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Polka songs

17 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.
A collection of Polka songs about the Vietnam War
Beyond Soldier's Perspective, the songs in this collection most often also deal with: Home Front Perspective, Pro-Soldier, Themes Pending, Draft.
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, 17 songs in the polka genre.
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — Polka songs, vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/polka-songs, accessed 12 November 2026

1966

#1 Li'l Wally Chłopców zaciągają do Vietnam (Vietnam Polka) 1966 · Album · Poland Tour: Polskie śpiewanie i granie · Jay Jay # JLPS 5101 · USA
Credited on the record as Li'l Wally and The Harmony Boys.
Annotation
Li'l Wally Jagiello, born on 1 August 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, he died on 17 August 2006 in Miami, Florida, USA. This live album contained the song "Chlopcow zaciagaja do Vietnam" ("Boys Enlist for Vietnam") (Jay Jay Records # JLPS-5101), sung in Polish. Note: this artist also released the single "Vietnam Polka (Do Vietnam)" - unknown date, which is the same song, but different title (see below). Narrated in the first person: "I'm off to training cause I have been drafted". It contained the patriotic line "I go to Vietnam to defend my beloved country".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Jay Jay JLPS 5101 (stereo; mono JJLP-1101, 1966), "Poland Tour: Polskie śpiewanie i granie", side B track 1, "Chłopców Zaciągają Do Vietnam (Vietnam Polka)" (W. Jagiello). The same song as the single "Vietnam Polka" (VWSP3196). [From Discogs]
Lyrics
English
They're taking the boys to the war
Many girls' hearts are sad
Don't you cry girl, don't you sadden yourself
Because in a year or two I will come back to you
Before my return I will write you letters
You will ask and cry and I will not hear it
Now I'm off to training cause I have been drafted
Then I go to Vietnam to defend my beloved country
Genre: ♪ Polka
#2 Frankie Yankovic Saigon Sally 1966 · Single · Saigon Sally / Cheers, Beers and Tears · Columbia # 4-43596 · USA
Credited on the record as Frankie Yankovic and His Yanks.
Annotation
One of the more well-known polka artists, Frankie Yankovic, born on 28 July 1915 in Davis, West Virginia, USA, and died in October 1998, in New Port Richey, Florida, USA, released the instrumental track "Saigon Sally" (Columbia Records # 4-43596).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Columbia 4-43596 (ZSP 113576), 45 RPM; "Saigon Sally" (J. Simon – P. Stanley), 2:34; produced by John Simon; credited to Frankie Yankovic and His Yanks. Red Columbia label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka

1967

#3 Li'l Richard Jade do Viet Nam Polka 1967 · Album · Swing and Sway the Chicago Way · Chicago Polkas # CLP-3200 · USA
Credited on the record as Li'l Richard And His Polka Band.
Annotation
Li'l Richard, born Richard Towalski in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1942. He served with the US army in Korea in the 1950s, and was another popular polka singer out of the Chicago area, releasing this album with the song "Jade Do Viet Nam Polka" ("Going to the Army Polka") (Chicago Polkas # CLP-3200), also released as a single, see below: "Going to Viet Nam Polka (Jade do Viet Nam)" (1)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Chicago Polkas CLP-3200 (mono; stereo SLP-3200), side B track 1. [From Discogs]
Lyrics
English
Tomorrow I'm going to Viet Nam
For a long war
And when I leave Chicago
There will be a lot of tears for me
And the ones who cry the hardest will be those
With whom I talked
And the ones who will cry the hardest will be the ones whose faces he kissed
One says a happy journey ahead
The second one says, eat with God
And the third one, don't go away
Because I have great regret in my heart
I'm already leaving for a distant land
Far away wars
I'll come back from the war happily
I'll give you my heart
Polish
Jade sobie jutro do Viet Nam
Na wojenke daleka
A jak bede z Chicago wyjezdzal
Bedzie za mna wielki placz
A najbarbziej beda te plakaly
Z ktorymi ja rozmawial
A najbarbziej beda te plakaly
Ktorym buzie calowal
Jedna mowi szczeliwej prodrozy
Druga mowi jedz z Bogiem
A ta trzecia nie odjezdzaj drogi
Bo mam w sercu wielki zal
Juz odjezdzam w daleka kraine
Na wojenki daleka
Jak z wojenki powroce szczesliwie
Serce moje ci oddam
Show full lyrics (34 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Polka
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#4 Li'l Richard Going to Viet Nam Polka (Jade do Viet Nam) 1967 · Single · Going to Viet Nam Polka / My Helen Oberek · Chicago Polkas # 387 · USA
Notes
Single release of the song above, "Going to Viet Nam Polka" (Chicago Polkas # 387).
Notes
Chicago Polkas 387, A-side; the single release of "Jade do Viet Nam Polka". Year from Rate Your Music (Discogs gives none). [From Discogs]

Label (Chet Schafer Productions, blue and silver, Chicago skyline): "Going to Viet Nam Polka (Jade do Viet Nam)", written by R. Towalski, Li'l Richard Polka Band, Polish vocal; Chicago Polkas Music Publ. Co., B.M.I. [From the record label]
Lyrics
English
Tomorrow I'm going to Viet Nam
For a long war
And when I leave Chicago
There will be a lot of tears for me
And the ones who cry the hardest will be those
With whom I talked
And the ones who will cry the hardest will be the ones whose faces he kissed
One says a happy journey ahead
The second one says, eat with God
And the third one, don't go away
Genre: ♪ Polka
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#5 Happy Louie & Julcia Polka Band Soldier Boy 1967 · Single · Soldier Boy / Boli Boli Glowa · Ha-Lo # 1335 · USA
Annotation
Happy Louie - born Louis George Dusseault, born 4 August 1934, in Ware, Massachusetts, USA. He died on 26 November 2021.1. His group released the Vietnam-era song "Soldier Boy Polka" (Ha-Lo Records # 1335).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
H-A-L-O Records, red label with silver print, SAAB 1336; "Soldier Boy", polka, credited to Happy Louie & Julcia Polka Band. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka

1970

#6 Happy Richie and The Royalaires To Vietnam Polka 1970 · Album · Live It Up! · Mark Educational # UMC 2225 · USA
Credited on the record as Happy Richie And The Royalaires.
Annotation
There is little biographical detail of this group, led by Happy Richie - real name Richard C. Bojczuk1, out of Buffalo, New York, USA, also the location of this live album recording, featuring the song "To Vietnam Polka" (Mark Custom Records # UMC 2225).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mark Educational Recordings UMC 2225, "Live It Up!", side B track 3, 2:02; recorded live in Buffalo, NY (RYM). [From Discogs]
Genre: ♪ Polka

Unknown date

#7 Li'l Wally Vietnam Polka Single · Vietnam Polka / Live Happy · Jay Jay # JJ-334 · USA
Credited on the record as Li'l Wally and The Harmony Boys.
Annotation
Li'l Wally Jagiello, born on 1 August 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, he died on 17 August 2006 in Miami, Florida, USA, he largely sung in Polish, including this record, with the song "Vietnam Polka (Do Vietnam)" (Jay Jay Records # JJ-334). This song was also released under the title "Chlopcow zaciagaja do Vietnam" ("Boys Enlist for Vietnam"), on the 1965 live album Poland Tour: Polskie śpiewanie i granie, above. Narrated in the first person: "I'm off to training cause I have been drafted" . It contained the patriotic line "I go to Vietnam to defend my beloved country" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Jay Jay JJ-334 B (TK4M-0649), "Be happy and gay! with Jay Jay", marked "Polish Vocal"; "Vietnam Polka (Do Vietnam)" (W. Jagiello), Jay Jay Publ. BMI, from LP 1101; "By Li'l Wally and The Harmony Boys"; 2452 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago 23, Illinois. The red company sleeve carries the slogans "Jay Jay – The greatest name in polka fame!" and "Happy music, happy sound when Jay Jay records are 'round", with dancing-couple silhouettes and "Mfg. by Jay Jay Record Company, 2452-56 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago 23, Ill., Phone RO 2-6000". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
They're taking the boys to the war
Many girls' hearts are sad
Don't you cry girl, don't you sadden yourself
Because in a year or two I will come back to you
Before my return I will write you letters
You will ask and cry and I will not hear it
Now I'm off to training cause I have been drafted
Then I go to Vietnam to defend my beloved country
Genre: ♪ Polka
#8 Eddie Blazonczyk Leaving for Viet Nam Single · Leaving for Viet Nam / Why (Dlaczego) · Bel-Aire # 2941 · USA
Credited on the record as Eddie Blazonczyk and the Polish Brass.
Annotation
Born on 12 July 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and died on 21 May 2012, in Palos Heights, Illinois, USA. He released the song "Leaving for Viet Nam" (Bel-Aire # 2941), sung in Polish.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Yellow Bel-Aire label, 2941-A, 45 rpm, "Bel-Aire Record Co, 1740 W. 47th St., Chicago, Ill"; "Leaving for Viet Nam" (Blazonczyk), arranged by P. Stanczyk, Pulaski Publ. (BMI), time 2:53; vocal Eddie Blazonczyk, credited to Eddie Blazonczyk and the Polish Brass. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka
#9 Joe Karmen Soldier's Polka Single · Soldier's Polka / In a Circle Polka · Cuca # J 1590 · USA
Annotation
Vietnam-era instrumental, the song "Soldier's Polka" (Cuca # J 1590), by Joe Karmen - born on 16 May 1883 in Wisconsin, USA, he died on 8 September 1963 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA. Single released in Sauk City, Wisconsin, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Cuca J 1590, red label with silver logo, "Division of A.M.C., Sauk City, Wis."; "Soldier's Polka". "Mfg. by Cuca Records, Sauk City, Wis." No writer, publisher or time printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka
#10 Happy Notes Orchestra Soldiers Last Request Waltz Single · Soldiers Last Request Waltz / Everyone Loves Someone Polka · Gold # G-108 · USA
Annotation
Large Wisconsin-based polka group, with rotating line-up, led by Norm Dombrowski, born near Arnott, Wisconsin, in 1937.1 The group released the song "Soldiers Last Request Waltz" (Gold Record # G-108), sung in Polish, featuring several referencing to Vietnam and Saigon - lyrics and translation needed. Released in Stevens Points, Wisconsin, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gold Record, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, G-108A (802G-108, matrix W4KM-3716), gold-and-red label marked "Polish Vocal"; "Soldiers Last Request Waltz" (Norm Dombrowski), 3:18; vocal: Norm Dombrowski. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka
#11 Alvin Styczynski Leaving for the Service Polka Single · Leaving for the Service Polka / Wishing Well Waltz · Cuca # J-1201 · USA
Annotation
Another Wisconsin-based polka artist, he released the Vietnam War-era song "Leaving for the Service Polka" (Cuca # J-1201), sung in Polish.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Black Cuca label with the sombrero-figure logo, J-1201, Side 1, matrix RK5M-8168, "Cuca Record Sauk City, Wisc."; "Leaving for the Service Polka", Polish vocal, 2:35. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka
#12 Johnny Prytko Henderick the Hippie Single · Henderick the Hippie / Here We Come · Glo # 5240 · USA
Credited on the record as Johnny Prytko & the Conn.-Hi-Tones.
Annotation
Born John Valentine Prytko, on 25 September 1936 in New Britain, Connecticut, USA, to Polish-American immigrants. He died 1 April 2020.1 The song "Henderick the Hippie" (Glo Records # 5240), a novelty polka, referencing protesters, sit-ins, love-ins, and the draft board, a nice 60s, Vietnam War-era take.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Glo Records #5240, black-and-silver label; "Henderick the Hippie" (J. Prytko), Vannell Music (ASCAP); Johnny Prytko & the Conn.-Hi-Tones. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#13 Bruno Mikos Harmony Stars Leaving for the Front Polka Single · Honky Tonk Concertina Polka / Leaving for the Front Polka · Polka Train # PT 100 · USA
Notes
- Polka, Polish, soldier's perspective

- Polka Train Record Co. PT 100-B, 45 RPM, white label; "Leaving for the Front Polka"; Bruno Mikos Harmony Stars; produced by Adolph Kurdyla; PT Publishing Co., A. Kurdyla. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka
#14 Pitts. Harmoneers Orch. Life of a Soldier (Polka) Single · Life of a Soldier (Polka) / G.I. Joes Lament (Waltz) · Rite # 812R-3333 · USA
Notes
- A-side, polka, sung in Polish. Soldier's perspective
- B-side, waltz, sung in English, also soldier's perspective
- Released in Chicago, Illinois, USA

- Janek Productions Rite Records 812R-3333 (W4KM-3333), 45 RPM, black label; "Life of a Soldier (Polka)" (words Stan Zuchowski, music Ray Spisak), Art Rosa Pub. Co., BMI; vocal Stan Zuchowski, Pitts. Harmoneers Orch. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka
#15 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) ▾
#16 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
#17 Pitts. Harmoneers Orch. G.I. Joes Lament (Waltz) Single · Life of a Soldier (Polka) / G.I. Joes Lament (Waltz) · Rite # 812R-3333 · USA
Notes
Janek Productions Rite Records 812R-3333 (W4KM-3334), 45 RPM, black label; "G. I. Joes Lament (Waltz)" (words Janek, music Jim Georgulis), Art Rosa Pub. Co., BMI; vocal Ray Spisak, Pitts. Harmoneers Orch. Flip side "Life of a Soldier (Polka)" carries the same catalogue number. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Polka

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 7 themes ▾

Key stats

17 songs · 16 releases · 14 artists · 13 labels · 1966–1970

Time period
  • 1967 is the peak year, with three songs.
  • Eleven records are undated.
Artists
  • 14 artists for 17 songs. The most represented are Li'l Richard and Li'l Wally and Pitts. Harmoneers Orch., with two each.
  • Two of the artists are still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
Songwriters
  • By performer: 16 men and one mixed groups (recorded for 17).
  • 13 named songwriters. The most often credited is W. Jagiello, with two.
Labels
  • 9 of the 13 labels appear exactly once.
  • Two sit on a major or well-known imprint — Columbia, RCA Victor. The other 15 are on independent, regional or private labels.
  • One 45 puts both of its sides into this list.
Locations
  • 16 of the 17 are American. Illinois leads with eight, then Wisconsin three and New York two.
  • Chicago accounts for eight records, more than any other city; Sauk City has two, Buffalo one.
  • One comes from outside the US: one Mexican.
Themes
  • By perspective: 15 home front or soldier's perspective; one peace, protest and anti-war; one patriotic, pro-government or anti-protest.
  • 8 distinct sub-themes across 17 songs.
  • Home Front Perspective is the single biggest subject — 7 songs, nearly one in three.