has brotar en al alma el grito al honor y la gloria de un razo de bronce
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Sombrero LP, title track (side A, track 1), 2606 Ruiz Street, San Antonio, Texas; written by José A. Morante. Sleeve reads SO-LP-2004, disc label SO-2004. Cover: portrait of a soldier and a battle scene with a tank; back cover dedicates the album to the common soldier.
#72 Ramon Rendon Soldado en Vietnam Single · Soldado en Vietnam / Cuando lloran los hombres · Mex # 1002 · USA
Credited on the record as Ramon Rendon con El Mariachi Chapala de Benjamin Torres.
Annotation
Tex-Mex artist Ramon Rendon released the track "Soldado en Vietnam" (Mex Records # 1002), in El Paso, Texas, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mex Records 1002-A (LH-8319), 45 RPM; "Soldado en Vietnam" (R. Rendon), time 3:30; Ramon Rendon "con El Mariachi Chapala de Benjamin Torres"; Rendon Enterprises, P. O. Box 9231, El Paso, Texas 79983. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#73 Sonny Ace Traision llego a Viet Nam Single · Traision llego a Viet Nam / El sin padre · Triangulo # TR-106 · USA
Annotation
Sonny (Domingo Solis) Ace is a San Antonio-based Mexican-American artist, who released the single "Traision llego a Viet Nam" (Triangulo Discos # TR-106).12
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Triangulo Discos TR-106-A, P.O. Box 494, San Antonio, Texas, red and black label; "Traision Llego a Viet Nam" (Hector Valadez-Dimas Garza), ranchera, 2:42; Sonny Ace. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#74 Arnaldo Ramírez Por que estamos en Vietnam Single · Por que estamos en Vietnam / Una carta a mi hijo · Falcon # 1724 · USA
Annotation
As discussed above, Arnaldo Ramirez founded several Mexican-American record labels in Texas: ARV, Falcon, Bronco, and Bego. He featured in Billboard on 25 November 1972, in an article focusing on the explosion of Tex-Mex music.2 Born on 9 April 1918, in Mission, Texas, USA, he died there on 11 May 1993. The track "Por que estamos en Vietnam" (Falcon # 1724) ( "Why We Are in Vietnam" ) is spoken-word, and featured on the compilation Porque estamos en Vietnam (Bronco # BRLP-043) below, released on one of his record labels.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Falcon 1724, 45 RPM, matrix F-5824, orange label, Falcon Record Company, 821 North 23rd, McAllen, Texas; marked "Promotional" and "Not for Sale"; "Por que estamos en Vietnam" (Trad: Arnaldo Ramirez), "Hablado" (spoken), 3:30. Company sleeve: Falcon Records, "Marcando el paso en éxitos regionales!", Falcon Record Co., Box 164, McAllen, Texas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Theme: Patriotic
#83 Pedro y Juan Corrido de Viet Nam Single · Corrido de Viet Nam / Soldado raso · Fama # 121 · USA
Annotation
Another obscure Mexican-American Corrido artist - corrido songs traditionally spread news and information in Mexican territories through folk music in the late 18th century. Musicians continued this tradition in the US, singing about wars and political events, such as the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK (see Homenaje a Robert F. Kennedy, El corrido de John F. Kennedy, and Memorias del Dr. Martin Luther King as examples).12 This one is double-sided, with the tracks "Corrdio de Viet Nam" and "Soldado Raso" , released on Discos Fama (# 121), out of San Jose, California, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#84 Pedro y Juan Soldado raso Single · Corrido de Viet Nam / Soldado raso · Fama # 121 · USA
Credited on the record as Pedro Y Juan y Sus Tejanos.
Annotation: see “Corrido de Viet Nam” above (same release).
#85 Conjunto Laureles Corrido a Ray Guzman Single · Corrido a Ray Guzman / La Piedrera · Nu-Mex # NM-101 · USA
Annotation
The song "Corrido a Ray Guzman" (Nu-Mex Records # NM 101) is a tribute to the Mexican-American soldier Reynaldo Guzman, born 30 May 1943 - killed in action on 25 January 1966.1 He was from Lovington, New Mexico, which is were this record label was also based, and thus a local tribute to a local resident. The song paid tribute to the "noble, brave and loyal" soldier, who "had no fear in dying". Written by Manuel Morales, performed by Conjunto Laureles.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Nu-Mex NM-101-A, 1105 N. 1st St., Lovington, New Mexico; 3:00; written by Manuel Morales. Tribute to LCpl Reynaldo "Ray" Guzman, USMC, of Lovington (born 30 May 1943, killed 25 January 1966).
#86 Los Reyes de Albuquerque corrido de Daniel Fernandez Single · El corrido de Daniel Fernandez / The Ballad of Dan Fernandez · Hurricane # 45-6967 · USA
Annotation
The song "El Corrido de Daniel Fernandez" (Hurricane Records # 45-6967), backed by an English translated version, called "The Ballad of Daniel Fernandez" , released on a Mexican-American label in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The group Los Reyes de Albuquerque ("The Kings of Albuquerque") was led by Roberto Martinez, who composed this song, very active in the 60s and 70s, blending the Mexican-American genres mariachi, ranchera, Tex–Mex, and corridos.1 Martinez's son was also a musician - Lorenzo Martinez, featured on this list with "A Sigh for My Lai / I Am a Chicano".

This was another Vietnam-related Corrido - a Mexican type of song which traditionally spread news and information in Mexican territories through folk music in the late 18th century. Musicians continued this tradition in the US, singing about wars and political events, such as the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK (see "Homenaje a Robert F. Kennedy", "El corrido de John F. Kennedy", and "Memorias del Dr. Martin Luther King" as examples).23

This one paid tribute to Danny Fernandez - the first Mexican American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam. The official Medal of Honor citation read: "Fernández demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company...an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group...Fernández vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life".4567 There are several records about him: Danny Fernandez by Eddy Harrison, and Corrido de Daniel Fernandez, also written by Martinez, and performed by Los Reyes de la Frontera- see below. The B-side of the record began with a spoken-word intro: "we took the liberty of translating into English, the corrido de Daniel Fernandez, and although I'll effort leave a lot to be desired, it's meant as a friendly jester to our non-Spanish speaking fellow American and New Mexicans" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hurricane 45-6967, black, white and yellow label with palm-tree logo, 1927 San Mateo, N.E., Alb., N.M.; "The Ballad of Dan Fernandez" (Roberto Martinez), time 2:26, and "El Corrido de Daniel Fernandez" (Roberto Martinez), time 2:39, both Striking Music, BMI; Los Reyes de Albuquerque listed as Ray Flores, Miguel Archibeque, Isidro Chavez, George Benavidez and Roberto Martinez; produced by Al Hurricane. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Fellow American listen, I'd like to have your attention
So I can tell you a story of love, duty, and devotion
The ballad of Dan Fernandez is the title of this song
He died in South Vietnam while fighting the Viet Cong
As a child he was schooled...he used to run playing...
Then off to South Vietnam where he was destined to die
When he was mortally wounded, the soldier had this to say
Dear lord I'm ready to go, just give me the time to pray
To say an act of contrition, that's all I wish to do
Then my heavenly father I will gladly go with you /He loved New Mexico, you have the right to be proud
One of your sons has distinguished himself today in the crowd
#87 Los Reyes de Albuquerque The Ballad of Dan Fernandez Single · El corrido de Daniel Fernandez / The Ballad of Dan Fernandez · Hurricane # 45-6967 · USA
Annotation: see “corrido de Daniel Fernandez” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Fellow American listen, I'd like to have your attention
So I can tell you a story of love, duty, and devotion
The ballad of Dan Fernandez is the title of this song
He died in South Vietnam while fighting the Viet Cong
As a child he was schooled...he used to run playing...
Then off to South Vietnam where he was destined to die
When he was mortally wounded, the soldier had this to say
Dear lord I'm ready to go, just give me the time to pray
To say an act of contrition, that's all I wish to do
Then my heavenly father I will gladly go with you /He loved New Mexico, you have the right to be proud
One of your sons has distinguished himself today in the crowd
#88 Los Reyes de Albuquerque corrido de Ricardo Campos Single · El corrido de Ricardo Campos / Mala estrella · Hurricane # 45-6982 · USA
Annotation
The song "El corrido de Ricardo Campos" (Hurricane Records # 45-6982), released on a Mexican-American label in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As discussed immediately above, the group Los Reyes de Albuquerque ("The Kings of Albuquerque") was led by Roberto Martinez, who composed this song, very active in the 60s and 70s, blending the Mexican-American genres mariachi, ranchera, Tex–Mex, and corridos.1 Martinez's son was also a musician - Lorenzo Martinez, featured on this list with A Sigh for My Lai.

This song told the story of Sgt. Richard Compos, K.I.A. in Vietnam at the age of 26 in 1966. His body was shipped to the US, but nobody claimed it. It turned out that he was an orphan in California. Another song about this story, which become a well-known anti-war song was Richard Campos by Daniel Valdez, which also went by the name "Corrido de Ricardo Campos" . It appeared in the Vietnam War Songbook, published in 1969 by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber, which contained 100 Vietnam War songs.2345 Dane recorded a version of the song on the album FTA!: Songs of the GI Resistance (Paredon Records # P-1003) called "Ballad of Richard Campos". Also see the record below: El soldado huerfanito (Homenaje al Sgt. Richard Campos) by Los Conquistadores.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hurricane 45-6982, produced by Al Hurricane; label shows a wind-bent palm tree over the Hurricane script logo; "El Corrido de Ricardo Campos" (Robert Martinez), Striking Music Pub., BMI, 3:27; Los Reyes de Albuquerque. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Theme: K.I.A.
#89 Los Conquistadores soldado huerfanito (Homenaje al Sgt. Richard Campos) Single · El soldado huerfanito (Homenaje al Sgt. Richard Campos) / Adios Eva Garza · Norteño # No-266 · USA
Annotation
The song "El soldado huerfanito (Homenaje al Sgt. Richard Campos)" ( "The Orphan Soldier (Tribute to Sgt. Richard Campos)" ) (Norteño # No-266) is of course another tribute to the Mexican-American soldier Richard Campos, based a true story.1 K.I.A. in Vietnam at the age of 26 in 1966. His body was shipped to the US, but nobody claimed it. It turned out that he was an orphan in California. Also see the records: El corrido de Ricardo Campos by Los Reyes de Albuquerque and Richard Campos by Daniel Valdez, the later of which appeared in appeared in the Vietnam War Songbook, published in 1969 by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber, which contained 100 Vietnam War songs. The Los Conquistadores formed in 1939, based in San Antonio, where this record was released, featuring the members Benjamín Valdez (guitar, arranger), Enrique Q. Rodríguez (requinto guitar, vocals), José A. Morante (vocals, composer). The group was also known as Los Conquistadores de José Morante, and they released several Vietnam War songs, and other political tribute songs, such as to JFK, LBJ, and RFK.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#90 Los Reyes de la Frontera Corrido de Daniel Fernandez Single · Corrido de Daniel Fernandez / Besos y Caricias · Del Valle # DE-830 · USA
Annotation
"Corrido de Daniel Fernandez" (Del Valle # DE-830) - as above, a Mexican-American Corrido about Daniel Fernandez, the first Mexican American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam. The official Medal of Honor citation read: "Fernández demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company...an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group...Fernández vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life".1234

This song is very similar to El corrido de Daniel Fernandez / The Ballad of Dan Fernandez performed by Los Reyes de Albuquerque, also written by Roberto Martinez. It was released in McAllen, Texas, USA. The song is a patriotic tribute, noting that Fernandez "was New Mexican" , and a "valiant soldier from our state" , who died "because of the love of his homeland" . It contained the interesting line, "New Mexico, don't twist your shoulder" (meaning to give the cold shoulder) - perhaps a reference to discrimination faced by Hispanic Americans, despite having fought and died for the US. The narrator goes on to note that Fernandez was born in a small village in New Mexico, but died in Vietnam: "grew up in the city of Los Lunas, and he died in the Vietnamese sun" . Transcription and translation by Joel Garcia.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Del Valle DE-830+, P.O. Box 1784, McAllen, Texas, "U.S. Reg. Pat. Off."; cream label with a green drawing of palm trees, orchards and mountains behind the Del Valle name; "Corrido de Daniel Fernandez" (Roberto Martinez), marked "Corrido"; Los Reyes de la Frontera. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My friends, I've come to sing you the corrido of a countryman named Daniel Fernandez, and he was New Mexican
This valiant soldier from our state sacrificed his life for the love of his homeland
His life was ended in a mortal battle; now he is with God in his heavenly kingdom
The town of Los Lunas was the place where he grew up
And in the sun of Vietnam was where he died
He was tall in stature and large in heart
He served our beloved homeland with devotion
Beloved New Mexico, don't give in
You have valiant soldiers who fulfil their duty
They tell of this great soldier
When he was badly wounded
Sweet miraculous Virgin, I ask you a favour
Give me a moment of life to pray you a rosary
Then, sweet mother of mine, I'll go happily with you
And with this I say farewell
Passing through these valleys, here I end the corrido of the great soldier Fernandez
Spanish
Amigo vengo a cantarles del corrido de un paisano se llamo Daniel Fernandez y fue Nuevo Mexicano
Este soldado valiente de nuestro estado por el amor a su partia la vida sacrificado
Su vida fue terminada en una batalla mortal ahora se encuentra con dios en su reino celestial
En el pueblo de Los Lunas fue logar donde se crio
Y en el sol de Vietnam fue donde murio
Era grande de estatura y grande de corazon
A nuestra patria querida, les servio con devocion
Nuevo Mexico cerido no des tu braco a torcer
Tienes soldados valientes que cumple con sus bebes
Decian de este gran soldado
Quando se dio mal herido
Virgencita milagrosa tomas un favor, te pido
Dame un momento de vida para rezar te un rosario
Despues madrecita mia contento me voi contigo
Ya con esta me despido
Pasando me en estos valles, aqui termino el corrido de el gran soldado Fernandez
Show full lyrics (35 lines) ▾
#91 Lee Longoria Martin Rosales Single · Martin Rosales / La Esquinera · Del Valle # DE-265 · USA
Annotation
As above, a tribute to "Martin Rosales" (Del Valle # 265) - this one is an instrumental, released in McAllen, Texas, USA, and composed by Pichi Hernandez.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Genre: ♪ Polka
#92 Lalo Guerrero La tragedia del 29 de Agosto Single · La tragedia del 29 de Agosto / Homenaje a Ruben Salazar · Colonial # 596 · USA
Annotation
Double-sided Vietnam War record, with the song "La tragedia del 29 de Agosto" (The tragedy of August 29) and the track "Homenaje a Ruben Salazar" ( "Tribute to Ruben Salazar" ) (Colonial # 596), released in Monterey Park, California, USA. Lalo Guerrero was born 24 December 1916, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and died 17 March 2005, in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. He has the nickname "The Father of Chicano Music". Both songs are about the death of Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar, who died while covering the Chicano Moratorium protest march on 29 August 1970. In his book, Lalo Guerrero said:
Sleeve notes
"On August 29 1970, thousands of anti-war demonstrators gathered in Laguna Park in East Los Angeles. Most of them were young Latinos, but there were also Anglos and blacks. It started as a peaceful march, but people got all worked up. As far as I can remember that's the firs time I heard the word 'Chicano' used as a battle cry. They were raising their fists and yelling 'Viva la raso' and 'Somos Chicanos'. Then the police came and it got really rough. Everyone started running. Ruben Salazar, a KMEX-TV news director and a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, was there to cover the story. A few blocks from the park he ducked into the Silver Dollar Bar and was accidentally killed by a tear gas canister that was shot into the room. Another life wasted. For him I wrote the corrido 'La tragedia del 29 de Agosto'".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
On August 29 1970, thousands of anti-war demonstrators gathered in Laguna Park in East Los Angeles. Most of them were young Latinos, but there were also Anglos and blacks. It started as a peaceful march, but people got all worked up. As far as I can remember that's the firs time I heard the word 'Chicano' used as a battle cry. They were raising their fists and yelling 'Viva la raso' and 'Somos Chicanos'. Then the police came and it got really rough. Everyone started running. Ruben Salazar, a KMEX-TV news director and a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, was there to cover the story. A few blocks from the park he ducked into the Silver Dollar Bar and was accidently killed by a tear gas canister that was shot into the room. Another life wasted. For him I wrote the corrido 'La tragedia del 29 de Agosto'".
#93 Lalo Guerrero Homenaje a Ruben Salazar Single · La tragedia del 29 de Agosto / Homenaje a Ruben Salazar · Colonial # 596 · USA
Annotation: see “La tragedia del 29 de Agosto” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
On August 29 1970, thousands of anti-war demonstrators gathered in Laguna Park in East Los Angeles. Most of them were young Latinos, but there were also Anglos and blacks. It started as a peaceful march, but people got all worked up. As far as I can remember that's the firs time I heard the word 'Chicano' used as a battle cry. They were raising their fists and yelling 'Viva la raso' and 'Somos Chicanos'. Then the police came and it got really rough. Everyone started running. Ruben Salazar, a KMEX-TV news director and a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, was there to cover the story. A few blocks from the park he ducked into the Silver Dollar Bar and was accidently killed by a tear gas canister that was shot into the room. Another life wasted. For him I wrote the corrido 'La tragedia del 29 de Agosto'".
#94 Lalo Guerrero Carta de un soldado Single · El corrido de Delano / Carta de un soldado · Colonial # 537 · USA
Annotation
Another one by Lalo Guerrero, "Carta de un soldado" ( "Letter From a Soldier" ) (Colonial # 537), also released in Monterey Park, California, USA. As mentioned above, Lalo Guerrero was born 24 December 1916, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and died 17 March 2005, in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. He has the nickname "The Father of Chicano Music". This song looks at both the soldier's perspective, writing a letter to his mother: "I'm writing you this letter from a trench, and I'm sorry if I get mud on the paper" , as well as the home front perspective, with the mother receiving a killed in action (K.I.A.) notification: "the mother cried with grief, and her hands trembled with emotion" . It contained some patriotic sentiment: "her son died for his country" , and "take care of all the sons... fighting for liberty" . Transcription and translation by Joel Garcia
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
The mailman brought a letter
The old lady was overcome with joy
But she didn't know it was a farewell from her son at war, the son she adores
Mother, it said at the beginning, I love you, and I'll miss you until later
I never knew how much I loved you, but I'll prove it when I return
I'm writing you this letter from a trench, and I'm sorry if the paper has mud on it
I remember clearly how you would scold me when I was younger for coming in with mud on my feet
The lieutenant just gave us our orders
Mother, I will always obey
I hope I'll be able to finish this letter later; for now I'll tell you that I will dream of you
The old lady cried with grief, and her hands trembled with emotion; that day came, but she could not believe that her son had died for his country
That night she knelt to pray, begging God in heaven to watch over the sons of all the mothers who tonight are fighting for liberty
Spanish
El cartero le trallo una carta
La viejita se, de gusto se emociono
Pero no sabio que se despedida su hijo en la guerra a quien adoro
Mamacita, decia al principio, yo te adoro, y te exttraño hasta despues
Yo nunca sabia lo que te queria pero mostrare quando vuelvo otraves
Desde una trenchera te escribo y perdona si tiene lodo el papel
Recuerdo lo mucho que me regañabas de chico quando entre con lodo en los pies
El tenete nos dio ya la orden
Mamacita yo siempre obedesere
A ver si despues yo termino esta carta por horrita te digo que en ti soñare
La viejita lloraba con pena, y sus manos temblaoron con emocion, fue ya esse dia pero no creia que su hijo abia muerto ya por su nacion
Esa noche se incaba a rezar, pidiendo a dios en el cielo que quide los hijos de todal las madres esta noche pelean por la libertad
Show full lyrics (27 lines) ▾
#95 Lito Zamora No naci pa soldado Single · No naci pa soldado / Poco a poco · Ideal [San Benito] # 45-2338 · USA
Credited on the record as Lito Zamora Y Su Conjunto (canta Gil Gonzales).
Artist background
The song "No naci pa soldado" ("I was Not Born to Be a Soldier") (Ideal # 2338), released in San Benito, Texas, USA, on label founded by Armando Marroquín. The song was composed by well-known Mexican-American artist Lalo Guerrero.
Notes
Ideal 45-2338 (Ideal Recording Company, 119 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas), A-side, 2:47; written by Lalo Guerrero; vocal Gil Gonzales. Frontera tape box dated 4/7/66 (archive tape, not the record).
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#96 Salvador S. Najera Un gran soldado Single · Un gran soldado / Esta es mi noche · Onica # OR-1009 · USA
Credited on the record as Salvador Najera Con Los Molinas Del Norte.
Annotation
The song "Un gran soldado" ("The Great Soldier") (Onica OR-1009) - unknown biographical details of this artist and record label, and could potentially be Mexican, rather than Mexican-American. It was about a 20 year soldier killed in action (K.I.A.) in the Vietnam War.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Onica OR-1009 (B-side OR-1010 "Esta Es Mi Noche", written by Daniel M. Gonzales); 2:54. Tribute to a 20-year-old soldier killed in Vietnam. Frontera spells the group Los Mollinas Del Norte. No date or address.
#97 Los Fabulosos Robles de Reynosa Corrido de Pancho Alvarez Album · Querer sin esperanza · Canasta # CAN-1038 · USA
Credited on the record as Los Fabulosos Robles De Reynosa.
Annotation
The song "Corrido de Pancho Alvarez" (Canasta Records # CAN-1038) by Mexican-American group Los Fabulosos Robles de Reynosa, released in Kingsville, Texas, USA, paid tribute to a soldier named Pancho Alvarez, a draftee killed in Vietnam on 25 November 1968. He name is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington D.C. under the name Francisco Alvarez, said to have come from Rio Grande City, Texas, USA.1 (2)3
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Canasta Record Co. CAN-1038, P.O. Box 347, Kingsville, Texas; side B, track 2; written by Raul Serna Olivarez. About Francisco "Pancho" Alvarez of Rio Grande City, Texas, a draftee killed in Vietnam on 25 November 1968.
#98 Rulie Garcia Ballad of Daniel Ellsberg Single · The Ballad of Daniel Ellsberg / Moon Rover · Doré # 863 · USA
Annotation
Born Raul Medina Garcia, most of his music was released under the name Johnny Chingas. He was born in Mexico, and immigrated to the US with his family as a child.12 The song "Ballad of Daniel Ellsberg" (Doré # 863) focused on the Pentagon Papers - a top-secret study on the history of US involvement in Vietnam, commissioned by the Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara in 1967, and leaked to the New York Times and other newspapers by Pentagon official Daniel Ellsberg in 1971. Garcia took an anti-war position, praising Ellsberg for leaking the "truth about the war" as the man "who let the people know the score" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Doré 863 (45-LJB-707), black label with feather logo; "The Ballad of Daniel Ellsberg" (Raul Garcia), time 2:04, Hillary Music Inc.-Katinga Music (BMI); arranged by John Greek, produced by Lew Bedell. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Gather around me folks, I'll tell you all a story
Of a man who let the people know the score
Not for fame, not for riches, not for glory
He's the man who leaked the truth about the war
Well this man worked for a giant corporation
Whose main job is keeping secrets in a hush
He was aware of the problems in the nation
Sick and tired of all this beating around the bush
His position called for access to the files
Of some things that ought to make some folks ashamed
Seek them out of all those...guarded files, and expose, all the ones..to blame
Now the government has got him by the collar
You've got to pay because you've done wrong...
2-3 years locked up in jail for this great scholar
For upsetting all the people in the land
That's the story of the man who leaked the story
Of a man who let people know the score
Not for fame, not for riches, not for glory
Told the people of the truth behind the war
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
#99 Al & Roger Chort The Soldier's Last Letter Single · The Soldier's Last Letter / Back From the Road · Truth # TR-100 · USA
Annotation
The country song "The Soldier's Last Letter" (Truth Records Inc. # TR-100) by Al & Roger Chort took an anti-war, anti-Nixon position, as well as looking at the home front perspective. It was released in El Monte, California, USA, Los Angeles County. The spoken-word introduction said that the song was dedicated to John D. Mendoz who died after six weeks in Vietnam:
Quote
"This message is being re-recorded in memory of Private John Mendoza, United States Army, who gave his young 19 year old life for America, after only 6 weeks in Vietnam, and sent home to his mother in a GI coffin. He faired better than most, he has a plaque in the park, in Southgate California. And to you Richard Nixon, president of the United States, send our boys home now, and don't be worrying about the blemishes on America's face, because America has many blemishes. Thank you, Al Chort".
The introduction criticised President Nixon's policy of 'peace with honor', calling for the boys to be sent home, that their lives are more important than saving face. The body of the song took the form of the soldier's mother receiving her son's last letter before he died, writing from a muddy trench. It said the captain had just given orders to go back out into battle. The end of the song contained patriotic and religious sentiment: "dear God keep America free" . John D. Mendoza was born 1 March 1947 and died 12 February 1968. He lived in South Gate, California, in Los Angeles County. The following was recorded about his death: "died through hostile action, multiple fragmentation wounds...Incident location: South Vietnam, Quang Ngai province". He was awarded a Purple Heart.12
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Truth Records Inc. TR-100-A, 45 RPM, "Non Profit", P.O. Box 102, El Monte, California; label headed "Free – T.R.I. to help"; "The Soldier's Last Letter", 3:55; voice Al Chort, guitars Roger Chort. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
When the postman delivered a letter it filled her dear heart full of joy
But she didn't know till she read the inside, it was the last one from her darling boy
Dear Mom was the way that it started
I miss you so much it went on
Mom, I didn't know, that I loved you so, but I'll prove it when this war is won
I'm writing this down in a trench, mom, don't scold if it isn't so neat
For you know as you did, when I was a kid
And I'd come home with mud on my feet
The captain just gave us our orders and Mom, we will carry them through
And I'll finish this letter the first chance I get
But for now I'll just say I love you
Then the mother's old hands began to tremble and she fought against tears in her eyes
But they came unashamed for there was no name
And she knew that her darling had died
That night as she knelt by her bedside she prayed Lord above hear my plea and protect all the sons that are fighting...
Dear God keep America free
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#100 Lorenzo Martinez A Sigh for My Lai Single · A Sigh for My Lai / I Am a chicano · MORE [Albuquerque] # 45-8017 · USA
Annotation
The Mexican-American / Chicano song "A Sigh for My Lai" (MORE Records # 45-8017) by Lorenzo Martinez focused its attention on the My Lai Massacre and Lt. William Calley - the mass murder of between 300-500 civilians in the South Vietnamese villages of My Lai and Song My by US forces on 16 March 1968. Probably released early 1970s, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This song criticised the massacre, one of the few records in the war period to do so (most were released in the post-war years), with the line: "the world wrapped in gloom...pray for the victims of My Lai" . But at the end of the song, the narrator suggested that "we're all victims of My Lai" , and that putting Calley on trial may not be necessary, expressing religious sentiment, that God will judge the perpetrators: "no need to...penalize, there is a god up in the sky" . This song was composed by the singer's father Roberto Martinez123 He released Vietnam War single about the Mexican-American soldier Danny Fernandez: El corrido de Daniel Fernandez / The Ballad of Dan Fernandez.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
M·O·R·E ("minority owned record enterprises"), 1205 Lester, N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. 87112; 45-8017; "A Sigh for My Lai" (Roberto Martinez), time 1:59; recorded at Alta Vista Studio. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There are dark clouds in the sky
There are tears in our eye
Songs are trying to justify the massacre at My Lai
Cherry blossoms are in bloom
While the world is wrapped in gloom
Say a pray, and give a sigh
For the victims of My Lai
Some of them are already dead
Some of us are still alive
Yet one way or another we're all victims of My Lai
No need to rationalise or to try to penalise
There is a god up in the sky who will judge us by and by
#101 Lorenso Torres Oracion a el soldado Single · Oracion a el soldado / Karen · Bego # BG-485 · USA
Credited on the record as Lorenso Torres y Su Conjunto.
Annotation
The song "Oracion a el Soldado" ( "Prayer to the Soldier" ) (Bego # BG-485) was released in the Vietnam-era by Mexican-American Lorenso Torres, in McAllen, Texas, USA, on one of the record labels owned by Arnaldo Ramírez, the others being ARV, Falcon, and Bronco, all Mexican-American focused, based in Texas, USA. He featured in Billboard on 25 November 1972, in an article focusing on the explosion of Tex-Mex music.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bego BG-485, red label, "Ranchera", 415 South 17th, McAllen, Texas; "Oracion a el Soldado" (Lorenso Torres), by Lorenso Torres y Su Conjunto. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#102 Pedro Yerena El adios del soldado Single · El adios del soldado / El Arbol · Discos Mexico # ME-01 · USA
Credited on the record as Pedro Yerena con Mariachi.
Annotation
The song "El adios del soldado" ( "The Soldier's Goodbye" ) (Discos Mexico # ME-01) released in Houston, Texas, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Mexico ME-01, 45 RPM, HH-2073, ranchera, Production International, P.O. Box 2883, Houston, Texas 77001, (713) 781-0866; "El adios del soldado" (D.A.R.), time 2:45; "Canta: Pedro Yerena con mariachi". The label logo is drawn on an outline map of Mexico. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#103 Los Ideales del Norte El padre de un soldado Single · El padre de un soldado / Cartas que vienen · Fama # 161 · USA
Credited on the record as Los Ideales Del Norte.
Annotation
As above, the song "El padre de un soldado" ("The Father of a Soldier") focused on the perspective of a father whose son was fighting in Vietnam. This group was formed in Nuevo León, Mexico, and the record released in San Jose, California. The song writing credit is given to Francisco Montalvo. Copyright was filed in 1968 - thus the same song that appeared on the Shorty Martinez single El padre de un soldado / Ya volvi de Vietnam discussed above.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Fama 161 (matrix FAMA-161-A, Rainbo R-1079), produced by George Rodriguez; 3:04; written by Francisco Montalvo. B-side "Cartas Que Vienen" (Daniel Clemente), 2:30. Group formed in Nuevo León, Mexico.
#104 Fito Flores hijo del soldado razo Single · Los hijos de Sanchez / El hijo del soldado razo · Cometa # CA-109 · USA
Annotation
The song "El hijo del soldado razo" ( "The Son of a Soldier" ) (Cometa Records # CA-109) was released in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#105 Bobby Flores M.I.A. (Missing in Action) Single · M.I.A. (Missing in Action) / Spin the Bottle · Joey # JOEY-5003 · USA
Credited on the record as Bobby Flores & Country Gentleman.
Annotation
Bobby Flores, a Mexican-American from San Antonio, Texas, started his career as a child performer, said to be aged of 9 in 1970, around the time that this record was probably released.12 The song "M.I.A. - Missing in Action" looked at the P.O.W. issue, narrated by the son of the captured soldier. The soldier asked his son to look after the family while he was away. The son said that his father was in Vietnam "to preserve the right of freedom for people" , thus taking a patriotic perspective.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Joey JOEY-5003-B, blue and silver label, stereo, "English Series", 6711 W. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78228; "M.I.A. - Missing in Action -" (Bobby Flores), Elzaz Music, BMI; Bobby Flores & Country Gentleman; "Distributed by Rangel Record Dist." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Just before my daddy left to go to war
He told me son don't worry for me anymore
Just wait and I'll be back again someday
Take care of the family and yourself
While I'm away, that was the last we heard of him since he's been gone
How much longer can we last without him home
He sought to make a living without his love
I miss our daddy and the family does to
We're still leaning on his words that he'll be back some day
Mommy got a phone call from D.C. today
The words she heard made tears fall down
Her face, then later she told us, dad's an M.I.A.
He left knowing what he had to do
To preserve the right of freedom for people...
And I know I'll wear this bracelet until my daddy comes back home
I know god will bless him for the courage he has shown
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
#106 Little Joe & The Starlites El Prisionero de Vietnam Single · Ultima Copa / El prisionero de Vietnam · Starlites # ST-001 · USA
Annotation
The song "El prisionero de Vietnam" ("The Prisoner of Vietnam") (Starlites # ST-001) presumably dealt with the Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) issue. It was performed by Mexican-American artist Little Joe, from Texas, USA, who also performed with the group Little Joe and The Latinaires, which released the Vietnam-related song "A la guerra ya me llevan".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Starlites ST-001-B (001-B), "Producciones Starlites - Lompoc, Cal.", yellow label; "El Prisionero de Vietnam" (Joe Figueroa), 2:55; Little Joe & The Starlites. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Theme: P.O.W.
#107 Eddie Aleman Soldier Single · Soldadito / Soldier · Omega [San Antonio] # 0-1004 · USA
Annotation
This single featured the same song on both sides, one in English, the recording "Soldier" , and one in Spanish, the recording "Soldadito" (Omega Records # 0-1004), which looked at the home front perspective, through the eyes of a mother, and a soldier's letter. It also featured patriotic, anti-war, and religious sentiment. The song started with a spoken-word introduction: "in memory of all my friends, those that didn't make it back" . On the anti-war side, the song pondered "is it worth the price" to fight. In presenting the home front perspective, the narrative told of the mother who "holds his picture and begins to cry" . But the song is clear in explaining the point of the war, with the patriotic line: "he made this precious country safe for you and me" . Note that this song also had a small line about Prisoner's of War (P.O.W.s): "some were taken prisoners, some came home" . Aslo see: . The picture sleeve contained the following text, which noted that "war is hell", but largely consisted of pro-soldier sentiment:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Omega 0-1004, stereo, 45 RPM, orange labels: 0-1004-A "Soldadito" (Eddie Aleman), BMI, 2:51, and 0-1004-B "Soldier" (Eddie Aleman), BMI, 2:51; Tortilla Music; producer Manny R. Guerra; "Guerra Company Production, 3205-07 South Flores, San Antonio, Texas 78204". White picture sleeve ("Omega 1004") titled "Soldadito (Soldier)" with a drawing of a helmet on a rifle planted in the ground; its text says "war is hell" and that "We, at GCP" thank the fighting men of all wars and "dedicate this song of one such soldier, to all men who love God and country the way he did." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There are many differing opinions about the wars in which we have been involved, but regardless of these it certainly can be said that war is hell. We, at GCP, would like to express our most sincere and warmest thanks to those fighting men of all wars, who are living today. But, not forgetting those who lost their lives that we might have peace, we dedicate this song of one such soldier, to all men who love God and country the way he did".
English
Soldier boy, where are you, where did you remain
Gone to war to spare our people sorrow and much pain
War is lonely mother, standing by the track
Standing with her hands forever trembling
Lord please bring him back, war is a lonely letter, pain is no surprise
Dear mom, I really wonder is it worth the price
As she holds his picture and begins to cry
Here is the flood, mighty river that will not run dry
Time will tell the story, sad though it may be
How he made this precious country safe for you and me
Some were taken prisoners
Some came home though maimed
But that weary soldier, where did he remain
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
#108 Eddie Aleman Soldadito Single · Soldadito / Soldier · Omega [San Antonio] # 0-1004 · USA
Annotation: see “Soldier” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
There are many differing opinions about the wars in which we have been involved, but regardless of these it certainly can be said that war is hell. We, at GCP, would like to express our most sincere and warmest thanks to those fighting men of all wars, who are living today. But, not forgetting those who lost their lives that we might have peace, we dedicate this song of one such soldier, to all men who love God and country the way he did".
Soldier boy, where are you, where did you remain
Gone to war to spare our people sorrow and much pain
War is lonely mother, standing by the track
Standing with her hands forever trembling
Lord please bring him back, war is a lonely letter, pain is no surprise
Dear mom, I really wonder is it worth the price
As she holds his picture and begins to cry
Here is the flood, mighty river that will not run dry
Time will tell the story, sad though it may be
How he made this precious country safe for you and me
Some were taken prisoners
Some came home though maimed
But that weary soldier, where did he remain
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#109 Los Tremendos Federales El que volvio del infierno Album · El puñal de la muerte · Avance # LP-64 · USA
Annotation
"El que volvio del infierno" ("The One Who Returned From Hell") (Avance # A-61) by Los Tremendos Federales, featuring the members Homero Morales (accordion), Elías Perez (bass), Jesús Flores (bajo sexto), Elías Luna (drums). This one may have been released in Mexico, rather than Mexican-American. The Strachwitz Frontera Collection has noted the song to be related to the Vietnam War1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Avance LP-64 (Eagle Pass, Texas), side B, track 3; written by Homero Morales; produced by Maria Alanis. Members: Homero Morales (accordion), Elías Pérez (bass), Jesús Flores (bajo sexto), Elías Luna (drums).
#110 Pancho Pantera 4 lenguas Single · El 4 lenguas / La taquiza · RCA Victor # 76-2386 · Mexico
Credited on the record as Pancho Pantera y Conjunto Jesus de Hijar.
Annotation
Ángel Rojano Jiménez, known as Pancho Pantera, started his career as an actor, doing commercials for a well-known brand of powdered chocolate, Pancho Pantera - hence the nickname. He starred in over 20 films.1 He was a member of the Mexican group Conjunto Río Bravo. This record was released in the USA. No further information is known about this artist, and he potentially could be from Mexico, rather than Mexican-American.

The song "El 4 Lenguas" ( "The 4 Language" ) (RCA Victor # 76-2386), composed by Melesio Chaidez Díaz, is related to the Vietnam War, narrated from the soldier's perspective: "I went to Vietnam, all the way overseas" . It is in the Polka genre. It contained the interesting introduction: "I’m Mexican, from the other side" - is this a reference to being from a border town? He continues, "I was a soldier of this land and over there" - perhaps, a soldier of the US, over there in Vietnam. The narrator goes off to war, but observes "the cowards were scared to die" , so he yelled at them in the four languages he spoke, saying "I'm Mexican, now let yourselves come over" - said as an insult to cowards. Transcription and translation by Joel Garcia.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
RCA Victor 76-2386, 45 RPM, "(Grabado en México)", made in U.S.A. by Radio Corporation of America, Pending USKM-5326; "El 4 Lenguas - Polka" (Melo Díaz), 2:15; credited to Pancho Pantera y Conjunto Jesus de Hijar. Issued in an RCA Victor company sleeve with the Nipper "His Master's Voice" logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I speak well in every language
I'm Mexican, I come from the other side
I was a soldier of this land and of over there
And here my countrymen are sharpshooters in the canyons, I'd like to put them to the test
I went to Vietnam, all the way overseas
And the cowards were afraid to die
I yelled at them in four languages: I'm Mexican, so come and get it
Me speaking English, me speaking Spanish, me speaking in French, I'm speaking in Chinese
That's four languages this guy speaks...
And I'm not Chinese, nor am I American
I'm Mexican, I was born free
And I really like the fair-haired girls
And I lie to them with the plain truth
I'm going to tell you what English is good for
With a case, man, that I'll never forget
A gringa told me "I love you" and I French-kissed her on the lips
Me speaking English, me speaking Spanish, me speaking in French, I'm speaking in Chinese
That's four languages this guy speaks
Spanish
Bien speaking en todos Los Idiomas
Soy Mexicano vengo del otro lado
Yo fui soldado de esta tierra y de alla
Y aqi los paisas son rematones en los cañones los quisiera calar
Yo fui at Vietnam hasta overseas
Y los cobardes tenian miedo morir
Yo les gritaba en cuatro lenguas, soy mexicano y dejense venir
Me speaking English, me speaking Spanish, me speaking in French, I'm speaking in Chinese
Son quatro lenguas que habla este...
Y no soy chino ni soy Americano
Soy Mexicano, naci con libertad
Y las guerritas me gustan mucho
Ye yo les lai con la pura verdad
Voy a decir les pa que sirve el ingles
Con caso brato que nunca olvidare
Una gringita me dijo “i labe you” y yo en el labio lo bese frances
Me speaking English, me speaking Spanish, me speaking in French, I'm speaking in Chinese
Son quatro lenguas que habla este
Show full lyrics (39 lines) ▾
#111 Juan Oyola Heroe Caido Single · Heroe caido / Recuerdo de aquella noche · Cidra # 2015 · USA
Annotation
The track "Heroe caido" ("Fallen Hero") (Cidra Records # 2015) is a corrido paying tribute to a soldier killed in action (K.I.A.) in Vietnam: "My brother has fallen in a land called Vietnam" - narrated from the domestic, home front perspective. The brother informs their mother of the death, "when I told her the news she fell backwards" (fainted). No further information is known about this artist and record label. Transcription and translation by Joel Garcia.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Since my brother fell in the land of Vietnam, I couldn't defend him
Not even by being over there; my little brother cried out "come over here", and while I wept I broke the news to Mama
When I gave her the news she fell backwards: "My son, I can't see him, he seems to be here"
And last night I dreamed they were coming back from there, and now one returns alone; I keep waiting for the other, who will never come back
And if I give him up to God, who is ours, who is supreme, when we depart from here I will see him in eternity
Spanish
Como callo mi hermano entierra de vietnam no pude defendelrlo
Ni porque estaba alla ritaba mi hermanito asercate pa alla y mientras yo lloraba la avisaba a mama
Quando di la noticia se callo para atras, hijo mio no lo veo, parese etsar aca
Y a noche yo soñaba que veian de alla y ahora regresa solo sigo esperando el otro que nunca volvera
Y si lo entrego a dios que es nuestro, es supremo, quando aqui partamos lo ver en la eternidad
#112 Manuel Nunez El Norteno Imploracion de un padre Single · Imploracion de un padre / No hay navidad · Nogales # 45-1003 · USA
Credited on the record as Manuel Nuñez "El Norteño", Conjunto Nocturnal de Jose Luz Juarez.
Annotation
The Ranchera song "Imploracion de un padre" ( "Imploration of a Father" ) (Discos Nogales # DNLP-1001) looked at the home front perspective, with the father of a soldier narrating, missing his son, particularly at Christmas time. The song starts with the father kneeling before a cross, praying for his son, explaining that he fought in World War Two, but that "now a son of mine...is fighting in Vietnam" . He then described how the son used to play war games as a child, and how the family enjoyed Christmas. The father concluded by saying that "there will be no dinner at Christmas" . Not the picture sleeve of the LP, which showed a father praying, the soldier fighting in Vietnam, and an empty dinning table with a Christmas tree in the background. This song was also released on single: Imploracion de un padre (Discos Nogales # 45-1003).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Nogales 45-1003-A, green and red label with a walnut-tree logo; "Imploracion de un padre" (Manuel D. Nuñez), time 2:47, "Fox"; Manuel Nuñez "El Norteño" with Conjunto Nocturnal de Jose Luz Juarez. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Like past years, times of my youth, when kneeling
He was imploring before a cross
It was the second war to which I went to fight
Implored the eternal god, that very soon that hell he came to finish
I managed to get out alive
Many remained there
Today my grief is worse god of mine seeing that
Now a son of mine, he is fighting in Vietnam
When he was little he liked to go play always with a friend
Military dress, so the months went by
Christmas was coming, great was my rejoicing
I was not missing a child when sitting down to dinner
Today my son is far away, my home is not complete
My wife has cried a lot, he has not written, he has not called
There will be no dinner at Christmas
Spanish
Al igual que años pasados
Tiempos de mi Juventud
Cuando hincado de rodillas
Suplicaba ante una cruz
Era la segunda Guerra a la cual yo fui a pelear imploraba al dios eterno
Que muy pronto aquél infierno el viniera a terminar
Yo logré salir con vida
Muchos quedaron allá
Hoy mi pena es peor dios mío viendo que ahora un hijo mío
Está peleando en Vietnam
Cuando era pequeñito
Le gustaba ir a jugar siempre con un amiguito vestido de militar
Así pasaban los meses
Llegaba la navidad Grande era mi regosigo
No me faltaba ni un hijo
Al sentarnos a cenar
Hoy mi hijo está muy lejos
No está completo mi hogar
Mi esposa mucho ha llorado
No ha escrito no ha llamado
No habrá cena en navidad
Show full lyrics (39 lines) ▾
#113 Manuel Nunez El Norteno Imploracion de un padre Single · Imploracion de un padre / No hay navidad · Nogales # 45-1003 · USA
Credited on the record as Manuel Nuñez "El Norteño", Conjunto Nocturnal de Jose Luz Juarez.
Annotation
The song "Imploracion de un padre" ( "Imploration of a Father" ) (Discos Nogales # 45-1003), the song discussed above, also released as a single here.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Nogales 45-1003-A, green and red label with a walnut-tree logo; "Imploracion de un padre" (Manuel D. Nuñez), time 2:47, "Fox"; Manuel Nuñez "El Norteño" with Conjunto Nocturnal de Jose Luz Juarez. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
Spanish
Like past years, times of my youth, when kneeling
He was imploring before a cross
It was the second war to which I went to fight
Implored the eternal god, that very soon that hell he came to finish
I managed to get out alive
Many remained there
Today my grief is worse god of mine seeing that
Now a son of mine, he is fighting in Vietnam
When he was little he liked to go play always with a friend
Military dress, so the months went by
Christmas was coming, great was my rejoicing
I was not missing a child when sitting down to dinner
Today my son is far away, my home is not complete
My wife has cried a lot, he has not written, he has not called
There will be no dinner at Christmas
Spanish: "Al igual que años pasados
Tiempos de mi Juventud
Cuando hincado de rodillas
Suplicaba ante una cruz
Era la segunda Guerra a la cual yo fui a pelear imploraba al dios eterno
Que muy pronto aquél infierno el viniera a terminar
Yo logré salir con vida
Muchos quedaron allá
Hoy mi pena es peor dios mío viendo que ahora un hijo mío
Está peleando en Vietnam
Cuando era pequeñito
Le gustaba ir a jugar siempre con un amiguito vestido de militar
Así pasaban los meses
Llegaba la navidad Grande era mi regosigo
No me faltaba ni un hijo
Al sentarnos a cenar
Hoy mi hijo está muy lejos
No está completo mi hogar
Mi esposa mucho ha llorado
No ha escrito no ha llamado
No habrá cena en navidad
Show full lyrics (37 lines) ▾
#114 Poncho Villagomez Imploracion de un padre Single · Imploracion de un padre / Yo vi llorar a dios · Del Rio # DDR-023 · USA
Credited on the record as Poncho Villagomez y Los Gallitos del Norte.
Annotation
The Ranchera song "Imploracion de un padre" ( "Imploration of a Father" ), a cover of the song above - there are two single releases of this version: Del Bravo # B-210, released in Mexico, and Del Rio # DDR-023, released in San Antonio, Texas. The artist, Poncho Villagomez, is a member of the Mexican group Los Coyotes del Río Bravo.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Del Rio DDR-023, Lado A, yellow and orange label, distribution credit to San Antonio, Texas on the rim; "Imploracion de un padre" (Manuel Nuñez), ranchera; Poncho Villagomez y Los Gallitos del Norte. A radio-station ownership stamp is applied over the right side of the label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Like past years, times of my youth, when kneeling
He was imploring before a cross
It was the second war to which I went to fight
Implored the eternal god, that very soon that hell he came to finish
I managed to get out alive
Many remained there
Today my grief is worse god of mine seeing that
Now a son of mine, he is fighting in Vietnam
When he was little he liked to go play always with a friend
Military dress, so the months went by
Christmas was coming, great was my rejoicing
I was not missing a child when sitting down to dinner
Today my son is far away, my home is not complete
My wife has cried a lot, he has not written, he has not called
There will be no dinner at Christmas
Spanish
Al igual que años pasados
Tiempos de mi Juventud
Cuando hincado de rodillas
Suplicaba ante una cruz
Era la segunda Guerra a la cual yo fui a pelear imploraba al dios eterno
Que muy pronto aquél infierno el viniera a terminar
Yo logré salir con vida
Muchos quedaron allá
Hoy mi pena es peor dios mío viendo que ahora un hijo mío
Está peleando en Vietnam
Cuando era pequeñito
Le gustaba ir a jugar siempre con un amiguito vestido de militar
Así pasaban los meses
Llegaba la navidad Grande era mi regosigo
No me faltaba ni un hijo
Al sentarnos a cenar
Hoy mi hijo está muy lejos
No está completo mi hogar
Mi esposa mucho ha llorado
No ha escrito no ha llamado
No habrá cena en navidad
Show full lyrics (39 lines) ▾
#115 Beto Garza & Raul Gutierrez Navidad de un soldado Single · Llegando noche bueno / Navidad de un soldado · Bravo # BO-9018 · USA
Credited on the record as Beto Garza y Raul Gutierrez y su Conjunto.
Annotation
The Ranchera song "Navidad de un soldado" ( "Christmas of a Soldier" ) (Bravo Records # BO-9018), composed by Jose Morante, and performed by Beto Garza and Raul Gutierrez is another Mexican-American Christmas Vietnam song. It was released in San Antonio, Texas, USA, on two record labels: Bravo Records, and Norteño (# NO-213). No further information is known about the artists.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bravo Records BO-9018-B (NO-213-A), 2606 Ruiz St., San Antonio, Texas; "Navidad de un soldado" (Jose A. Morante), Ranchera; Beto Garza y Raul Gutierrez y su Conjunto. Red and silver label with mountain logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Theme: Christmas
#116 Beto Garza & Raul Gutierrez Navidad de un soldado Single · Llegando noche bueno / Navidad de un soldado · Bravo # BO-9018 · USA
Credited on the record as Beto Garza y Raul Gutierrez y su Conjunto.
Annotation
Another version of the song above: "Navidad de un soldado" ( "Christmas of a Soldier" ) (Sombrero # SO-141) credited to Mike Garza, although it said that the vocals were by Beto Garza & Raul Gutierrez, as above. Also released in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bravo Records BO-9018-B (NO-213-A), 2606 Ruiz St., San Antonio, Texas; "Navidad de un soldado" (Jose A. Morante), Ranchera; Beto Garza y Raul Gutierrez y su Conjunto. Red and silver label with mountain logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Theme: Christmas
#117 Ruben Valdes Mi camino para Vietnam Single · Dolly / Mi camino para Vietnam · Del Valle # DE-901 · USA
Annotation
Ranchera song "Mi camino para Vietnam" ( "My Way to Vietnam" ) (Del Valle # DE-901) released by Ruben Valdes - no further information known about this artist. Released in McAllen, Texas, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#118 Chris Carmona Una carta del sur de Vietnam Single · Chinches bravas / Una carta del sur de Vietnam · Cima # 282 · USA
Annotation
Ranchera song "Una carta del sur de Vietnam" ("A Letter from Southern Vietnam"), released in San Jose, California, USA - nothing further known about this artist. He also released a Corrido about one of the Kennedys: El corrido de Kennedy.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#119 John Harvey Mis amigos en Vietnam Single · Las palabras de mi hijo / Mis amigos en Vietnam · Chachalaca # CH-101 · USA
Annotation
John Harvey is a Mexican-American artist, born in Three Rivers, Texas USA on 9 November 1945. He wrote and released many songs in both Spanish and English.1 Harvey released the song "Mis amigos en Vietnam" ( "My Friends in Vietnam" ) (Chachalaca Records # CH-101). It was filed for copyright in 1970.2 This track also featured on the album El musico que solo es un conjunto: Mi deseo amor sincero (Chachalaca Records #CHLP-1001). The record label was founded by Harvey, based in San Antonio.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#120 Augustin Gallardo Me voy para Vietnam Single · Me voy para Vietnam / Por fin llego · Bego # BG-281 · USA
Credited on the record as Augustin Gallardo Y Su Conjunto.
Annotation
The song "Me voy para Vietnam" ("I'm Going to Vietnam") (Bego # BG-281) by Agustín Gallardo - although on this record his name appeared as "Augustin". The song was also on the album Pienso en ti. Billboard referred to this album on 13 May 1967, so presumably this single was also released in 1967.1 The record label was based in McAllen, Texas, USA, founded by Arnaldo Ramírez, who, as discussed above, also founded several Mexican-American labels in Texas: ARV, Falcon, and Bronco. He featured in Billboard on 25 November 1972, in an article focusing on the explosion of Tex-Mex music.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bego BG-281, red label with crown logo, P.O. Box 45, McAllen, Texas; "Me Voy Para Vietnam" (Jose B. Garcia), ranchera, 2:54; credited to Augustin Gallardo Y Su Conjunto. The label carries a dealer stamp of "El Norteño" Record Shop, W. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#121 Greg & The Newtones Regreso de Viet Nam Single · Regreso de Viet Nam / Donde te hallas chaparita · Estrella # ERA-19 · USA
Annotation
Released on Estrella (# ERA-19), Austin, Texas-based label, the track "Regresso de Viet Nam" ("Return From Viet Nam"), sung by Greg Vasquez Jr.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Estrella ERA-19, Austin, Texas; vocal Greg Vasquez Jr.

Label: Estrella ERA-19, time 2:55; written by Greg Vasquez; "Canta: Greg Vasquez Jr."; matrix LH-6126; engineer & producer Pedro S. Gutierrez, P.S.G. Recording Co., P.O. Box 1482, Austin, Texas 78767. [From the record label]
#122 Nat Garcia Carta de Vietnam Single · La divina garza / Carta de Viet Nam · Astros # AS-102 · USA
Credited on the record as Nat Garcia y Los Music Makers.
Annotation
Bolero track "Carter de Viet Nam" ("I'm Going to Viet Nam") (Astros # AS-102) released in San Antonio, Texas, USA. No further information known about this artist.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Astros AS-102-B, 1106 N. Brazos St., San Antonio, Tex.; "Carta de Viet Nam", bolero, 2:50; Nat Garcia y Los Music Makers. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#123 Trio Voces de America Carta de Viet Nam Single · Numero equivocado / Carta de Viet Nam · Arlinda # 4064 · USA
Credited on the record as Trio Voces De America.
Annotation
The song "Carta de Viet Nam" (Arlinda # 4064) ("Letter From Vietnam") in the Bolero genre - released in Chicago, Illinois - probably Mexican-American, or other Hispanic.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Arlinda (Casa Arzola), sides 4064-A / 4064-B; B-side "Carta De Viet Nam" written by P. Medina; A-side "Numero Equivocado" (Cesar Bonilla). Bolero vocal trio: Tonito, Medina, Bengie.
#124 Los Guadalopanos veterano Single · El veterano / Donde empieza la noche · Nopal # NOP-901 · USA
Annotation
Released in Alice, Texas, USA, the song "El veterano" ("The Veteran") (Nopal # NOP-901). This song was performed by Eligio Escobar of the group Los Guadalupanos. He was born on 1 December 1926, and grew up in Ben Bolt, Texas, USA. He served in the US army in Japan in World War Two, and this song focused on a Mexican-American veteran of World War Two, but it was released in the Vietnam-era and thus open to contemporary interpretation and comment.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#125 Shorty & Corvettes Que lindo es gozar Single · Que lindo es gozar / Una esperencia · El Zarape # E.Z. 303 · USA
Annotation
The song "Que lindo es gozar" ( "How Nice It Is to Enjoy" ) (El Zarape # E.Z. 303) by Shorty & Corvettes, released in Dallas, Texas, USA, is a Mexican-American Ranchera track in Spanish, which referenced the Vietnam War in the lyrics, praising the soldiers returning home. Members of the group were Guadalupe "Shorty" Ortiz (leader), Albert Ortiz (vocals), Ben Garcia (saxophone), Charley Alvarez (guitar, vocals), Frank Davita (organ), Joe Mier (bass), Oscar Barrera (tenor saxophone), Oscar Villa (tenor saxophone, flute), and Roy Rodela (drums).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
El Zarape E.Z.-303, Side 1, multicoloured striped label marked "Promotional - Not for Sale", El Zarape Recording Co., Inc., Distributors, 4340 Maple Ave., Dallas, Texas 75219; "Que Lindo Es Gozar" (Felipe Martinez), ranchera ("Ran."), 2:10, Performance Music, BMI; Shorty & Corvettes, "Canta Shorty y Joel", produced by Johnny Gonzales. Radio station call letters KCUZ are handwritten on the label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#126 Los Aguilares & Los Conquistadores La guerra de Viet Nam Single · Norteño # 240 · USA
Annotation
"La guerra de Viet Nam" ("The Viet Nam War") (Norteño # 240), a collaboration between Los Aguilares & Los Conquistadores, released in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The song also appeared on the album Corridos y tragedias del siglo 20, along with other historical and political Corrido songs. The Los Aguilares formed in 1960, in San Antonio, Texas, USA, featuring Emilio Aguilar and Genaro Aguilar. They were also known as Los Redondos Hermanos de Piedra. The Los Conquistadores formed in 1939, also based in San Antonio, featuring the members Benjamín Valdez (guitar, arranger), Enrique Q. Rodríguez (requinto guitar, vocals), José A. Morante (vocals, composer). The group was also known as Los Conquistadores de José Morante.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Norteño 240 (2606 Ruiz St., San Antonio, Texas). Also on the LP "Corridos Y Tragedias Del Siglo 20" (Norteño 803), credited to Los Conquistadores, written by José A. Morante. Los Aguilares: Emilio and Genaro Aguilar. Los Conquistadores: Benjamín Valdez, Enrique Q. Rodríguez, José A. Morante.
#127 Santiago Mejia Lamento de un Soldado Single · El bracero / Lamento de un soldado · Bigg Tyme # 450 · USA
Annotation
The song "Lamento de un soldado" ( "Lament of the Soldier" ) (Bigg Thyme Records # 450), a corrido released in Modesta, California, USA, looked at the soldier's perspective.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#128 Los Reyes de Albuquerque Soy Soldado Single · Soy Soldado / El corrido de Juanito · Hurricane # 45-6998 · USA
Credited on the record as Roberto y Miguel con Los Reyes de Albuquerque.
Notes
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Hispanic, Spanish, Mexican-American
- Lyrics on back of the picture sleeve - to do

- Hurricane 45-6998, 1927 San Mateo N.E., Alb., N.M.; "Soy Soldado" (A. Sanchez & M. Sanchez), Striking Music Pub., BMI, 3:16, "Composed by Al Hurricane & Tiny Morrie"; credited to Roberto y Miguel con Los Reyes de Albuquerque.

The picture sleeve front, "Soy Soldado b/w El Corrido de Juanito", has a drawing of a helmeted soldier with a rifle beside a radiant figure of the Virgin, with a photograph of two singers in white jackets holding sombreros, and reads "Composed by A. Sanchez and M. Sanchez ('Al' Hurricane – 'Tiny' Morrie)".

The back prints the full Spanish lyric (words and music by A. Sanchez – M. Sanchez), in which a soldier tells of a comrade dying in his arms, prays to the "Virgin Milagrosa" and hopes the war will end in peace, plus a list of other Hurricane records by Al Hurricane, Tiny Morrie and Los Reyes de Albuquerque, "This is the 'Versatile' Label of the Southwest", the address 1927 San Mateo, NE Box 3547, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110, and "Cover design by Freddie Hernandez". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I am a soldier of war,
I am a soldier of valor;
Today I find myself here in battle,
Fighting for our honor.
Spanish
Soy soldado de la guerra
Soy soldado de valor
Hoy me encuentro aqui en batalla
Peliando por nuestro honor
#129 Luis Cacho Adios a mi novia Single · La despedida / Adios a mi novia · USA
Annotation
Not much is known about Luis Cacho, a Mariachi artist, said to have toured Vietnam on a USO-sponsored trip to entertain troops.1 He released the song "Adios a mi novia" ( "Goodbye to My Girlfriend" ) (no label, catalogue information, or location, is provided on the record) which is narrated from a soldier's perspective, who asked his girlfriend to "please don't forget me" , and he prayed to god that he would not be killed in battle.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Don't forget me, please, when I'm gone
For it's not easy to part from a love
And if by chance I die in battle, pray hard, so that God hears your prayers
But if God grants me life
And I come back to see you, we'll make a home together, and I swear to stay with you until death and give you my heart, as I give it to God
But if God grants me life, and I come back to see you, we'll make a home together, and I swear to stay with you until death and give you my heart, as I give it to God
Spanish
No me olvidas porfavor quando ve vaya
Que no es facil a dejarse de un amor
Y se a caso yo me murir en la batalla resa mucho y que tus rezos oiga dios
Mas si dios me presta vida
Y vuelvo a ver te por haremos un hogar entre los dos y te juro estar contigo hasta la muerte y intregerte, como a dios, mi corazon
Mas si dios me presta vida, y vuelvo a ver te por haremos un hogar entre los dos y te juro estar contigo hasta la muerte y intregerte, como a dios, mi corazon
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#130 Los Coyotes del Río Bravo Daniel Fernandez Album · Corridos del rancho · Del Rio # DDR-1518 · USA
Annotation
Group formed and currently based in General Terán, Nuevo León, Mexico. The group contained the well-known artist Poncho Villagómez. This record, released on the San Antonio, Texas, US record label Del Rio # DDR-1518 contained two songs related to the Mexican-American Vietnam War experience, appealing to the American audience. It is in the Corrido genre - a Mexican type of song which traditionally spread news and information in Mexican territories through folk music in the late 18th century. The first song was "Daniel Fernández" , composed by Roberto Martinez of the New Mexican-based group Los Reyes de Albuquerque, which also released it as a single. It paid tribute to Danny Fernandez - the first Mexican American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam. The official Medal of Honor citation read: "Fernández demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company...an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group...Fernández vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life".1234 It took a patriotic position:
The other song, also Mexican-American, was "El padre de un soldado" ( "The Father of a Soldier" ), composed by Francisco Montalvo, copyright filed in 1968. This song was covered by many Mexican-American artists: Shorty Martinez - "El padre de un soldado" ; Flaco Jimenez - "El padre de un soldado" ; Los Dinos - "El padre de un soldado" . The song is narrated from the home front perspective, narrated by the father of a soldier, who prayed to god to "protect all the soldiers that find themselves in Vietnam" - making particular reference to the "Virgin of San Juan" , the Roman Catholic title of the "Virgin Mary" used in Mexico and Texas. As the soldier went off to war, he told his parents that "I am pure Mexican and I am not afraid to die" . At the end of the song, the father offered his own life in the place of his son: "in place of the life of my son I offer you my own" . Transcription by Eric Silberberg and Ignacia Morales Reyes. Translation by Eric Silberberg.5
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Del Rio DDR-1518, "Corridos del Rancho con: Los Coyotes del Rio Bravo", ten-track LP, yellow and orange swirl labels, "Dist. by Marsal Pro. Inc., 2811 Guadalupe, San Antonio". Lado A: El Padre de un Soldado (D.A.R.) 3:06; Las Mañanitas de Heraclio Bernal (D.A.R.) 2:45; Polino Guerrero (Heriberto Garcia) 2:46; Gabino Suarez (D.A.R.) 2:50; El Grano de Oro (Jose Antonio Melendez) 2:25.

Lado B: Luis Pulido (Cain Alfaro T.) 3:06; Pedro Nevares (D.A.R.) 2:58; Mariano Resendez (D.A.R.) 2:58; Daniel Fernandez (D.A.R.) 2:50; La Prision de Colorado (D.A.R.) 2:08; every track is marked "Cor." (corrido).

The front cover is a colour photograph of the four members in white hats and fringed jackets, with a sticker reading "Fabricado por Industrias Audiofonicas, S.A., P. Diaz Sur 613, Monterrey, N.L."

The back cover note in Spanish praises each song as a life story set to music with simple country inspiration and the instrumental sound of "los bravos Coyotes del Rio Bravo", and gives the distributor as Marsal Productions, Inc., 2811 Guadalupe, San Antonio, Texas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Fellow American listen, I'd like to have your attention
So I can tell you a story of love, duty, and devotion
The ballad of Dan Fernandez is the title of this song
He died in South Vietnam while fighting the Viet Cong
As a child he was schooled...he used to run playing...
Then off to South Vietnam where he was destined to die
When he was mortally wounded, the soldier had this to say
Dear lord I'm ready to go, just give me the time to pray
To say an act of contrition, that's all I wish to do
Then my heavenly father I will gladly go with you
He loved New Mexico, you have the right to be proud
One of your sons has distinguished himself today in the crowd
#131 Los Coyotes del Río Bravo padre de un soldado Album · Corridos del rancho · Del Rio # DDR-1518 · USA
Annotation
Group formed and currently based in General Terán, Nuevo León, Mexico. The group contained the well-known artist Poncho Villagómez. This record, released on the San Antonio, Texas, US record label Del Rio # DDR-1518 contained two songs related to the Mexican-American Vietnam War experience, appealing to the American audience. It is in the Corrido genre - a Mexican type of song which traditionally spread news and information in Mexican territories through folk music in the late 18th century. The first song was "Daniel Fernández" , composed by Roberto Martinez of the New Mexican-based group Los Reyes de Albuquerque, which also released it as a single. It paid tribute to Danny Fernandez - the first Mexican American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam. The official Medal of Honor citation read: "Fernández demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company...an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group...Fernández vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life".1234 It took a patriotic position:
The other song, also Mexican-American, was "El padre de un soldado" ( "The Father of a Soldier" ), composed by Francisco Montalvo, copyright filed in 1968. This song was covered by many Mexican-American artists: Shorty Martinez - "El padre de un soldado" ; Flaco Jimenez - "El padre de un soldado" ; Los Dinos - "El padre de un soldado" . The song is narrated from the home front perspective, narrated by the father of a soldier, who prayed to god to "protect all the soldiers that find themselves in Vietnam" - making particular reference to the "Virgin of San Juan" , the Roman Catholic title of the "Virgin Mary" used in Mexico and Texas. As the soldier went off to war, he told his parents that "I am pure Mexican and I am not afraid to die" . At the end of the song, the father offered his own life in the place of his son: "in place of the life of my son I offer you my own" . Transcription by Eric Silberberg and Ignacia Morales Reyes. Translation by Eric Silberberg.5
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Del Rio DDR-1518, "Corridos del Rancho con: Los Coyotes del Rio Bravo", ten-track LP, yellow and orange swirl labels, "Dist. by Marsal Pro. Inc., 2811 Guadalupe, San Antonio". Lado A: El Padre de un Soldado (D.A.R.) 3:06; Las Mañanitas de Heraclio Bernal (D.A.R.) 2:45; Polino Guerrero (Heriberto Garcia) 2:46; Gabino Suarez (D.A.R.) 2:50; El Grano de Oro (Jose Antonio Melendez) 2:25.

Lado B: Luis Pulido (Cain Alfaro T.) 3:06; Pedro Nevares (D.A.R.) 2:58; Mariano Resendez (D.A.R.) 2:58; Daniel Fernandez (D.A.R.) 2:50; La Prision de Colorado (D.A.R.) 2:08; every track is marked "Cor." (corrido).

The front cover is a colour photograph of the four members in white hats and fringed jackets, with a sticker reading "Fabricado por Industrias Audiofonicas, S.A., P. Diaz Sur 613, Monterrey, N.L."

The back cover note in Spanish praises each song as a life story set to music with simple country inspiration and the instrumental sound of "los bravos Coyotes del Rio Bravo", and gives the distributor as Marsal Productions, Inc., 2811 Guadalupe, San Antonio, Texas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I am a father like many others
We don't know what to think
For we have our sons
Fighting there in Vietnam
Miraculous Virgin
Return them as they left
Holy God I ask you
To have more compassion
For our dear son
Who is in another nation
Think how they took away
Part of my heart
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect every soldier
Who finds himself in Vietnam
Goodbye my dear parents
He said to us as he left
He said don't be sad
I am going to suffer too
I am pure Mexican
And I am not afraid to die
He said goodbye to his girlfriend
And to his brothers also
He gave a hug to his mother
And gave me another as well
He entrusts himself before us
And before God as well
Holy God you know
What a mother suffered
To give life to her son
She even risked her own life
In exchange for my son's life
I offer you my own
Divine Virgin
Virgin of San Juan
Protect every soldier
Who finds himself in Vietnam
Spanish
Soy un padre como hay muchos
Que no hayamos que pensar
Pues tenemos nuestros hijos
Peleando allá en Vietnam
Virgencita milagrosa
Vuélvelos como se van
Diosito santo te pido
Que tengas más compasión
De nuestro hijo querido
Quien anda en otra nación
Piensa vez que se llevaron
Parte de mi corazón
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Adios mis padres queridos
Nos dijo él al partir
Dijo no se queden tristes
Yo también voy a sufrir
Soy purito Mexicano
Y no le temo al morir
Se despidió de su novia
De sus hermanos también
Le dio un abrazo a su madre
Y a mi me dio otro también
Se encomienda ante nosotros
Y ante Diosito también
Diosito santo tú sabes
Lo que una madre sufrió
Para darle vida a su hijo
Hasta su vida riesgo
A cambio de la de mijo
Mi vida te ofrezco yo
Virgen divina
Virgencita de San Juan
Protege a todo el soldado
Que se encuentra en Vietnam
Show full lyrics (79 lines) ▾
#132 Hermanos Ramos El Soldado Mexicano Single · El soldado Mexicano / Pobrecita mi lupita · Oro # 45-209 · USA
Notes
Oro 45-209-A, ranchera, 2:18; (Julian Ramos). [From the record label]

Mexican-American, Spanish language. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#133 Daniel Garzes Esperando navidad Single · Esperando navidad / Amor bendito · ZaZ # ZZ-195-A · USA
Notes
Esperando navidad (Garzes, Daniel) Tex-Mex. San Antonio, Texas, USA [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Composer Daniel Garzes, accompaniment Los Guadalupanos, "ZaZ Studio Production"; label at 140 Hwy 90 W., San Antonio, Texas 78237. Subjects listed: Vietnam, war, soldier, return, Christmas. [From the Strachwitz Frontera Collection]

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 27 themes ▾

Key stats

129 songs · 111 releases · 94 artists · 74 labels · 1966–1991 · 4 more list entries have no record page yet and are not counted here

Time period
  • 1972 is the peak year, with eight songs.
  • 1969–72 holds 23 of the 43 dated songs — more than half in four years.
  • 124 were released during the war years (to 1975); five came after.
  • 86 records are undated.
Artists
  • 94 artists for 129 songs. The most represented is Joan Baez, with 13.
  • 46 of the artists are still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
Songwriters
  • Songwriter gender is recorded for 82 of the 129 songs: 80 by men, one by women and one by mixed teams — women wrote 1% of those.
  • By performer: 110 men, 18 women and one mixed groups (recorded for 129).
  • 94 named songwriters. The most often credited are José A. Morante and Roberto Martinez, with five each.
Labels
  • 52 of the 74 labels appear exactly once; Bronco has the most, with ten.
  • 20 sit on a major or well-known imprint — Vanguard, A&M, Bell, Columbia, Liberty, Ode, Original Sound, RCA Victor. The other 109 are on independent, regional or private labels.
  • One is a private pressing with no label at all.
  • Eight 45s put both of their sides into this list.
Locations
  • 128 of the 129 are American. Texas leads with 65, then California 24 and New York nine.
  • McAllen accounts for 21 records, more than any other city; San Antonio has 20, New York City seven.
  • One comes from outside the US: one Mexican.
Themes
  • By perspective: 59 home front or soldier's perspective; 34 peace, protest and anti-war; 31 patriotic, pro-government or anti-protest; five post-war.
  • 53 distinct sub-themes across 129 songs.
  • Soldier's Perspective is the single biggest subject — 37 songs, one in four.
  • Next come Anti-War (31), Patriotic (22), K.I.A. (19) and Religion (17).