Collections › US Domestic Perspective Songs [War Years]

US Domestic Perspective Songs [War Years]

425 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 Vietnam War songs looking at the US domestic perspective
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. The goals of the project are: (1) to critically analyse the song lyrics, searching for historical, social, and cultural themes, and collecting data on the genre, location, ethnicity, nationality, language, and time period of the recordings; (2) to learn about the Vietnam War, and the music and artists associated with it; (3) to preserve the physical records for the future, as artifacts of the 20th century. 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, 425+ songs from the US domestic perspective, released during the war years (1960–75).
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — US Domestic Perspective Songs [War Years], vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/us-domestic-perspective-songs, accessed 12 November 2026

Introduction

The songs in this collection most often deal with: Home Front Perspective, Soldier's Perspective, K.I.A., Religion.
1 of 2
"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".1


As always during war people on the home front often show concern for the plight of the soldiers fighting as well as the family and friends left behind, whether they support the war or are opposed to the war. And thus this is reflected in Vietnam War songs, many which told love stories, or parents missing their children or dealing with their death. Many of the songs focused on people in the US writing and receiving letters

Time Period & Criteria

1 of 2
US president John F. Kennedy press conference, on military action in Laos, 23 March 1961.
  • Pre-Gulf of Tonkin: 1960-1964
    While many of these early songs may have been intending to refer to US troops in Germany, or Korea, or representing general Cold War fears, they were released in the run-up to the "Vietnam era" and the Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964), which led to a major escalation of US involvement in the conflict, and thus included in this list, as cultural perspectives. The criteria is the same as for the war years - 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.

  • War Years: 1964-1975
    Released during the key war years, 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. While the war goes back to the 1954 Geneva conference, following the Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964), the US significantly expanded its presence in the region and its defence of South Vietnam, and thus using this date as the beginning of the core war years. These run to the collapse of South Vietnam (30 April 1975), in two periods: (a) 1964-1972, the years of major US combat involvement, up to the peace agreement; (b) 1973-1975, from the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973), which brought US troops and prisoners of war home, to the collapse of South Vietnam. This collection covers the war years only (1960-1975).

Themes

President Nixon meets with POW wives Carole Hansen, Louise Mulligan, Sybil Stockdale, Andrea Rander, and Mary Mearns in December 1969.1

The songs on this list carry 97 different lyric themes (every song has at least one; most have several). The most frequent, with the number of songs: Home Front Perspective (232), Soldier's Perspective (98), K.I.A. (57), Religion (56), Soldier Boy (51), Christmas (34), Child (30), Patriotic (29), P.O.W. (25), Draft (24), Song Poem (22), Satire (18), Anti-War (15), Jody (13). The full breakdown, with every theme on the list, is in the Lyric theme data section below.

The themes that define this list
  • Home Front Perspective (232)
    About family, friends etc. back home in the US. May be narrated in the first, second, or third person
  • K.I.A. (57)
    Killed in Action: songs referencing a soldier killed in Vietnam
  • Soldier Boy (51)
    Typically a song about the narrator’s love for the soldier boy heading off to war, often performed by Girl Groups and teen pop songs in the early 1960s
  • P.O.W. / M.I.A. (37)
    Prisoner of War (P.O.W.): songs referencing those held captive in Vietnam. Missing in Action (M.I.A.): songs referencing a missing soldier – may also be P.O.W.
  • Jody (13)
    The term "Jody" originated from "Joe the Grinder" (dated c.1939) - a mythical man in blues and jazz tunes who seduced the wives and girlfriends of soldiers, prisoners etc. "Grinder" was an old slang word for sex (dated c.1647). Thought to have been introduced into the army by African-Americans during the WW2, used in military cadences, such as "ain’t no use in going home, Jody’s got your girl and gone". This type of marching later got the nickname of "jodies" or "jody calls"
  • Combat (10)
    Generic description of battle, fighting etc. Usually from the soldier’s perspective, but sometimes presented from the home front / domestic perspective.
  • Coming Home (9)
    Reference to soldiers returning to the US
  • Lost Love (4)
    Soldier’s sweetheart has left him for someone else / soldier has left his sweetheart who is waiting for him back in the US
  • Vietnamese Girls (3)
    Reference to American GIs dating or getting married or having a child with a Vietnamese girl
  • Orphan (2)
    Children left orphans by the war, for example father died in Vietnam, mother died at home.
  • Prostitution (1)
    Reference to prostitution during the Vietnam War, typically American GIs in Saigon, such as on Tu Do Street (a popular destination for bars and prostitution)

Highlights

An American family gathered around the television as President Kennedy addresses the nation, early 1960s.
Many US songs focused on the impact of war on soldiers and those back home, often as a first person narrative. From the early 60s, many ‘soldier boy’ themed songs appeared, such as “Your Heart Belongs to Me” (1962), by soul’s leading girl-group The Supremes: “lover of mine…serving your country…I'm sending you a picture”, and Mary Moultrie’s “Last Year Senior Prom, This Year, Viet Nam” (1966).

Each holiday season galvanised sentiment on the home front, with over 145 Christmas songs about the war. “Little Becky’s Christmas Wish” (1967), narrated by 6 year old Becky Lamb from Michigan, was one of dozens of child narrated Vietnam songs, which looked at the impact of war on young siblings. She plaintively requests “Santa… please bring Tommy home for Christmas”. However, a K.I.A. telegram arrived. Becky sadly recalls Tommy’s favourite record: “a man was talking and said not what my country can do, but what I can do”, a reference to JFK’s inaugural speech. It reached #2 in the Billboard Christmas chart.

A few songs looked at the unethical activities of soldiers on furlough, such as G.I.s visiting prostitutes on the famous Tu Do Street in Saigon, including The Soul Patrol’s funk-soul song “Saigon Strut” (1968). Others described married soldiers having affairs with Vietnamese women, and fathering children, like “What’s Been Going On in Viet Nam” (1968) by Ginger & Jean, members of the 1950s popular Oklahoma trio The Dinning Sisters.

1960-1964

Records from before 1960 are included as context.

Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, in post-midnight press conference at the Pentagon, describing Gulf of Tonkin incident, 04 August 1964.
Key EventsIn July 1954 the Geneva Accords established a temporary boundary between the North and South of Vietnam, and provided for the gradual withdrawal of French troops. A few months later, in October 1955, South Vietnam declared itself a republic. The Eisenhower administration committed the US to preserving this independent, non-communist South Vietnam, which continued in the early 1960s under Kennedy and Johnson.

In the 1964 presidential election 2/3rds of Americans said that they paid little or no attention to Vietnam.1 However, the Vietnam conflict had started to rise in the news agenda. The US had over 15,000 personnel in South Vietnam - mainly military experts, for training and support. Furthermore, on 7 August 1964, the US Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, following a naval clash between North Vietnam and US forces, which permitted President Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) to send conventional forces to Vietnam.2 Thus, Vietnam started to become a focal point in the news and with topical singers.
  • 8 November 1960: John F. Kennedy defeats Richard Nixon in US presidential election
  • 20 December 1960: National Liberation Front (NFL) or the Viet Cong is established
  • 2 November 1962: South Vietnamese leader Diem executed in coup
  • 22 November 1963: Lyndon Baines Johnson becomes US president following Kennedy assassination
  • 2-4 August 1964: North Vietnam attacks US ships in Gulf of Tonkin
  • 7 August 1964: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed by US Congress, permitting intervention
  • 3 November 1964: Johnson re-elected US president

1956

#1 Bernie Wayne South of Saigon 1956 · Single · South of Saigon / Shalimar · ABC-Paramount # 45-9727 · USA
Notes
Unrelated to war - released in 1956. But interesting early reference to Saigon in song Pre-US major involvement, but conflict between East / West. Instrumental [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Saigon

1959

#2 Jamie Horton My Little Marine 1959 · Single · My Little Marine / Missin' · Joy # 45-234 · USA
Notes
Joy 45-234 (K9OW-8507), 45 RPM; "My Little Marine" (J. Horton, E. Warren), Joy Music Inc., ASCAP, 2:25; arranged and conducted by Joe Sherman; Joy Records Corp., 1619 Broadway, New York, NY. Yellow label with juggling-jester logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop

1960

#3 George Casey The Making of a Marine! 1960 · Album · The Making of a Marine! · Documentary # LP 804 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Field recordings [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]

1961

#4 Wade Mainer My Soldier Boy 1961 · Single · My Soldier Boy / I'm a Free Little Bird · King # 45-5514 · USA
Annotation
Notes
My Soldier Boy (Mainer, Wade)

Vocal by Julia Mainer, wife of Wade Mainer. Born Julia Mae Brown, known as Hillbilly Lillie on bluegrass scene. Recorded 7 April 1961, Cincinnati. Featured on 1961 album Soulful Sacred Songs by Wade Mainer's Mountaineers.12

Bluegrass gospel. Plight. Religion.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
King 45-5514 (45-K10717), High Fidelity; "My Soldier Boy" (Julie Mainer), Lois-BMI, 2:25; Wade Mainer, vocal by Julie Mainer. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I hear the sounds of marching feet
I see the soldiers march down the street...
They go marching onwards straight ahead
In the army of men there was one
That marched in the ranks and shouldered a gun
I'll look for him and it's nice to see
Him turns his head to look for me
Our love went out as he went by
A dream in my heart I won't let it die
The lord keep him forever I pray
That we will meet again some day
He walks by the stand with a sense of pride
For I was there but not by his side
He held his head high as he marched on
And smiled my love I'm gone
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#5 Marcy Joe Since Gary Went in the Navy 1961 · Single · Since Gary Went in the Navy / What I Did This Summer · Robbee # R-115 · USA
Notes
Since Gary Went in the Navy (Joe, Marcy)

Teen pop - soldier boy song.
Sweetheart cries each night, writes him letters, sends her picture
Notes
Robbee R-115 (LB-412), 45 RPM, Robbee Record Inc., Pgh., Pa., distributed by Liberty Records Sales Corp., Los Angeles, California; "Since Gary Went in the Navy" (J. Richards - S. Meshel), Star Fire Music BMI, 2:38; produced by Lennie & Lou, arranged and conducted by Lennie Martin. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#6 Mary Bee Dear Soldier 1961 · Single · Teenage Tears / Dear Soldier · Challenge # 694 · USA
Notes
Country, teen pop. Soldier boy theme I miss you so much, all alone at home right now Home front / domestic perspective [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#7 Lightnin' Hopkins War Is Starting Again 1961 · Single · Got Me a Louisiana Woman / War Is Starting Again · Ivory # 91272 · USA
Credited on the record as Lightning Hopkins and His Guitar.
Annotation
Lightnin' Hopkins, born Sam Hopkins on 15 March 1912, in Centreville, Texas, recorded extensively from the 1940s-1970s, typically playing blues in the style that came out of his native Texas, like Blind Lemon Jefferson (acoustic / electric Texas blues). Often singing about topical events, such as the Korean War and Great Depression, in the mid-late 1960s he turned his attention to Vietnam. He died in Houston Texas on 30 January 1982.1 He released several Vietnam War-related songs (see the info box below)

On this 1962 LP featured the song "War Is Starting Again" (Vee-Jay Records # LP-1044), also released on the 1961 single Got Me a Louisiana Woman / War Is Starting Again ({Label185167] # 91272), which may have been too early to specifically be in reference to the Vietnam conflict. The narrator expressed fear of war coming, "well, I got news this morning, right now they need a million men" . This song also included a "Jody" reference - the term "Jody" originated from "Joe the Grinder" (dated c.1939) - a mythical man in blues and jazz tunes who seduced the wives and girlfriends of soldiers, prisoners, and those away from home. "Grinder" was an old slang word for sex (dated c.1647). It is thought to have been introduced into the army by African-Americans during the Second World War, used in military cadences (marches), such as "ain’t no use in going home, Jody’s got your girl and gone" - shouted out by a military officer, and repeated by the group of marching soldiers in unison. This type of marching later got the nickname of "jodies" or "jody calls". In this case, the narrator is the Jody: "you know my girlfriend got a boyfriend in the army, that fool gotta go overseas" . Hopkins later uses a similar line in the 1969 song "Please Settle in Viet Nam" .

Vietnam War songs by Lightnin Hopkins:

In 1962 Hopkins released the song "War Is Starting Again" on the album Lightnin' Strikes (Vee-Jay Records # LP-1044). In 1969, he released the anti-war single "Please Settle in Viet Nam" (Joliet # 205). He also recorded the song "Vietnam War" with his cousin Billy Bizor on the album Blowing My Blues Away in 1968. In fact, Hopkins released his own version of that song, called "Viet Nam War (Pt.1) & (Pt.2)" on the 1968 album Talkin' Some Sense (Jewel Records # LPS 5001). Finally, in 1970 Hopkins produced the song "Questionnaire Blues" on film, released in 1970 on video, but unreleased on audio format.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ivory Records 91272B, 45 R.P.M.; "War Is Starting Again" (Hopkins - Semiens), 2:45, Allee Music Publ., BMI; "Lightning Hopkins and His Guitar". Label decorated with two elephant drawings. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Woe, you know this world done get tangled now, baby
Woe, you know I believe they fixin' to start a war again
Woe, you know this world done get tangled now
Yeah, I believe they gonna start war again
Yeah, there'll be a mothers start to worry
Yes, there'll be many a girls will lose a friend
Well, I got news this morning
Right now they need a million men
Woe, I got news this mornin'
Right now they need a million men
Woe, you know, I been overseas once
Oh, Lightnin' don't want to go there again
Lord have mercy!
All right!
Yeah, you know my girlfriend got a boyfriend in the Army
That fool gotta go overseas
You know I don't hate it so bad because you know
That's a better break for me
This world's a-tangled
Yeah, the finally had a war again
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾
Themes: Draft Jody

1962

#8 The Shirelles Soldier Boy 1962 · Single · Soldier Boy / Love Is a Swingin' Thing · Scepter # 1228 · USA
Annotation
The classic song "Soldier Boy" (Scepter Records # 1228) performed by the doo-wop girl group the Shirelles, from New Jersey, USA, topped the Billboard Hot 100 on 5 May 1962 and stayed there for three weeks. Released in March 1962, it stands as one of the earliest, and certainly the most successful of the dozens of "soldier boy" themed songs to appear in the early 1960s. Whether about Vietnam, Berlin, or the general Cold War, these songs presented soldiering and the draft as a common occurrence in the US.

Released in 1962, it is interesting to look into how much people in the US really knew what was going on in Vietnam. President Eisenhower had clearly attached American credibility, financial backing, and a limited military commitment to Vietnam (with around 900 advisers in the later 1950s). But under Kennedy this started to rise drastically - US military personnel in South Vietnam rose to 9,000 by 30 June 1962. While the war received more attention in the media, during the 1964 presidential election 2/3rds of Americans said that they paid little or no attention to Vietnam. So there is the question of whether this was intentionally about Vietnam - in any case, many people interpreted this as a Vietnam War song.

Written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg (founder of Scepter), it described a tale of young, true love, as a soldier set off to war, with the narrator promising that she would stay faithful to her soldier boy: "take my love with you to any port or foreign shore...I'll be true to you" . It featured on the 1962 album Baby It's You (Scepter # SRM-504). The group followed this up in 1965 with the single "(Mama) My Soldier Boy Is Coming Home" (Scepter # SCE 12123).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Scepter Records 1228 A, red label, "A Ludix Production"; "Soldier Boy" (Luther Dixon - Florence Green), Ludix Publ. (BMI), 2:40; Burt Keys, arranger; Scepter Music Inc., New York, N.Y. Issued in a red-and-white Scepter Records company sleeve: "Scepter Music Inc., 1650 Broadway, N.Y.C., N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Soldier boy, oh, my little soldier boy I'll be true to you
You were my first love and you'll be my last love
I will never make you blue, I'll be true to you
In the whole world you can love but one girl
Let me be that one girl, for I'll be true to you
Wherever you go my heart will follow...
Take my love with you to any port or foreign shore
Darling you must feel for sure I'll be true to you
Soldier boy, oh, my little soldier boy
#9 The Supremes Your Heart Belongs To Me 1962 · Single · Your Heart Belongs to Me / (He's) Seventeen · Motown # 1027 · USA
Annotation
The pop-soul song "Your Heart Belongs to Me" (Motown Records # 1027) took the 'soldier boy' perspective, as a woman missed her sweetheart who had "gone to a faraway land, serving your country" - in Berlin? Vietnam? Like a whole bunch of 'soldier boy' tracks from the early 1960s, it presented soldiering as a common activity. The sweetheart sent the soldier "a picture to carry with you all the time" for when he was "feeling lonely" and so that he did not forget her. It featured the vocals of the Detroit, Michigan girl group as a quartet - Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Barbara Martin. Smokey Robinson composed and produced the song. The Supremes signed to Motown in 1961 and it took several years before becoming a top-charting success with twelve number one singles. This song, recorded in December 1961 and released on 8 May 1962, only reached # 95 in the Billboard charts (18 August 1962) - the first of their songs to chart.1 It may have been hampered by the The Shirelles' hugely successful "Soldier Boy" (above), released several months before (March 1962), on exactly the same theme. Or, perhaps the successful of the Shirelles single boosted this into the charts?2Marvin Gaye released the single "Soldier's Plea" on the same day, 8 May 1962, discussed below.
Covers
The Extentions – "Your Heart Belongs to Me" (Nickel # N-113)
The Velvelettes – "Your Heart Belong to Me" (1966: unreleased)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Motown 1027 picture sleeve, "Your Heart Belongs to Me" / "(He's) Seventeen", with a black-and-white photograph of the three Supremes in matching cardigans and pearl necklaces. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Lover of mine, gone to a faraway land
Serving your country on some faraway sand
But you should get no name
Remember that your heart belongs to me
I'm sending you a picture to carry with you all the time
So when you're feeling lonely it's something to remind you
I'm thinking of you constantly
Remember that your hearts belongs to me
If a pretty girl should pass you by I won't mind if you give her the eye
Or even if you give her a smile sometimes
But keep your heart because your heart is mine...
Lover of mine, if I could tell you how I yearn
For the day to come when you will return
From far across the sea, so remember that your heart belongs to me
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#10 Jogettes Johnny's Comin' Home 1962 · Single · Johnny's Coming Home / Your Love · Mar # 45-102 · USA
Annotation
The song "Johnny's Comin' Home" (Mar Records # 45-102) - released on a New York based label in 1962 by the Jogettes, an R&B girl group - they seem to be a one hit wonder, imitating other girl groups by ending their name with "ette". Steve Verroca wrote and produced the song. The track might be too early to be considered specifically about the Vietnam War, but rather more of a general 'soldier boy' song. The narrator received a letter informing her that her sweetheart "Johnny" was on his way back home, so for his impending arrival: "we're going to have a party" and "invite all our friends" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mar Records 45-102 (M-7517), red and yellow label, Mar Records, 214 W. 50th St., N.Y.C., "Dist. nationally by Kip Records"; "Johnny's Comin' Home" (Steve Verroca), Pub. Lonnie Music, BMI, time 2:05; "A Steve Verroca Prod." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Today I received a letter from overseas
It was from my darling saying he was coming home to me
Johnny's coming home
I'm so happy, I feel so good
I knew he would...
I can't wait until he arrives...
We're going to have a party
Invite all our friends...
I've been waiting for over two years
For my Johnny to come home
It's been so long since I had a date
When Johnny comes home were going to have a lot of fun
#11 The Crosby Brothers Say Your Heart Belongs to a Soldier 1962 · Single · The Call of Summer / Say Your Heart Belongs to a Soldier · Dot # 45-16370 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Say Your Heart Belongs to a Soldier (Crosby Brothers, The)

Teen pop. Soldier boy song
Early 1960s.
Billboard: "the boys are cashing in on the 'Soldier Boy' vogue. The side has no relation to the Shirelles disk but it has some interesting effects. Tex-Mex trumpet figures played in martial groove, martial rhythm and fem vocal chorus all add to the side"1
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Dot 45-16370 (MB-16950, AA-362), white "Promotional Record not for sale" label, Ultra High Fidelity, Dot Records, Inc., Hollywood, California, "A Division of Paramount Pictures Corporation"; "Say Your Heart Belongs to a Soldier" (Kolber-Shayne), Aldon Music BMI, 2:18; "Mfg. by Agoom Agooc Record Corp.", dated 5-62.

The picture sleeve (Dot Records #16370) lists "The Call of Summer" and "Say Your Heart Belongs to a Soldier" over a tinted photograph of the three smiling Crosby Brothers in dark suits. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#12 Elena Marie Soldier Boy 1962 · Single · Soldier Boy / Blue Mood · Geebee # GB-01 · USA
Annotation
Same version as Nathan McKinney's Soldier Boy.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Geebee GB-01 (GB-101), blue label, "distributed by Original Sound Sales Corp., 7120 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California"; "Soldier Boy" (Jones-Williams), Bryden Music (BMI), time 2:02. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#13 Ben Tate Soldier Boy 1962 · Single · What Is Love? / Soldier Boy · Ronnie # 1040 · USA
Notes
- "Soldier Boy"

- Label: Ronnie # 1040
- Songwriter: Mrs. E. A. Walters (female)

- Song poem, traditional pop, New York
- Cold December night, snow on the ground, ship outward bound
- Sweetheart shed a tear, farewell my love, parting gives me pain

- Maroon label, 1040-2, 1:57, Winslow Music, ASCAP, distributed from New York, N.Y.; "Soldier Boy" (Mrs. E. A. Walters). The label name is covered by a "Compliments WRIT Radio 1340 in Milwaukee" sticker. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#14 Laura Otis and The Satinettes Bye Bye Soldier Boy 1962 · Single · I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (For a Long, Long Time) / Bye Bye Soldier Boy · Mexie # 102 · USA
Notes
Girl group, teen pop
Soldier boy theme - going overseas
I'll be waiting sweetheart, I'll be true
Notes
Mexie Records 102. Label credits 'Laura Otis And The Satinettes'. Published by Phyllis Music (BMI). A-side 2:36. Mexie Records 102-B, magenta label; Phyllis Music (BMI), time 2:35. [From the record label]
#15 Hank Cochran Private John Q 1962 · Single · Private John Q / I Remember · Liberty # 55520 · USA
Notes
Country novelty Everyone scared of WW3 - what about me? When I was a boy I dreamed about travelling to foreign lands [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#16 Genifer Glenn The Letter 1962 · Single · The Letter / I'm Going to Find My Sweetheart · Ford # 110 · USA
Notes
Teen pop, home front perspective Took my Johnny away oversea in a uniform Wrote a letter each day. Pray for you to come home The letters stopped Johnny found another woman [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#17 Bill Butler Soldier Boy 1962 · Single · Just for Tonight / Soldier Boy · Epic # 59515 · Canada
Credited on the record as Bill Butler at the Piano.
Notes
Epic 5-9515 (JZSP 57024), white "Radio Station Copy" label, 45 RPM, "Made in U.S.A."; "Soldier Boy" (L. Dixon, F. Green), Ludix Publ. Co., Inc., BMI, 2:36; credited to Bill Butler at the Piano, arranged and conducted by Jack Pleis. [From the record sleeve and labels]

1963

#18 Snooky Pryor Uncle Sam Don't Take My Man 1963 · Single · Uncle Sam Don't Take My Man / Boogie Twist · J.O.B. # 1126 · USA
Annotation
Snooky Pryor, born James Edward Pryor on 15 September 1921 in Lambert, Mississippi, USA. He died on 18 October 2006 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. Known for his harmonic playing, he was part of the Chicago Blues scene. He served in the US army during World War Two. The song "Uncle Sam Don't Take My Man" (J.O.B. Records # 1126), released on Chicago, Illinois record label notes "every time I pick up a paper, I can read something about the war" . It looked at the domestic perspective, "I can just hear women screaming and crying" . Also note the reference to the atomic bomb, a reflection of the Cold War era: "Yes I believe I'll drop the bomb" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Yeah did you hear about the news up north?
It was everybody's Santa Claus
Well, every time I pick up a paper, I can read something about the war
I can just hear women screaming and crying
Uncle Sam, please don't take my man
Yes, the men ain't qualified for the army and the man don't understand
Well just look at them big guns yonder
Them big guns hid out in the woods
Look over yonder
Yes I believe I'll drop the bomb cause a space ship won't do no good
Play it now, oh but just look over there
#19 The Sherwoods Uncle Sam 1963 · Single · Three Love Letters Ago / Uncle Sam · V-Tone # V-506 · USA
Annotation
The song "Uncle Sam" (V-Tone Records # V-506) released in 1963, by the girl group Sherwoods, out of Philadelphia, was a draft and soldier boy themed song. Narrated from the perspective of a soldier's sweetheart, she recalled that her "boyfriend got a letter" . So she sung out "Uncle Sam, please don't take my boyfriend away" . Eventually she accepted that he will have to go fight, and thus she asked Uncle Sam to "bring him back to my arms some day" . Composed by Harry Moffitt and produced by Lenny Caldwell.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
V-Tone Records V-506-B, orange label; "Uncle Sam" (Harry Moffitt) (Copyright No. Eu780417), Tore Music & Caldwell Music, BMI, time 2:09; Bill Massey arr., a Lenny Caldwell Prod. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Uncle Sam, my boyfriend got a letter from you
And now he feeling so sad and blue
Because he won't be free to give his love to me
Just like he used to do
Uncle Sam, please don't take my boyfriend away...
I don't want him to go, is the no other way
Uncle Sam, you know going to the red, white, blue...
Uncle Sam, I guess there is nothing more I can say
You take my guy from me anyway
But there is just one more thing
Please bring him back to my arms some day
#20 Toni Wine My Boyfriend's Coming Home for Christmas 1963 · Single · My Boyfriend's Coming Home for Christmas / What a Pity · Colpix # CP 715 · USA
Annotation
The song "My Boyfriend's Coming Home for Christmas" (Colpix Records # CP 715) does not actually mention the Vietnam conflict, but the narrator referred to her boyfriend being in the army. It reflected the situation of wives and girlfriends left on the home front. Toni Wine, born in New York in 1947, wrote and recorded this single in 1963 at the age of sixteen.1 By then, President Kennedy and Johnson had already begun to send small numbers of US troops and advisers to Vietnam, although the US also had a significant number of troops stationed in Germany. The single reached # 22 in the Billboard Christmas singles chart, on 28 December 1963.2 Jonie Taps and Harry Cohn founded the label Coldpix in 1958, a division of Columbia Pictures, which largely concentrated on music for TV and movies.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Colpix Records CP-715 (ZTSP-89942), gold label, "Colpix Records, a division of Columbia Pictures Corporation, New York, N.Y.", made in U.S.A.; "My Boyfriend's Coming Home for Christmas" (T. Wine), Screen Gems-Columbia Music - BMI, 2:44. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I've written everyday since he's been away
And I've waited patiently...
I haven't seen my boyfriend in such a long time
You see, he is in the service...
I'm not really mad at Uncle Sam
He should understand we girls don't want to share our man with anyone else
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#21 Dodie Stevens Sailor Boy 1963 · Single · Sailor Boy / Does Goodnight Mean Goodbye · Dolton # 88 · USA
Notes
- Teen pop, soldier boy theme, home front perspective
- I still love you while you're overseas
- VN era

- Dodie Stevens aka Geraldine Stevens Dolton Records No. 88 (DO-780), blue label with the fish logo, "A Division of Liberty Records, Inc., Los Angeles 28, California"; "Sailor Boy" (F. Gari - J. Basile), T. M. Music Inc. - BMI, 2:13; Dodie Stevens, arranged by Ernie Freeman, producer Bob Reisdorff. Issued in a turquoise-and-black Dolton Records company sleeve. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#22 Diane Renay Navy Blue 1963 · Single · Navy Blue / Kiss Me Sailor · Eric # 175 · USA
Notes
- Teen pop, soldier boy theme
- Vietnam era generic

- Eric Records 175 (E-1873), black and red label, "© Eric Record Co., Philadelphia, Pa."; "Navy Blue" (B. Crewe, E. Rambeau, B. Rehak), Saturday Music, Inc., ASCAP, 2:05; produced by Bob Crewe, arranged and conducted by Calello. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#23 The Carmel Sisters Joey's Comin' Home 1963 · Single · Joey's Comin' Home / The Rumor · Jubilee # 45-5464 · USA
Notes
Joey's Comin' Home (The Carmel Sisters)

Teen pop, soldier boy song.
My Sweetheart Joey is coming home.
But he is not here! Where is he?
Army took him away: draft.
Pre-Vietnam era
Notes
Jubilee 45-5464 (JB-12053), white "Advance Release — Disc-Jockey Record — Not for Sale" label, vocal with instrumental accompaniment; "Joey's Comin' Home" (Clasky–Rosenberg), Pop Songs, BMI, time 2:20; produced by Richard Clasky & Marvin Rosenberg. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#24 The Blue Belles When Johnny Comes Marching Home 1963 · Single · When Johnny Comes Marching Home / Cool Water · Newtown # 5009 · USA
Notes
When Johnny Comes Marching Home (Blue Belles, The)

Soul, girl group.
1963 - Vietnam-era update / cover of the Civil War song.
Soldier boy - gone for three years, but on his way home.
Notes
Newtown Records 5009, matrix BBCW 1B; "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" (R. Martin-M. Bailey), 3:30, 66 BMI; The Blue Belles; pale blue label with chain borders. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#25 The Charmaines G.I. Joe 1963 · Single · G.I. Joe / Don't Take Away Your Love · Fraternity # F-961 · USA
Notes
G.I. Joe (Charmaines, The)

Girl group.
Two version - 1963 (slow) 1966 (fast)
Notes
Fraternity F-961, Hi-Fidelity, Side 1 (T5KM-4792), red label; "G. I. Joe" (Kenny Smith), 2:15, Carlson Music Co.-Edwood Music Co., BMI; The Charmaines; produced by Kenny Smith. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#26 Phil Cass The Unknown Soldier 1963 · Single · That Old Gang of Mine / The Unknown Soldier · Hobo # 100 · USA
Notes
Need to verify [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] 45rpm single, Hobo 100 / 101; Apr 1963; side B "The Unknown Soldier" (Billy Rose). [From 45cat] Hobo Records, Route 4, Box 105, Auburn, Maine. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Theme: K.I.A.

1964

#27 Diane Renay Kiss Me Sailor 1964 · Single · Navy Blue / Kiss Me Sailor · Eric # 175 · USA
Notes
- Teen pop, soldier boy theme

- Eric Records 175 reissue, black and red label, © Eric Record Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; "Kiss Me Sailor" (E. Rambeau - B. Rehak), E-1874, Saturday Music, Inc. (ASCAP), time 2:25, produced by Bob Crewe; flip side "Navy Blue" (B. Crewe - E. Rambeau - B. Rehak), E-1873, Saturday Music, Inc. (ASCAP), time 2:05, produced by Bob Crewe, arranged and conducted by Calello. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#28 B. J. Thomas Billy and Sue 1964 · Single · Never Tell / Billy and Sue · Bragg # B-103 · USA
Credited on the record as B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs.
Notes
Bragg B-103 (45-103-2), yellow label, "Mfg. by Bragg Record Corp. Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A."; "Billy and Sue" (Mark Charron), 2:48, Bragg-Tyco BMI; Bill Porter, engineer; B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#29 The Chiffons Sailor Boy 1964 · Single · Sailor Boy / When Summer's Through · Laurie # 3262 · USA
Notes
Sailor Boy (Chiffons, The)

1964 Vietnam-era soldier / sailor boy song
Girl Group. Brooklyn, New York
Notes
Laurie Record No. 3262 (RK4M-0296), Laurie Records Inc., New York; "Sailor Boy" (Goffin - Titelman), Screen Gems-Columbia Music Inc. (BMI), 2:55; produced by Bright Tunes Prod. Inc., engineered by Brooks Arthur. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#30 Joyce & Linda New I'm the Girl 1964 · Single · I'm the Girl / Lines of Heartbreak · Split # 527 · USA
Notes
"I'm the Girl"
Country music.
Domestic perspective - sweetheart left behind.
Notes
Split Records 527, pressed by Sound of Nashville (SoN 11512); B-side "Lines of Heartbreak" by Joyce New.

Label: "I'm the Girl" (Joyce New), Hard Times Pub., BMI, 2:10; Split Records, 2621 Lakeland Drive, Nashville, Tenn. [From the record label]
Lyrics
English
Uncle Sam came and took my Joe away
And all the boys keeps knocking on my door each day
But before Joe left for overseas, I became his wife, that's what I want to be
Yes I'm the girl that's left behind in the USA
I'm the girl that's wating for him everyday
I'll keep hoping and praying for my Joe
I'm still his wife, that's what I want him to know
Uncle Sam thought to bring him back to me
And there will be no more lonely nights and misery
And when Joe gets back from overseas
I'll be waiting here, we'll be a family
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#31 Dr. W. S. McBirnie The Great Debate 1964 · Single · The Great Debate · Impact [Glendale] # AU-4X / AU-4 · USA
Notes
Impact AU-4X (Side One) / AU-4 (Side Two), "A Special Radio Speech"; Voice of Americanism, Box 90, Glendale, California. [From the record label]

Spoken word, 1964 debate Liberals vs Conservatives - how much state power? Communism, wars - South Vietnam, Cuba, Suez. Civil Rights, domestic, taxes, education - how to sway majority Narrator a conservative religious radio host, of "Voice of Americanism". [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#32 Ginger Callahan Poison Love 1964 · Single · Not On Label # NO. 103 · USA
Genre: ♪ Country
#33 Morty Gunty There's a War 1964 · Single · There's a War / Blind Date · Philips # 40223 · USA
Notes
There's a War (Gunty, Morty) Novelty pop - wars across the world. Africa, Cuba, Middle East, Laos (no mention of Vietnam) Atomic bomb may destroy us all War sound-effects [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#34 The Clayburns Doesn't Anybody Know My Name 1964 · Single · What Did He Mean? / Doesn’t Anybody Know My Name? · Pyro # 51 · USA
Notes
"Doesn’t Anybody Know My Name" - reference to soldier returning from a war - his girlfriend has left him. Contemporary folk [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]

1965

New York Times front page, 03 March 1965, '160 U.S. and Saigon planes bomb 2 bases in North in record raid; continuing strikes expected', the beginning of Operation Rolling Thunder bombing campaign1
Key Events: 1965
  • 2 March: US Rolling Thunder bombing campaign of North Vietnam kicks-off
  • 8 March: Escalation of US combat troops in Vietnam
  • 17 April: 20,000 attend anti-war demonstration in Washington D.C.
  • 28 April: Australian PM Menzies send battalion to South Vietnam
  • 4 May: LBJ requests additional $700m for the war
  • 5 May: Berkeley students burn draft cards at city's draft board
  • 27 May: New Zealand PM Holyoake announces sending first troops to S. Vietnam
  • 28 July: LBJ commits additional 50,000 troop to Vietnam
  • 31 August: LBJ criminalizes destruction of draft card
  • 27 November: March on Washington for Peace in Vietnam demonstration
  • 28 November: Philippines announces sending troops to S. Vietnam
  • 24 December: LBJ halts bombing campaign
  • 31 December: US personnel in S. Vietnam total 184k+, up from 23k+ from a year earlier.

1965

#35 Candy & The Kisses Soldier Baby (Of Mine) 1965 · Single · Soldier Baby (Of Mine) / Shakin' Time · Cameo # C-355 · USA
Credited on the record as Candy and The Kisses.
Annotation
The track "Soldier Baby (Of Mine)" (Cameo Records # 355) released by Candy & the Kisses in January 1965 took on the soldier boy theme - a 1960s doo-wop girl group from Port Richmond, New York, featuring the two sisters Candy and Suzanne Nelson along with Jeanette Johnson. There is no reference to Vietnam, just that the soldier was stationed "way across the sea" . The narrator waited for the day that the soldier returned, hoping he would "say you'll marry me" .

Co-written by Phil Spector (with Pete Andreoli and Vini Poncia), he produced this song with the The Ronettes in 1964, but it was unreleased until it appeared on some compilations, such as Phil Spector Wall of Sound Vol. 5: Rare Masters (1976).1Brenda Hall released a version of the song in October 1965: Soldier Baby (Of Mine) / Oh Eddy, My Baby (Loma Records # 2020) - this label was based in Los Angeles, California, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Records, established in 1964 for the Soul and Rhythm & Blues market.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Cameo C-355-A, red and black label; "Soldier Baby (Of Mine)" (Andreoli-Poncia, Jr.-Spector), Hill and Range Songs, Inc. – BMI, time 2:33; produced by Jerry Ross, arranged by Jimmy Wisner; label carries "© 1960 Cameo Records". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Soldier baby of mine, way across the sea
They've taken you away from me
Soldier baby of mine, I promise you that while you're away I'll be true
Soldier baby of mine, I'm so alone
But I'll be right here to welcome you home
When you told me that we had to part
You know you really broke my heart
I say a prayer for you every night...
Soldier baby of mine, while we're apart
I'll hold your picture next to my heart
Soldier baby of mine, I hope you'll say
You'll marry me when you return some day
#36 The Shirelles (Mama) My Soldier Boy Is Coming Home 1965 · Single · Soldier Boy / (Mama) My Soldier Boy Is Coming Home · Scepter # SCE 12123 · USA
Annotation
The Shirelles song "(Mama) My Soldier Boy Is Coming Home" (Scepter Records # SCE 12123) released in 1965 can be viewed as an answer to their earlier 1962 hit "Soldier Boy" - in which the narrator promises to stay true to a young soldier heading off to war. In this track, the narrator "just got a letter" informing her that the soldier is returning him. She wanted to "jump and shout" with joy, that "Santa can skip my house" , and together "we'll have Christmas everyday" .&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Scepter Records SCE 12123 B (60546), Scepter Music Inc., New York, N.Y.; "(Mama) My Soldier Boy Is Coming Home" (A. Wayne), Flomar Music, Inc. (BMI), time 2:32. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Just got a letter today postmarked half a world away
I made me want to jump and shout the minute I found out
Mama, my soldier boy is coming home
I saved my loving just for him
Boys knocked on my door but none of them got in
I'd stay home every single night and prayed that he'll be alright
Mama, my soldier boy is coming home
I can't wait until he is safe in my arms again
I can't wait, I won't sleep a wink tonight
Santa can skip my house this year
Cause I'll hold my baby so near
He'll kiss me in that special way
We'll have Christmas everyday
#37 Beverly Shaffer Where Will You Be Boy 1965 · Single · Even the Score / Where Will You Be Boy? · One-derful # 4838 · USA
Annotation
In the song "Where Will You Be Boy?" (One-derful # 4838) a woman is wondering whether her boyfriend will be called-up in the near future: "will you be gone 12 months from now, will you...be my little soldier boy" . She is also wondering whether the relationship will last during his service: "I'm hoping our love is strong enough" . Beverly Shaffer, born on the West Side of Chicago in 1947, recorded this track at the young age of 18. She won a talent contest in 1965, run by The Chicago Defender, a weekly newspaper, which later ran a story on "Up and Coming Tunes, Teens" on 15 January 1966 which referenced Shaffer. Success in the competition led to interest from the One-derful label, which released this record in October 1965 - Beverly primarily wrote the song, although credits also went to Jimmy Jones and Larry Nestor (the arranger and conductor).1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
One-derful! 4838, matrix 3146; "Where Will You Be Boy?" (Jones, Shaffer, Rice, Nestor), 2:30, Vapac Music BMI; Beverly Shaffer; "Arr. & Cond. by Larry Nestor", "Prod. by Jimmy Jones & Larry Nestor"; "A One-derful Production! – 2642 So. Michigan – Chicago 16, Ill."; red and yellow swirl label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Where will you be boy, this time next year?
Will you remember all the fun we've had?
Or will you been gone and leave me so sad?...
Where will you be boy, 12 months from now?
Will you be mine boy, or will I miss you somehow?
Will you be over there without someone to care?
Will you tell me, please tell me?...
Will you be my baby, or be my little soldier boy
I'm hoping our love is strong enough
That time will not destroy
#38 The Detergents Soldier Girl 1965 · Single · Soldier Girl / Little Dum-Dum · Roulette # R-4626 · USA
Annotation
The song "Soldier Girl" (Roulette Records # R-4626) - a novelty, or parody song of "Soldier Boy" by the The Shirelles - was about a girl who joined the army and ended up being shipped overseas, leaving her boyfriend behind, waiting for her letters. The end of the song had a little comedy sketch about the boyfriend showing a photo of the soldier girl to the other kids on the block. The Detergents were a short lived novelty band, formed in 1964 and disbanded by 1966. Ron Dante led on the vocals - the other members were Danny Jordan and Tommy Wynn. The song was written, arranged, and conducted by Lee Pockriss and Paul Vance, who also wrote the Vietnam song "There Won't Be Any Snow (Christmas in the Jungle)".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Roulette R-4626 (18281), radio station copy, not for sale, 2:35; Vanno Mus. Corp. & Emily Mus. Corp., ASCAP; prod., arr. & cond. by Paul Vance & Lee Pockriss. [From the record label]
Lyrics
English
Haven't you heard? No?
My girlfriend Joan, is a soldier girl...
She went and joined the army and they shipped her overseas
Each day I wait for the mailman...
I hope and pray there is a letter from my darling...
Oh Joan darling, I miss you so much
You are always in my thoughts
I got your wonderful letter today...
Each night I dream the same old dream
She's marching home to me...
My darling PFC [Private First Class]
I keep your picture in my wallet
And look at it all the time
And Joan, all the kids on the block...
Hey! What you mean by all the kids on the block?
I don't know
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
#39 Mitch Miller A Ballad from Vietnam (The Rain on the Leaves) 1965 · Single · A Ballad From Vietnam (The Rain on the Leaves) / That's All for Now · Decca # 31883 · USA
Credited on the record as Mitch Miller and the Gang.
Annotation
The easy listening song "A Ballad From Vietnam (The Rain on the Leaves)" (Decca Records # 31883) from 1965. It was originally written by Vietnamese songwriter Phạm Duy, and translated by Steve Addis of the folk duo Addiss and Crofut (they later released the song in 1966: "A Ballad From Vietnam"). Billboard reported on 18 December 1965: "Marking the Decca debut of the Gang, this powerful ballad with strong lyric content has the earmarks of a smash hit". The song considered both those that made it back home and those that didn't:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Decca Record No. 31883 (116,764), pink "Promotion Copy - Not for Sale" label, (3:00); "A Ballad From Vietnam - The Rain on the Leaves" (original text and music by Pham Duy, English lyric by Steve Addiss), Melody Trails, Inc. (BMI); Mitch Miller and the Gang, produced by Mitch Miller for Millemka Productions; "Mfg'd by Decca Records, Inc., New York, U.S.A." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The rain on the leaves is the tears of joy
Of the girl whose boy returns from the war
The rain on the leaves is the bitter tears
When the mother hears her son is no more
#40 Jim Franklin Is It Christmas Time in Vietnam 1965 · Single · Is It Christmas Time in Vietnam / You Took the Wind Out of My Sails · Jed # J-0017 · USA
Annotation
The country music song "Is It Christmas Time in Vietnam" (Jed International Records # J-0017) by Jim Franklin - the label was based Nashville, Tennessee. The narrator told that a child asked if Santa could send his father home from Vietnam. He also asked: "will he have a Christmas tree, with a star so bright" ?
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Jed International Records, Inc., 815 16th Avenue, South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, Record No. J-0017-A, yellow label with red print; "Is It Christmas Time in Vietnam" (Jim Franklin), Cedarwood Pub. Co., Inc., time 3:10; "A Jed Record Production under the direction of John E. Denny"; "Distributed by Jed International". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I played the part of Santa Clause in a big department store
I talked with all the girls and boys that came to Santa's float
Some asked me for...games and teddy bears...
And then I saw this little boy standing all alone
The Christmas lights reflecting on his tears and when I asked him what was wrong...
He whispered in my ear, is it Christmas time in Vietnam, where my daddy is tonight?
Will he have a Christmas tree, with a star so bright
I wish you would bring him back, Santa, can't you see it won't seem like Christmas without daddy here with me
And then he climbed up on my knee
Although only a little child he spoke these words so tenderly
Brought a tear to my eyes
He said 'I don't want a lot of toys like the other children do
All I want is my daddy home so I'll be happy too
Is it Christmas time in Vietnam, where daddy is?
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#41 Carole Coby My Soldier Boy 1965 · Single · My Soldier Boy / You Just Said You Love Me · Roulette # R-4625 · USA
Notes
The song My Soldier Boy (Coby, Carole)
Notes
Roulette R-4625 (18567), 45 RPM, white "Radio Station Copy – Not for Sale" label, "Made in U.S.A. by Roulette Records, Inc."; "My Soldier Boy" (B. Ramal – D. Goodman), Jefmark Music, BMI, 2:20; arranged and conducted by Bill Ramal; produced by Hugo & Luigi (Hugo & Luigi Producers logo). [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#42 Brenda Hall Soldier Baby of Mine 1965 · Single · Soldier Baby of Mine / Oh Eddy, My Baby · Loma # 2020 · USA
Notes
Loma 2020 (HX14635), white "Promotion – Not for Sale" label; "Soldier Baby of Mine" (Spector-Poncia-Andreoli), Hill and Range Songs, Inc. / Mother Bertha Music, Inc., BMI, 2:05; produced by Bucky Wilkin for Young Sounds, Inc. under the direction of Dick Glasser; Warner Bros. Records Inc., made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#43 The Kimberlys Soldiers and Lilies 1965 · Single · Soldiers and Lillies / Don't Send Me Away · Columbia # 4-43601 · USA
Notes
Soldiers and Lillies (Kimberlys, The)

Folk pop. Generic soldier boy song. Vietnam-era.
Notes
Columbia 4-43601, matrix JZSP 113601, white "Not for Resale – Radio Station Copy" promotional label, 45 RPM; "Soldiers and Lilies" (H. Gay), 2:57, publisher Tonkawa Music (BMI); produced by Don Law & Frank Jones. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#44 Jan and Patti You're Over There 1965 · Single · Just for Tonight / You're Over There · Twin Town # TT 718 · USA
Credited on the record as Jan and Patti (The North Sisters).
Annotation
Notes
You're Over There (North Sisters, The)

Country. Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.1
Soldier's sweetheart narrating: he's over there in the service across the sea.
They will marry when he returns. Vietnam-era genericfrgf
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Twin Town TT 718 (matrix 6-6472B); "You're Over There" (Patti Weegman), 2:26, Aqua City (BMI); credited to Jan and Patti, The North Sisters. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#45 The Shane Sisters O Where Is the Boy (Who Went Over the Sea) 1965 · Single · Sunburn / O Where Is the Boy (Who Went Over the Sea) · Ford # 145 · USA
Notes
O Where Is the Boy (Who Went Over the Sea) (Shane Sister, The)

Teen pop, girl group. Mid-60s.
Generic soldier boy song
Notes
Date stamp Aug, 1965 Ford Records 145 (SF-312), white label marked "Not For Sale"; "O Where Is the Boy (Who Went Over the Sea)" (Marie R. Rockwood), 2:09, Peer International Corp. (BMI); The Shane Sisters, arranged and conducted by Ritchie Adams; "An Ivar Production". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#46 The Indigos He's Coming Home 1965 · Single · He's Coming Home / What Good Am I Without You · Verve Folkways # KF 5002 · USA
Notes
- Garage rock, home front perspective. K.I.A.
- Sweetheart went to war in the East.
- Returned home in a box

- Verve Folkways KF 5002 (65-VW-3), "Special Disc Jockey Record – Not for Sale"; "He's Coming Home" (Bennett), 2:16, Acuff Rose Publ., BMI; produced by Jack Merlin; "MGM Records • A Division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. • Made in U.S.A." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#47 Ricki Sanro Uncle Sam (You're Taking My Man) 1965 · Single · Uncle Sam (You're Taking My Man) / When Will I See You Again · Rickarby # 104 · USA
Notes
Soulful, rockabilly
Notes
Rickarby Records 104 (Gulf Stream Music, BMI), pressed by Southern Plastics (SO 2867/2868).
Lyrics
English
1,2,3,4
Uncle Sam (you're taking my man)
I love him more than you can
Oh please, send him back to me...
Uncle Sam, why oh why
Why did you pick on my guy?
Oh please, send him back to me
When will this star shine again
When will I take you in my arms again
When will I kiss you once more
Your the one that I adore
When will be forever together again
Dad, Uncle Sam took you from me
He took you way across the sea
Though I'm lonely every night
I know that you are fighting for what is right
When tears fill my eyes each day
I bow my head and pray
When will I see you again
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#48 Ricki Sanro When Will I See You Again 1965 · Single · Uncle Sam (You're Taking My Man) / When Will I See You Again · Rickarby # 104 · USA
Notes
Rickarby Records 104 (Gulf Stream Music, BMI), pressed by Southern Plastics (SO 2867/2868).
Lyrics
English
Dad, Uncle Sam took you from me
He took you way across the sea
Though I'm lonely every night
I know that you are fighting for what is right
#49 Bennie Cook Purple Heart 1965 · Single · Purple Heart / Moon on the Silver Saddle · Jewel [Cincinnati] # 701 · USA
Notes
Purple Heart

Country, K.I.A., home front perspective.
Letter from Uncle Sam - a purple heart for your son.
He died a hero, for the USA
Notes
Published by Rusty York Music; pressed by Rite Record Productions, Inc. (15889/15890). [From Discogs]

Jewel Records, Rec. No. 701 (15889); (Jimmy Reffitt); Rusty York Music, BMI; Box 78, Mt. Healthy, Ohio. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#50 Various Artists Collier's Encyclopedia: 1965 Edition Year-In-Sound 1965 · Album · Collier's Encyclopedia · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Spoken-word review of the year. Vietnam referenced [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#51 Adlai Stevenson The Man, the Candidate, the Statesman 1965 · Album · The Man, the Candidate, the Statesman · Radio Press International # AS 101 61447 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Speeches - includes Vietnam [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#52 Jim Nesbitt Still Alive in '65 1965 · Single · Still Alive in '65 / I Laughed When You Said You Were Leaving · Chart # 1200 · USA
Notes
Still Alive in '65 (Nesbitt, Jim) Country novelty - 1965 politics. Reference to the peace corps, LBJ, govt. aid and Khrushchev. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] 45rpm single, Chart 1200; Apr 1965; side A "Still Alive In '65" (Jim Nesbitt). [From 45cat]
Genre: ♪ Country
#53 Tom Lehrer Send the Marines 1965 · Album · That Was the Year That Was · Reprise # R 6179 · USA
Notes
Reprise RS 6179; Vinyl LP (33 rpm, Live); 1965; United States. [From Rate Your Music]
Theme: Satire
#54 Patti Young The Valiant Kind 1965 · Single · Head and Shoulders (Above the Rest) / Valiant Kind · Ernstrat # 495 · USA
Notes
Valiant Kind (Young, Patti) Soul. Referencing Vietnam. Rare Northern soul [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#55 Addis & Crofut A Ballad From Vietnam (The Rain on the Leaves) 1965 · Single · A Ballad From Vietnam (The Rain on the Leaves) / Simple Gifts · Columbia # 4-43744 · USA
Credited on the record as Addiss & Crofut.
Annotation
The Addiss and Crofut version of the song "A Ballad From Vietnam (The Rain on the Leaves)" (Decca Records # 4-43744), released in 1966, was originally written by Vietnamese songwriter Phạm Duy, and translated by Steve Addiss. It was first released by Mitch Miller in 1965: "A Ballad From Vietnam"). Addiss and Crofut visited South Vietnam in 1965, picking up folk songs along the way. As Billboard reported on 6 February 1965: "Bill Crofut and Steve Addiss, American folk singer on the Folkways label, are interviewed in Hue, Vietnam, for CBS-TV's Walter Cronkite show as Vietnamese students add their comments. Crofut and Addiss are touring Southeast Asia for the State Department".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Columbia 4-43744 (JZSP 115283), white "Not for Resale - Radio Station Copy" label, 45 RPM; "A Ballad From Vietnam / The Rain on the Leaves" (P. Duy - S. Addiss), 2:35, published by Melody Trails, Inc. (BMI), produced by John Hammond; credited to Addiss & Crofut. [From the record sleeve and labels]

1966

President Lyndon Baines Johnson meets with the South Vietnamese Prime minister, Nguyen Cao Ky, at the Honolulu Conference, 8 February 1966
Key Events: 1966In 1966 the US continued its extensive Rolling Thunder bombing campaigns of North Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and Cambodia. Moreover, the escalation of the ground war continued with increasing numbers of US troops sent to Vietnam. Johnson also encouraged its allies to send troops to help the US - Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines agreed. The UK and Canada refused.
  • 11 February: Johnson announces 200,000 troop increase
  • 19 March: South Korea sends another 20,000 troops
  • 1 September: French President de Gaulle denounces the war
  • 31 December: US military personal in Vietnam reaches 385,300

1966

#56 Connie Francis A Letter From a Soldier (Dear Mama) 1966 · Single · A Letter From a Soldier / Somewhere, My Love · MGM # K13545 · USA
Annotation
Connie Francis went on many USO tours, including to Vietnam. She said that "visiting and entertaining the troops in Vietnam was my most rewarding experience".1 Returning from Vietnam in the Christmas of 1967, she made hundreds of phone calls to the families of servicemen. She also toured Vietnam in the spring of 1968. In 1966 she recorded a promotion record for the army: "A Nurse in the US Army". The track "A Letter From a Soldier (Dear Mama)" (MGM Records # MGM 1320) was a heartfelt letter, exchanged between a soldier and his mother, as narrated by the sister. Billboard reported on the song, on 25 June 1966: "Slow building, dramatic lyric ballad is given a warm, emotional reading by Miss Francis for a chart-topping entry".2 It was arranged and conducted by Larry Wilcox, and recorded on 31 May 1966 in New York.3
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
MGM K13545 (100,600), black label with the rainbow M-G-M logo, "MGM Records – A Division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. – Made in U.S.A."; "A Letter From a Soldier (Dear Mama)" (Allen-Merrell), 2:50, Wanessa Music & Brookings Music, BMI; arranged by Larry Wilcox, produced by Tom Wilson. Issued in a green-and-white MGM Records company sleeve headed "The Greatest Name in Entertainment!", manufactured by MGM Records Division, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10019. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Mama just got a letter from Johnny
My brother in Vietnam...
Dear mama, as I lie here in far old Vietnam
I find that I'm thinking of you...
Now I know...how much you mean to me
Genre: ♪ Pop
#57 Mary Moultrie Last Year, Senior Prom (This Year, Viet Nam) 1966 · Single · Last Year, Senior Prom (This Year, Viet Nam) / They're Trying to Tear Us Apart · King # 6038 · USA
Annotation
In the soul song "Last Year, Senior Prom (This Year, Viet Nam)" (King Records # 6038), a woman recalled that just one year ago she was dancing with her man at the senior prom, but he is fighting in Vietnam. This was a soldier boy song, from the home front perspective. A highly collectable northern soul record.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Blue King "High Fidelity" label, 45-6038, matrix K-12113; "Last Year, Senior Prom (This Year, Viet Nam)" (T. Parker-M. Wilson), Your & Me-BMI, time 2:37. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It's spring again, wish you were here
How life can change in just a year
Last year senior prom, this year, Vietnam
Just a year ago tonight we danced and danced
You held me tight, last year senior prom...
Your letters say that your were doing fine
But I can read between the lines
I know I'm not the only girl that is waiting patiently
But you are half way around the world
And I want you here with me
You had to go, I'm proud of you
And you know I love you to
#58 The Charmels Please Uncle Sam (Send Back My Man) 1966 · Single · Please Uncle Sam / Something Sweet About My Baby · Volt # 45-142 · USA
Annotation
The Charmels - a US soul group formed in 1966 (possibly based in Memphis?), signed to the label Volt Records (# 45-142), an R & B subsidiary of Stax Records founded by Jim Stewart. It featured the four female vocalists Barbara McCoy, Mary Hunt, Mildred Pratchett, Eula Jean Rivers. Two of whom, Mary Hunt and Mildred Pratchett, previously sang in the mid-60s groups The Tonettes & the The Dixiebelles. In the song "Please Uncle Sam (Send Back My Man)" , written by ..., the narrator pleads with the US government to send her man back from war, as she is very lonely and all the couple's "sweet days are gone" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Volt 45-142 (VLT-11157-BW), "Plug Side", vocal, black-and-white label, "Distributed by Atco Records"; "Please Uncle Sam (Send Back My Man)" (Hayes - Porter), 2:30, Pub. East, BMI. In an Atlantic-Atco company sleeve headed "Distributed by the Atlantic-Atco Group". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Dear Uncle Sam, it's going to be cold this winter
I have no arms to keep me warm
All I have are memories of summer
And all those sweet days are gone
If you knew how much he meant to me...
Please send back my man, Uncle Sam
No need to sit by the telephone
Because it does not ring for me anymore...
I can't stand to hear our favourite song
The one we love to hear
The only thing that keeps spinning in my head
Don't worry baby, I still love you
I'll be back in a year
#59 Mitty Collier My Party 1966 · Single · My Party / I'm Satisfied · Chess # 1964 · USA
Annotation
Mitty Collier, southern soul singer from Birmingham, Alabama, released the song "My Party" (Chess Records # 1964), which had a female narrator who made a minor reference to a man "leaving me to the war across the sea" . She is holding a farewell party, and is "pretending to be glad" and holding her "head up high" , but she can't help be feel "really sad" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Chess 1964 (14468); "My Party" (Smith – Davis – Miner), Chevis Music, BMI, time 2:39; arranged by Phil Wright; produced by Davis, Smith & Miner under supervision of Billy Davis; "Mfg. by Chess Producing Corp., Chicago 16". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'm having a party and I'm pretending to be glad
But deep down inside I'm really sad
Because my love is leaving me to the war across the sea...
I'm having a party and I'm holding my head up high
Even though this kiss means goodbye...
I'm having a party, I'm going to love all night long
Cause days love tomorrow will be gone...
Don't stop my party, I want you for longer
#60 Sylvia Maddox Viet Nam Blues 1966 · Single · Got to Be Free / Viet Nam Blues · Duke # 408 · USA
Annotation
The track "Viet Nam Blues" appears to be the only single by the obscure R&B / soul singer Sylvia Maddox. Released on the Memphis, Tennessee label Duke Records (#408) in 1966, the song expressed a mother's loneliness, because "Uncle Sam has taken my baby...to Vietnam" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Duke 408 (UV 7227), orange label, 45 RPM; "Viet Nam Blues" (S. Crite), 2:30, Don Music Co., BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Uncle Sam has taken my baby
Shifted him to Vietnam
Ain't it so lonely here
When you take so many mother's sons
You can't love him, you can't hug him
You can't hold him close at night
You can't do little things the way you should
Well I'm sitting here writing letters
Theme: Anti-War
#61 Dorothy Norwood The Soldier From Viet Nam 1966 · Album · The Soldier From Viet Nam · Savoy # 14157 · USA
Annotation
The gospel song "The Soldier From Viet Nam" (Savoy Records # 14157) is one of the earliest tracks that referenced the M.I.A. / P.O.W. issue during the Vietnam era - most of them appeared from 1968 onwards. Performed by Dorothy Norwood, born in Atlanta, Georgia, she later moved to Chicago and performed with Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and the gospel group The Caravans. The recording sounds like it came from within a church, with the congregants clapping and singing along with the choir. It started with the story of a soldier "drafted to Vietnam" and his father (the minister of a church) being informed that "his son's missing in action" . However, he soon discovered that in fact "he is a prisoner of war" . The narration then switched to the first person, taking the perspective of the soldier. He told the listener that while a prison they gave him water and bread, and kept him in a dark room. The captors also "beat me and kicked me around" . Throughout his ordeal he depended on god and the prayers from people back home. Thus, this song contained a strong religious element.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
A soldier was drafted to Vietnam, whose father was a minister
After he was in the armed services for a few months his father received a telegram that said his son's missing in action...
A few days later the minister received another telegram saying that his son had been found, but he is a prisoner of war
As the tears began to role down the man's face, he began to talk to god...
One Sunday morning, while he was holding his services he looked back at the Church door and his son walked down the aisle...
I was over in Vietnam, I was a prisoner of war...
They gave me only bread and water to drink, they put me in a dark room where I couldn't see the light
They beat me and kicked me around
But somebody said a little prayer for me and I just stopped by here to let you know this
One thing, that the lord had brought me from a mighty long way
#62 Chuck Corby Bring My Daddy Home 1966 · Single · Bring My Daddy Home / City of Strangers · Sonic # 118 · USA
Credited on the record as Chuck Corby & The Entrees.
Annotation
The song "Bring My Daddy Home" - released on Joe Averbach's Pittsburgh label Sonic (# 118) - looked at how the war affected the children of soldiers. Chuck Corby, a white Italian-American, born Charles Anthony Ciorra, he had a strong soul sounding voice. In this song a young girl's father had to leave to "fight in some war" - no mention of which war. The girl's "mama cries all through the day" . So she said that she would "give you all my candy, all of my gum" - presumably to Uncle Sam or god - if whoever would "please bring my daddy home" . At the end of the song the father returns from the war. The soldier recalled that his daughter "held me with a warm embrace" and that her "mama's happy now" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Sonic No. 118 (18084), yellow label; "Bring My Daddy Home" (Corby – Phillips), Febe Music, BMI, 2:45; Chuck Corby & The Entrees. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
As I walked up to my porch last night
Through my window I saw a sad, sad sight
A little girl knelt by her bed all alone
She cried, my daddy never, never comes home
She cried, my daddy might not come back no more
Cause he had to go fight in some war
She said my mama cries all through the day
Every since my daddy, he went away
I can hear her crying: please bring my daddy home
My mama's crying cause she's all alone
I'll give you all my candy, all of my gum
If you bring my daddy back home to my mum
And as I walked into the door that night
She ran up and held me oh so tight
Tears were rolling all down her face
And she held me with a warm embrace
She cried: chee, my daddy is home
My mama's happy now she's not alone
I don't need candy and I don't need my gum
Cause you brought my daddy home to my mum
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾
#63 Kitty Hawkins Good-Bye to Viet Nam 1966 · Single · Good-Bye to Viet Nam / I Hate Myself · Capa # 130 · USA
Annotation
The song "Good-Bye to Viet Nam" (Capa Records # CAPA 130) sung by country singer Kitty Hawkins, contained patriotic elements, as well as showing concern for those left on the home front. Billboard reported in December 1965 that this track answered Johnnie Wright's "Hello Vietnam" - in fact, Tom T. Hall wrote both songs, so he answered himself!1 The phenomenal success of "Hello Vietnam" no doubt encouraged him to continue the story. Billboard reported on 15 January 1966 that "Hawkins of Capa Records is making noise in several big markets with her 'Goodbye Vietnam'".2 It also got released in Australia, on W & G Records (WG-S-2581), somewhat of a rare occurrence for an obscure country artist (see Good-Bye to Vietnam).3 However, this single did not chart. In the first part of the song, the narrator recalled that her man, called Johnny, had being drafted to Vietnam to "keep our country free" . But finally the time had arrived for him to return home.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Capa Records CAPA 130 A1 (SoN 26141), red and yellow onion-dome label; "Good-Bye to Viet Nam" (Tom T. Hall), 3:24, New Keys Music, BMI; distributed by Sound of Nashville Inc. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
You spend a lot of time here in my arms
When Johnny says goodbye to Vietnam...
When Johnny said goodbye that night
And said hello to Vietnam to fight
It nearly broke my heart to see him go
But now my darling Johnny is coming home...
He heard the bugle call and went away
He said we had to keep our country free
But now he's coming home to be with me
He asked me to be strong and wait for him
I've written to him every day since then
But soon my waiting for him will be through
For Johnny says he will be returning soon
English
A list of Tom T. Hall Vietnam War compositions:
Johnnie Wright - "Hello Vietnam" - a soldier headed out to war.
Kitty Hawkins - "Goodbye to Vietnam" - a soldier returned to the US.
Dave Dudley - "Then I'll Come Home Again" - a soldier will return home after doing his duty.
Dave Dudley - "What We're Fighting For" - soldier justified the conflict in Vietnam.
Maybelle Carter - "I Told Them What You're Fighting For" - a mother justified son's role in Vietnam.
Tom T. Hall - "Girls in Saigon City" - warned that GIs visited Vietnamese girls in Saigon.
Jimmy Snyder - "Chicago Story" - a soldier goes to Vietnam, while his wife started an affair back home.
George Kent - "Mama Bake a Pie" - a wounded veteran criticised the human cost of the war.
Show full lyrics (25 lines) ▾
#64 Loretta Lynn Christmas Without Daddy 1966 · Album · Country Christmas · Decca # DL-74817 · USA
Annotation
Country singer Loretta Lynn included the Vietnam track "Christmas Without Daddy" (Decca Records # DL 74817) on her festive album. It is narrated from the perspective of a soldier's wife. She said that Christmas would be "sadness mixed with joy...blue and all alone" . The soldier's son "wrote to Santa" , asking for his father to be sent home, as him present. Thus, this song represented the impact of the war on families in the US.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Christmas Day is getting closer but there's sadness mixed with joy
Every day a few more questions from our little girl and boy
Not alone but there'll be lonely for their daddy won't be here...
We'll send a prayer and all our love to you so far away
Your son just wrote to Santa asked him to send you home
Yes Christmas without daddy we'll be blue and all alone
#65 Susan Wheeler A Christmas Prayer 1966 · Single · A Christmas Prayer / Carols for Christmas · Country Corner # 45-804 · USA
Annotation
The song "A Christmas Prayer" (Country Corner Records # 45-804) referenced the Vietnam War. Like the well-known Becky Lamb (discussed above), a young Susan Wheeler sung this track - although Wheeler is older, 12 at the time of recording. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported on 7 October 1967, a year after this record, that: "Susan recorded two songs on Country Corner label, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "A Child's Request." So far, this record has been played on WCLU, WZIP and WMOH. Although she does sing mostly religious music, Susan likes "almost any kind," including rock'n' roll....A freshman at Greenhills, Susan hopes to "keep on singing and recording and possibly attend a school of music after graduation"....teenager, Susan Wheeler, 13, believes in accentuating the positive. The youngest of nine children, Susan was a polio victim. However, she didn't let this setback discourage her. When misfortune comes along, Susan believes, "You shouldn't let it bother you or get you down. Just keep on going." At six, Susan started taking singing lessons, and one of her first public appearances was on the Skipper Ryle show when she was seven or eight. She frequently sings at local churches and performs at charity drives".1

The song started out with sound-effects, of bombs dropping, and then a man speaks, narrating from the perspective of a soldier who told the listener that he "had to go to Vietnam" - presumably because of the draft. The lyrics did not contain any political position. Then the girl jumped in with her song. She prayed to god "please bring daddy home for Christmas" . Lyrics credited to Wayne-Barnett. Released in Cincinatti, Ohio.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Country Corner Records 45-804, side 1, matrix 1335-45-804-A, black label with silver print; "A Christmas Prayer" (Wayne-Barnett), 3:02, Jimmie Skinner Music, BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I had to go to Vietnam just one year ago
It was a round Christmas and my heart was full of tears and joys
And a vision just last night I saw my family there
And my precious baby girl was kneeling down in prayer
Dear god up there in heaven bring my daddy home
We miss him since he went away to fight in Vietnam
Other kids have their daddy's, god I wish I had my...
Bring daddy home for Christmas so he can be with me
To help me hang my stocking and help us trim our tree
You know I love my daddy and miss him all the time
Dear god, please bring daddy home for Christmas time
Dear god its been so lonesome with daddy gone so long...
When mummy sees his picture she just has to cry
Genre: ♪ Country
#66 Ted Hart Christmas Flowers 1966 · Single · Christmas Flowers / The Christmas Letter · Hartco # TH-001 · USA
Annotation
The song "The Christmas Letter" (Hartco Records # TH-002), narrated by Little Teresa Ann, also 6 years of age, like the famous Becky Lamb, dealt with the Vietnam War. The label, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, released song-poems - song lyrics that have been set to music for a fee.1 Sam Mattie wrote the lyrics. The girl told the listener that her father fought in Vietnam: "daddy left us a year ago to fight in Vietnam...dodging bullets and grenades" . While the other kids wrote to Santa Clause asking for toys, Teresa Ann only wanted "daddy by my side" . So this provided another representation of how the war impacted on the children and families of soldiers away from home. And once again, it displayed the exploitation of a child for commercial advantage. Produced by Ted Hart, presumably the owner of the record label.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hartco Records, 307 N. Blvd., Baton Rouge, La., yellow label with heart logo; Hartco Pub., BMI; prod. by Ted Hart; "Christmas Flowers" (Sam Mattie), Ted Hart, 2:58 (TH-001, 236-1984); flip "The Christmas Letter" (Sam Mattie), Little Teresa Ann, 3:04 (TH-002, 236-1985). [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
All I want for Christmas is daddy home with me...
Dear Santa, while all the other kids are writing letters to you for all their Christmas toys
I decided to write a letter to you too...
Daddy left us a year ago to fight in Vietnam
And he's been dodging bullets and grenades and many other kind of bombs
And as I sit here crying with tears in my eyes all I want for Christmas is daddy by my side Santa
I am only six years old
And daddy's 24, but I'd give up all the toys in this world if he'd walk through our door
I know I am sort of selfish and jealous...
But Santa clause, I love my dad, and I'll love him to the end....
I want to thank god for keeping him safe and sound and for maybe he'll be home next year when Christmas comes around...
I want you to know that I am happy in just a little childish way
For even if daddy is not with us like other dads I see, I know his love is with us
#67 Jimmy Strickland Letter to the President 1966 · Single · Letter to the President / If You Talk in Your Sleep
Notes
Country narration, home front perspective. Leans anti-war
I'm at the White House sorting through mail, letter from a mother.
Wondering if she will see her son again - had four sons.
1st son died in WW2, 2nd in Korea, 3rd in Panama.
Now 4th son in Vietnam - please send him home.
#68 Higgie Cargile My Buddy Over There 1966 · Single · My Buddy Over There / Lost Weekend · E&M # 2907 · USA
Notes
- Country, home front perspective
- My buddy was sent over there
- Will the land be free? [patriotic sentiment]
- He can't come back

- Discogs lists Lost Weekend as side A and My Buddy Over There as side B. Published by Tenneva Music, Inc. (A) and Acuff & Rose (B). [From Discogs]

E&M Recording Company, Vocal 2907 (618E-3205, TK4M-3205), 3:01; (Pee Wee Maddox); Acuff & Rose, BMI. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#69 Gene Morgan Lonesome Soldier 1966 · Single · Lonesome Soldier / Ten Wheeler Blues · Gemini # 824P-3713 · USA
Notes
- Country, home front perspective
- Soldier called sweetheart on the phone
- I hope to return, please wait for me

- Gemini 824P-3713 (TK4M-3713), black label; "Lonesome Soldier" (Garland Gaddy-Allen Lockridge-Patricia Powell), 2:23, Playridge Music, BMI; Gene Morgan; produced by G. Gaddy, A. Lockridge and E. Mastin. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#70 Patsy Montana Goodnight Soldier 1966 · Single · Goodnight Soldier / Steppin' Out · Presta # 45-1007 · USA
Notes
- Teen pop country
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Originally released in 1944 - WW2
- Soldier boy type song - home front perspective

- Presta Records 45-1007, Presta International Corp., cream label; "Goodnight Soldier" (Harry Johnson), 2:10, Prestalane Pub. Co. - BMI; Patsy Montana; produced by Earl Perrin. Rim text: "Div. Buena Vista Productions • 29 E. Monterey Way • Phoenix, Arizona • Made in U.S.A." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#71 B. J. Thomas Billy and Sue 1966 · Single · Billy and Sue / Never Tell · Hickory # 45-P-1395 · USA
Credited on the record as B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs.
Annotation
The song "Billy and Sue" (Hickory Records # 45-P-1395) by B.J. Thomas.

About a high school couple. Billy drafted to fight in the war for his country. While gone, Sue met someone else, and sent Billy a Dear John letter, which broke his heart. He was killed why fighting. He died of a bullet and broken heart.

This is a story about Billy and Sue

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hickory, "Hickory Records, Inc., Nashville, Tenn.", rainbow-stripe label; "Billy and Sue" (Mark Charron), 2:48, Hornet Music BMI; "A Zenith Production", arr. Glenn Spreen; B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
This is a story about Billy and Sue
They were as in love as were any two
And yet Billy had to die
And when you hear the reason why
You'll hang your head and cry
Billy and Sue met the first day of school...
And when Billy was old enough to take a wife
He was old enough to fight for his country...
Sue's letters came everyday, strengthened his cause
To fight for his country and the girl he loved...
But then Billy heard no more from Sue
He was worried sick but what could he do
The bullets were screaming as he hugged the ground
And back home Sue was runnin' round...
And then like a miracle the letter appeared
Billy tore the letter open and he read Dear John...
And even though the air was filled with lead
Billy jumped up, they shot him dead
Billy was buried in a far away grave
It read for his country his life he gave
But that epitaph was only a part
He didn't die from a bullet
But he died from a broken heart
Show full lyrics (24 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#72 Little Teresa Ann The Christmas Letter 1966 · Single · Christmas Flowers / The Christmas Letter · Hartco # TH-002 · USA
Notes
Hartco Records, 307 N. Blvd., Baton Rouge, La., yellow label with heart logo; Hartco Pub., BMI; prod. by Ted Hart; "Christmas Flowers" (Sam Mattie), Ted Hart, 2:58 (TH-001, 236-1984); flip "The Christmas Letter" (Sam Mattie), Little Teresa Ann, 3:04 (TH-002, 236-1985). [From the record sleeve and labels]
#73 Colleen Lovett Freckle-Faced Soldier 1966 · Single · Freckle-Faced Soldier / Go-Go Girl · Dot # 16832 · USA
Credited on the record as Colleen Lovett with Teddy Phillips' Orch..
Notes
Freckle-Faced Soldier (Lovett, Colleen)

Psychedelic folk. Soldier boy song. California, USA.
Young man, 18 off to war. Writes letter home from Vietnam.
Proud to serve even if too young to vote.
KIA - family received a medal of honor, they gave it to the soldier's sweetheart.
Notes
US issue: Dot 45-16832 (MB-20641), "Ultra High Fidelity" black Dot label dated 2-66; "Freckle-Faced Soldier" (C. Lovett–T. Phillips), Wood River Music Co., ASCAP, time 2:12; Colleen Lovett with Teddy Phillips' Orch.; "Dot Records, Inc., Hollywood, California – A Division of Paramount Pictures Corporation". The Japanese picture sleeve, Dot SJET-1093 (SDOT-1016), "Stereo / Golden Couple Series", bills "帰らぬ少年兵 / 恋する少年兵" ("Freckle-Faced Soldier" / "Wait For Me, Sue") sung by コリーン・ラベット, and its back prints the full English lyrics of both songs: "Freckle-Faced Soldier" tells of an eighteen-year-old who writes home from Vietnam, then never writes again, his mother receiving a medal of honour, while "Wait For Me, Sue" tells of a girl waiting after a "Missing in action" telegram.

"Manufactured by Victor Record Company Ltd., Japan, by agreement with Cosdel Inc."; 発売元 日本ビクター株式会社; price ¥400. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Today his first letter from Vietnam came
It looked like a teardrop
His photo beside my name
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#74 Wanda Rouzan Here's a Letter From Home 1966 · Single · Here's a Letter From Home / Long Time No See · Frisco # 115 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Here's a Letter From Home (Rouzan, Wanda) Frisco Records, Inc. # 115

Soldier boy song. Soul. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.1
Member of The Rouzan Sisters - who released the Vietnam-era song Men of War
How I miss you. Been spending time with your family.
We are all praying you'll return home soon.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Frisco Records, Inc. Record No. 115 (178-1713), pink label with suspension-bridge design; "Here's a Letter From Home" (Al Reed), 2:58, Frisco & Chervalin BMI; distributed by Dover Records, Inc., New Orleans, La. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#75 Wilma Lee A Hero's Death 1966 · Single · A Hero's Death / Three Widows · Decca # 32032 · USA
Notes
Hero's Death, A (Lee, Wilma)

Country. Born West Virginia. Died in Tennessee.
A-side: old man at station to meet his son, in a coffin - KIA. Died a hero, a soldier.
B-side: tribute to the widows of JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald, and J.D. Tippit.
Notes
Decca Record No. 32032 (117,717), pink promotional label marked "Promotion Copy, Not for Sale", Mfd. by Decca Records, Inc., New York; "A Hero's Death" (Lynn Davis), 2:55, Acuff-Rose Publ. Inc., BMI; vocal with instrumental accompaniment. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#76 Charlie Moore & Bill Napier I'll Be Home 1966 · Album · Country Music Goes To Vietnam · King # 982 · USA
Notes
Both songs - featured on the LP Country Music Goes to Viet Nam.
Notes
King 982.

The front cover is titled "Country Music Goes to Viet Nam" and, on a central panel, "Country Music Goes to War, sung by Moore & Napier", flanked by the seals of the United States Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force on a red, white and blue stars-and-stripes design with silhouetted warplanes and tanks; the bottom slogans read "Moore & Napier sing red blooded songs" and "War songs for the true American".

Tracks listed on the cover: God Please Protect America, Is This a Useless War, Banjo Bugle, A Soldier's Prayer, Next Sunday Darling Is My Birthday, A Soldier's Grave, I'll Be Home, Filipino Baby, Have I Come Home to Die, Five String Special, Down Where the River Bends, When the Roses Bloom Again. The related single label for "Is This a Useless War" is King 45-6036 (K-45-12104), High Fidelity, blue label, (Moore-Napier), Soil-BMI, time 2:04, credited to Charlie Moore and Bill Napier. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#77 Johnny Bond A Letter From Home 1966 · Album · Country Music Goes to War · Starday # SLP-374 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jody Songs
#78 Joe Medwick Letter to a Buddie 1966 · Single · Letter to a Buddie / Stealing · Boogaloo # 1002 · USA
Annotation
"Letter to a Buddie" (... # 55101) by Joe Medwick, released in 1963 - contained an early reference to Vietnam. Also released on Houston, Texas label Boogaloo Records (# 1002) - this was probably the original release, with Medwick based in Texas, and the song being picked up by the larger New York based label ....
Born 22 June 1931, Houston, TX, United States
Died 12 April 1992, Houston, TX, United States1

spoken-word. soulful, blues background music.

Don't forget to write, by by buddy"
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
East-West 55101 (EW 1), cream label; "Letter to a Buddie", Joe Medwick, "Vocal With Instrumental Accompaniment"; Hudson-Dart & Crazy Cajun Mus.; produced by Henry Meaux; East-West Music, Inc., 1619 B'way, N.Y.C. 10019. No writer credit or time printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Dear buddy, there ain't much going on here
I sure do envy you over there in Vietnam
Right in the thick of things
Bet you never have a dull moment out there old boy
Say, I went to see your wife last night
Read all your letters, it was a little bit mushy, but I don't blame you
Sally is a swell girl, I wonderful figure, good looks, what a personality
You know the guys still whistle at her when she walks down the street
Oh, your brother-in-law Sam dropped in
He was wearing that brown suit you bought just before you left
Sally gave it to him because she thought it would be out of style by time you got back...
Oh one of the guys bought your golf clubs, he paid Sally $25 for the set
That's a lot more she got for your movie projector and camera...
Of course I thought she would be a little shook up after her accident
In your Mustang, but you would never know she was in a head-on collision
She tore your car all to pieces...too bad she forgot to pay the insurance...
She wasn't a bit worried...especially her willingness to mortgage the house...
It's a good thing you ave up power of attorney before you left
Back to the party, you seen of Sally doing that impression...
I was still going strong when we all said goodbye to her and Clive
You know Clive is rooming in the house now...
There's nothing new with me...well old boy it's getting late so I guess I better stop
I can see through the window across the street over to your front porch
Sally and Clive are having a night cap, and Clive is wearing your old smoking jacket
Well I sure wish I could be there with you but you lucky stiff you...
Don't forget to write, by by buddy
Show full lyrics (27 lines) ▾
#79 Sheri Layne Me, Jimmy and Johnny 1966 · Single · Me, Jimmy and Johnny / Sing Out · Decca # 31942 · USA
Notes
Me, Jimmy and Johnny (Layne, Sheri)

Narrated from female childhood friend of two men drafted to Vietnam.
Both killed in action (KIA)
Soldier boy theme. Teen pop.

Decca Records # 31942
Notes
Decca Record No. 31942 (117,113), pink label marked "Promotion Copy, Not for Sale"; "Me, Jimmy and Johnny" (Russ Edwards, Frank Joseph), 2:27, A.M.G. Music Inc. (AS); "Vocal With Chorus And Instrumental Accompaniment"; produced by Russ Edwards for Madara-White Productions; "Mfg'd by Decca Records, Inc., New York, U.S.A.". Supplied in a red-striped Decca Records company sleeve ("A Division of MCA Inc., New York, N.Y., USA"). [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#80 Don Lanier My Little Boy's Hands 1966 · Single · My Little Boy's Hands / I Wanna Go Somewhere · Reprise # 525 · USA
Notes
My Little Boy's Hands (Lanier, Don)

Country. Home front perspective, religion
Wansn't easy raiding a boy alone
Too young to vote, but not to hold a gun and fight in the war
May the hands of god protect him and bring him home from Vietnam
Notes
Reprise 0525 (J4347), white "Promotion – Not for Sale" label, "Made in U.S.A. – Warner Bros. Records, Inc."; "My Little Boy's Hands" (Randi–Clifford), Andonar Music, BMI, 2:52; arranged and produced by Don Randi. Housed in a Reprise / Warner Bros. Records, Inc. company sleeve. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#81 Donna Loren Play Little Music Box Play 1966 · Single · Play Little Music Box Play / I Believe · Capitol # 5659 · USA
Notes
Play Little Music Box Play (Loren, Donna)

Traditional pop, home front perspective, religion
He gave me a music box before he left.
Can't help remember the day he left
Notes
Capitol 5659 (45-55791), yellow-and-red swirl label, "Mfd. by Capitol Records, Inc., U.S.A."; "Play Little Music Box Play" (Billy Page), 2:45, American Music, Inc. BMI; produced by Al de Lory; arranged and conducted by Gene Page. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#82 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
Also in: ▤ Polka songs
#83 Ronnie Wallis Sailor Boy 1966 · Single · How It All Began / Sailor Boy · Decca # 31930 · USA
Notes
Sailor Boy (Wallis, Ronnie)

Sailor / soldier boy song. Mid-1960s
Girl group / teen pop sound
Notes
Decca Record No. 31930 (116,332), pink promotional label marked "Promotion Copy Not For Sale"; "Sailor Boy" (Artie Butler), Trio Music Co. Inc. (BMI), 2:44; Ronnie Wallis, vocal with chorus and orchestra directed by Artie Butler. Issued in a Decca "a new world of sound" company sleeve, the reverse advertising "New Mono and Stereo Decca albums you'll want to own" by Burl Ives, Brenda Lee, Rick Nelson and the Kingston Trio. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#84 Christy Bogart Sweet and Tender Boy 1966 · Single · Not a Word of It Was True / Sweet and Tender Boy · Atco # 45-6456 · USA
Notes
Sweet and Tender Boy (Bogart, Christy)

Folk / psychedelic pop
Sweetheart: my man has died in battle.
Why? I miss him.
Vietnam-era

Billboard December 1966
Notes
Atco Records 45-6456 (66C-11219-PL), 45 RPM, vocal, white label; "Sweet and Tender Boy" (Bogart), Pub. Pronto, BMI, time 2:45; arranged and directed by Bob Gallo; "A Marney Production", Sid Lukas, producer; Division of Atlantic Records, New York, N.Y. Issued in an Atco company sleeve with the yellow Atco logo and an all-over "Atco" pattern. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#85 Bonnie Guitar The Tallest Tree 1966 · Single · The Tallest Tree / Are You Sincere · Dot # 45-16919 · USA
Notes
Tallest Tree (Bonnie Guitar)

Traditional pop.
Mother had three sons. Takes time to grow them, like a tree.
WW2 took the eldest.
Korea took the next son.
The final son went to Vietnam - KIA
Notes
Dot 45-16919 (MB-21124), black "Ultra High Fidelity" label; "The Tallest Tree" (R. Antonio), 3:12, Rapport Music, Inc. & Acclaim, BMI; produced by Bonnie Guitar, George Richey and Randy Wood. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#86 Judy Lynn Transistor Tape Recorder 1966 · Single · Transistor Tape Recorder / That Was in the Deal · Musicor # MU-1183 · USA
Credited on the record as Judy Lynn with Benny Barnes.
Notes
Transistor Tape Recorder (Lynn, Judy)

Country, home front / soldier's perspective
Christmas reference
Transistor tape recorder for Christmas present
Now I can hear you say "I Love You" from Vietnam
Notes
Musicor MU 1183 (ZTSP-122079), white promotion copy ("Promotion Copy", "Not for Sale"); "Transistor Tape Recorder" (M. Kliewer - J. Lynn), Glad Music Co., BMI, time 2:38; Judy Lynn with Benny Barnes; produced by "Pappy" Daily & Tommy Jackson. Musicor Records, a division of Talmadge Productions, Inc., New York, N.Y. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#87 The Fantaisions G.I. Joe, We Love You 1966 · Single · G.I. Joe, We Love You / Wait · Thomas # 308 · USA
Notes
G.I. Joe, We Love You (Fantasions)

Girl group
Notes
Label: Thomas Records 308. Credits: Arranged By, Producer – Burgess Gardner; Producer – Monk Higgins. Publishers: Arc Music, Ala King, Cragvee. Discogs note: A side written by Richard 'Popcorn' Wylie. Label prints group name as 'The Fantasions'. Second YouTube upload: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqBdG97ao0
#88 Hy Tyde A Message to the Soldiers 1966 · Single · A Message to the Soldiers / Innocent · GATIT # 201 · USA
Notes
- Soul, released in Jamaica, New York, USA
- We're proud of you
- Hang in there soldier boy
- Back home thinking of you

- Label printed GATIT on both sides; Discogs also files it under GetIt Records, Inc. (described by Discogs as a 1960s soul label from Jamaica, New York - label's city, not confirmed as the group's). Cat. nos. 201 (A) / 202 (B). Publisher: Zerott Music (BMI). Writer: Preston Foster (both sides). A March 1966 Cash Box ad listed 'Innocent' as the A-side. April 1966 Record World review called the 201 side 'an upbeat tune geared to pep up the US soldiers on the warring fronts.' B-side Innocent 2:50.
#89 The Martin Sisters Only Seventeen 1966 · Single · Only Seventeen / Mother, Mother (I Feel Sick) · Barry # 1006 · USA
Notes
Doo-wop, girl group.

"Only Seventeen" - boyfriend wants to be a marine, to get a gun and go to battle, for his country. Fills me with pride. But my selfish heart is glad that he is only seventeen.
Notes
Barry Records 1006 (Discogs copy is a promo). Published by Maureen Music / Wemar Music Corp. (BMI). Manufactured by Deb Mor Sales Corp. Matrix AX 107 / AX 108 (etched AX-107 / AX-108). Label credits 'G. Evans - J. Simmons'. B-side written by Joe Simmons, 2:01. Barry Records was a 1960s New York City label owned by Hy Weiss (label city, not artist's).
#90 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.
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
#91 Charlotte Morgan He's Coming Home (From Viet Nam) 1966 · Single · He's Coming Home (From Viet Nam) / That's When a Heartache Happened · Upland # E-665 · USA
Notes
"He's Coming Home (From Viet Nam)"

Home front perspective, narrated from sweetheart of soldier.
Soldier K.I.A. after 6 months
Drafted to Vietnam
Plane landing, picking up flag-draped coffin.
Notes
Upland E-665, promo; published by Sandlick Music Co.

Label: Sandlick Music, BMI; time 2:40; written by T. Morgan; produced by Pinnacle Productions; matrix T4KM-7457 / 643P-7457. Part of the label is torn by the centre hole ("…om: Featuring …aron & Kaye"). [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#92 The Singers Johnny's Noel 1966 · Single · That's What Christmas Is / Johnny's Noel · Date # 2-1540 · USA
Notes
- "Johnny's Noel - to the tune of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
- Battle continues, he won't be home

- Date 2-1540; published by Plymouth Music Co. and Music, Music, Music Inc. Sung to the tune of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home": the battle goes on and Johnny will not be home for Christmas.
#93 Various Artists Vietnam With the American Fighting Man 1966 · Album · Documentary # LP 930 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Documentary LP, featuring spoken-word narration, field recordings, interviews, and educational information ( Documentary Recordings ), released in San Diego, California, USA, it came with a 16-page booklet attached to the gatefold. Written in the booklet: "This album is a record of brave Americans living and fighting in a strange land far from their homes / It's not history / Or political tract / Or pure entertainment / It is an attempt to share a deep, awesome and personal experience - that of the American fighting men in a Vietnam war" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#94 Gerard W. Purcell Associates Press Conference 1966 · Album · LBJ in the Catskills · Warner Bros. # W 1662 · USA
Notes
Comedy - reference to Vietnam in the track "Press Conference" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Themes: LBJ Satire
#95–102 Johnnie Wright Country Music Special 1966 · Album · Decca # DL 74770 · USA
All 3 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#95 Johnnie Wright The Ballad of the Green Berets 1966 · Album · Country Music Special · Decca # DL 74770 · USA
Notes
note: catalogue songs [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#101 Johnnie Wright You're Over There (And I'm Over Here) 1966 · Album · Country Music Special · Decca # DL 74770 · USA
Notes
note: catalogue songs [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#102 Johnnie Wright Bombs and Missiles 1966 · Album · Country Music Special · Decca # DL 74770 · USA
Notes
note: catalogue songs [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Atomic
Genre: ♪ Country
#96 Phyllis Ann He's Off to Vietnam 1966 · Single · Spinner # 246 · USA
Notes
He's Off to Vietnam (Phyllis Ann) Home front perspective, missing partner off to fight in VN. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Spinner, P.O. Box 2095, Columbus, Ohio. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#97 Red Ellis Where We'll Never Fight Again 1966 · Single · Where We'll Never Fight Again / A Soldier's Dream · Pathway # P-1017 · USA
Notes
Gospel bluegrass. Michigan. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#98 Jimmy Payne A Dirty War 1966 · Single · I'll Cry Instead / A Dirty War · Alley # 650A-4748 · USA
Notes
Rockabilly [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#99 Paul Simpkins A Surgeon's Prayer in Wartime 1966 · Single · Letter to the Teacher / A Surgeon's Prayer in Wartime · Universal [Montgomery] # U-001 · USA
Notes
Narrative - prayer to god to help the doctors. Providing care to the soldiers. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Religion
#100 Haydon Thompson A Present for Mommy 1966 · Single · A Present for Mommy / You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry · Kapp # K-795 · USA
Notes
Rockabilly, home front perspective. Little boy need money to buy mum present, selling his dog. Dad is overseas in Vietnam. We miss him and hope he make it back. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#103 Dr. Arthur S. Flemming, Dr. Robert S. Bilheimer Vietnam Appeal of the National Council of Churches 1966 · Single · Vietnam Appeal of the National Council of Churches / Action Steps for the Local Church · Americom Corp. · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Spoken-word flexi disc, "Vietnam Appeal of the National Council of Churches". [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Packet "Vietnam: An Appeal for Debate and Action", National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, 1966: one 33 1/3 rpm flexi-disc, six pamphlets and an instructor's guide; flexi B-side "Action Steps for the Local Church". [From an Amazon listing of the packet and Rate Your Music]
Theme: Religion

1967

Martin Luther King Jr. at a press conference following his famous anti-Vietnam War speech "Beyond Vietnam: A time to Break Silence", 4 April 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. Motown Records released the speech on their sub-label Black Forum Records, titled "Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam" in October 1970, which won the 1971 Grammy for spoken-word.
Key EventsUS troop numbers increased over 1967, as more large land offensives were launched, and bombing continued over North Vietnam (108,000 sorties, and 226,000 tonnage). Johnson created the Civil Operations Revolutionary Development Support (CORDS), to further integrate military operations with US pacification programs (to win 'hearts and minds'). The US also pursued a mass aid program for South Vietnam, with American goods and cash flowing into country, increasing the Americanisation of the south. While the pace and size of anti-war demonstrations in the US increased in 1967, a majority of public opinion (according to the polls) supported Johnson's escalation.
  • 13 February 1967: US resumes bombing campaign of the North
  • 22 February 1967: Beginning of largest US offensive - Operation Junction City
  • 8 March 1967: Congress authorises $4.5 billion for the war
  • 4 April 1967: Martin Luther King anti-war speech
  • 15 April 1967: Mass anti-war demonstrations in New York ad other cities, attended by King
  • 30 June 1967: US troop levels reach 448,800
  • 21 October 1967: March on the Pentagon
  • 31 December 1967: 485,600 US troops in Vietnam

1967

#104 Cathy Cass What It's Like in Vietnam 1967 · Single · Pardon My Heartache / What It's Like in Vietnam · Wayside # 1001 · USA
Annotation
The song "What's It Like in Vietnam" (Wayside Records # WS-1001) by Cathy Cass, a country / pop singer from Waltham, Massachusetts, born in 1946. The track falls into the plight of the soldier category, with the narrator pledging her love for her man, fighting in Vietnam, and asking him what it is like out there:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Wayside Records 1001 (picture sleeve WS-1001), 45 R.P.M., (SO: 3426); "What It's Like in Vietnam" (Buck Carney & Buzz Whittica), 3:00, Reeds Ferry Music BMI; Cathy Cass, vocal, with "Choral Group: The Songsmiths"; "Produced by: Ray Fournier"; Wayside Records, 49 Concord Street, Maynard, Massachusetts; black label with silver watermill logo.

The picture sleeve front shows a photograph of Cathy Cass with a twelve-string acoustic guitar, titled "Pardon My Heartache b/w What It's Like in Viet Nam".

The back carries a letter from Wayside Records introducing "19-year-old Miss Cathy Cass" from Massachusetts, then appearing every Sunday at the Lone Star Ranch, Reeds Ferry, New Hampshire, alongside Webb Pierce, Kitty Wells and Hank Williams, Jr. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
While I've got you on my mind I'm sending you this line
To let you know that everything is okay
Though we had to change our plans and you left for Vietnam
I'm praying you'll be home real soon to stay...
Don't you worry dear for me because I'm waiting patiently...
I don't have to tell you honey that I'm proud of you indeed
Write me when you can, let me know that your my mine
Tell me what it's like out there in Vietnam
Genre: ♪ Country
#105 Thelma Houston Dont Cry My Soldier Boy 1967 · Single · Don't Cry, My Soldier Boy / Let's Try to Make It (Just Once More) · Capitol # 5882 · USA
Annotation
The song "Don't Cry My Soldier Boy" (Capitol Records # 5882) focused on a soldier off to fight overseas and the narrator (girlfriend / wife) promised the soldier that she will be waiting for him on his return. Smooth soul singer Thelma Houston, born in Mississippi in 1946, relocated to California where she joined the group Art Reynolds Singers on Capitol Records. She then moved to the Motown sub-label MoWest. This song, released during the Vietnam escalation, was a cover of the 1962 single "Don't Cry My Soldier Boy" (King Records # 5597) by the girl-group The Shondells.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Capitol P 5882, matrix 45-57120, yellow "Promotion Record — Not for Sale" pressing; "Don't Cry My Soldier Boy" (Marvin Phillips), 2:40, Garpax Music, Inc. & Lois Publishing Company, BMI; produced by Gary Paxton. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Darling even though you leave me soon
There is just one thing I want you to know is really true
And that is I will be waiting when you come home
Don't cry my soldier boy
Because I'll be waiting....
Sailing across the sea
You left my heart in misery
But someday you will return
#106 The Shelletts My Soldier Boy Over There 1967 · Single · My Soldier Boy Over There / Something I'm Doing Wrong · Eagle # E-102 · USA
Credited on the record as La'Shell & Shelletts.
Annotation
La'Shell & Shelletts (who also recorded under the name The Shelletts), offered their take on the soldier boy theme, with the song "My Soldier Boy Over There" (Eagle Records # E-102). It was also released on the Canadian label Power (# PN-1002), who took out a small advert in Billboard on 11 February 1967 promoting the single. A later edition, on 18 March, announced that "My Soldier Boy Over There...has been picked for broadcast by the US Armed Services Network". In the song the narrator promises to stay true to her loved one fighting the war. She recalls that fearful moment when "you were chosen by Uncle Sam" and the realisation "that it was Vietnam" [. The track was arranged by Richard Tee (who did the Tony Mason song "Take Good Care"), and it was co-written by E. McNeill & K. O'Brien.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Eagle Record Co. – Inc., 1697 Broadway, N.Y.C.; E-102 A (C-102 A); "My Soldier Boy Over There" (E. McNeill – K. O'Brien), Teashea BMI, time 2:42; arranged by Richard Tee; credited to La'Shell & Shelletts. Cream label with red eagle. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My soldier boy, oh how I miss you
My soldier boy, oh how I long for you
Oh my darling, I wish that you were here
My soldier boy, I know it's really rough over there
But when the fight is over I'll be waiting just for you
Oh my darling, I really love you so
Can't stand this anymore
My darling, when you were chosen by Uncle Sam
I know at that very moment that it was Vietnam
God in heaven knows whenever I think of you
I feel all alone, wondering what shall I do
#107 The Fawns Wish You Were Here With Me 1967 · Single · Wish You Were Here With Me / Nothing But Love Can Save Me · New Frontiers # NF 4401 · USA
Annotation
The song "Wish You Were Here With Me" (Cap City Records # CC-105) by the Washington D.C. soul group The Fawns, featuring the three sisters Ann, Avis & Mildred Harrell. Also released on the DC label New Frontiers (# NF 4401). It told the story of a woman left on the home front longing for her man "in Vietnam, fighting for your country" . Many men are trying to temp her, but she promised to "be true and only love you" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Orange New Frontiers NF 4401; "Wish You Were Here With Me" (L. Barbour - E. Todd), time 2:58, Euberto Music (BMI); "A G.E.L. Prod.", arranged by F. Perrin. Also issued on Cap City CC-105 (pink label, CC-105-A; Three Part Music (BMI), 2:58; "Nationally Distributed by Scepter/Wand Records"). New Frontiers is the original issue. [From the labels of both issues]
Lyrics
English
Your in Vietnam, fighting for your country
Missing your life, oh what a sacrifice
I promise to be true and only love you
Wish you were here with me
To hold me, and kiss me, and love the way you used to do
As you read my letter there is something you must know
Another man I was tempted to go
But a voice from within wouldn't let me give in...
Wish you were here with me...
I'm a lonely girl, boys won't let me be
They keep reminding me that you are still overseas
But wherever you are my heart will be with you
#108 Jimmy Neil My Letter to Santa 1967 · Single · My Letter to Santa / I Overlooked the Orchid · Martin # MR-101 · USA
Credited on the record as Jimmy Neil (The Singin' Schoolteacher) and The Jimmy Neil Trio.
Annotation
Jimmy Neil - also going under the name The Jimmy Neil Trio and The Singin' Schoolteacher released the track "My Letter to Santa" (Martin Records # MR-101), narrated from the perspective of a child (but actually sung by an adult - the schoolteacher). Not only did the child ask Santa to bring home his father for Christmas, but he also politely asked: "please end this long battle" and "make this the land of the free" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Martin Records MR-101-A, BMI, time 2:19; "My Letter to Santa" (J. Neil); Jimmy Neil (The Singin' Schoolteacher) and The Jimmy Neil Trio; produced by Charles Mikelson, arranged by Jimmy Martin. Green label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I just wrote my letter to Santa
Here is the list that I wrote
I asked him to bring home my daddy
Cause we love our dear daddy so
Our Christmas won't be very happy with daddy away
Don't you see oh Santa, please bring home my daddy
For we need our dear daddy so
Dear Santa, please end this long battle
Please make this the land of the free
Genre: ♪ Country
#109 Dionne Warwick The Windows of the World 1967 · Single · The Windows of the World / Walk Little Dolly · Scepter # SCE-12196 · USA
Notes
Scepter Records SCE-12196-A (60925), multicoloured label; "The Windows of the World" (Burt Bacharach - Hal David), 3:17, Jac Music Co., Inc./Blue Seas Inc. (ASCAP); Dionne Warwick, produced by Bacharach-David, arranged and conducted by Burt Bacharach. Rim text: "Scepter Records Inc., 254 W. 54 St. N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#110 Mike Cassedy & The Knock-A-Bouts Now He's Gone 1967 · Single · Emptiness / Now He's Gone · KB # KB 001 · USA
Notes
- "Now He's Gone"
- Home front perspective
- Friend killed in action (K.I.A.)
- Chicago, Illinois
#111 Wayne Pope & Lonnie Roberts Can You Pray for Your Son in Viet Nam 1967 · Single · Can You Pray for Your Son in Viet Nam / Mother's Prayer · Woodrich # 1266 · USA
Credited on the record as Wayne Pope & Lonnie Roberts & The Happy Valley Boys.
Notes
Woodrich Records WR 1266 (18873 / 18874), blue and silver label; Woodrich Pub. Co., BMI; "Can You Pray for Your Son in Viet Nam" (Wayne Pope – Lonnie Roberts), 2:07; flip "Mother's Prayer" (Wayne Pope), 3:05; both credited to Wayne Pope & Lonnie Roberts & The Happy Valley Boys. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#112 Tim Rose Come Away, Melinda 1967 · Single · Come Away, Melinda / Long Time Man · Columbia # 4-44387 · USA
Notes
Come Away, Melinda (Rose, Tim)

Singer/songwriter, anti-war.
About fathers killed in the war.
Home front perspective.
Very minor significance
Notes
Columbia 4-44387 (JZSP 135590), 45 RPM, white promotional label marked "Not for Resale – Radio Station Copy" and "Suggested Side"; "Come Away, Melinda" (F. Hellerman – F. Minkoff), 3:37, Appleseed Music, Inc. (ASCAP); arranged by Tim Rose & David Rubinson, produced by David Rubinson. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#113 Jennie Lee Dear Tony 1967 · Single · Dear Tony / I Saw Him in the Chapel · December # 879 · USA
Notes
Dear Tony (Lee, Jennie)

Teen pop, home front perspective, religion
Received your letter, 2 years you are away - I miss you
Please take care of yourself, god bless you
Notes
December Records 879 (8310-BW), "Promotion Copy", "Plug Side"; "Dear Tony", time 2:27, recitation by J. Lambert, background music "Theme From A Summer Place" (Max Steiner), M. Witmark & Sons, ASCAP; arranged and produced by Jimmy Wisner; distributed by Amy-Mala-Bell Records, N.Y.C. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#114 Anita Bryant Do You Hear What I Hear? 1967 · Single · Do You Hear What I Hear? / Away in a Manger · Columbia # 4-44341 · USA
Annotation
This is an Anita Bryant cover of the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" (Columbia Records #4-44341), composed by Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker, said to have been written as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.1The song has sold millions of records, covered by hundreds of artists, such as Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Glen Campbell, Whitney Houston, and Mahalia Jackson. Anita Bryant was a traditional pop artist, born on 25 March 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, USA. This record, and the LP it featured on, called Christmas With Anita Bryant (Columbia Records #CS 9520) received a couple promotional references in Billboard, in November & December 1967, which said that she would be performing songs on television.23 Also in 1967, Bryant released the patriot, pro-government Vietnam song "This Is Worth Fighting For" (Columbia Records # 4-43823). She also released the patriotic record Battle Hymn of the Republic (Word Records # WST 8571) in 1973. The picture sleeve of this version showed Bryant performing to US troops abroad, with the description referencing Vietnam and President Johnson:
Sleeve notes
Anita Bryant has traveled 150,000 air miles with Bob Hope's annual U.S.O. Christmas tour. Each year she has taken time away from her family to travel to such places as Guantanamo Bay, Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Greece, and Vietnam. In a recent personal letter to Anita, President Johnson expressed his gratitude for her continued volunteer work overseas for the United States troops: "I know how many hearts you have lifted in Vietnam - and god will surely bless you for bringing such hope and comfort to your fellow man".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Columbia 4-44341 picture sleeve, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" backed with "Away in a Manger". The photograph, repeated across front and back, shows Anita Bryant on an open-air stage, arm raised, singing to a large crowd of uniformed troops below a hillside.

The front prints a note that she had travelled 150,000 air miles with Bob Hope's annual U.S.O. Christmas tour to places such as Guantanamo Bay, Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Greece and Vietnam, quoting a personal letter from President Johnson: "I know how many hearts you have lifted in Vietnam—and God will surely bless you for bringing such hope and comfort to your fellow man." Back: "Manufactured by Columbia Records/CBS, Inc./51 W. 52 Street, New York, N.Y.", printed in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Anita Bryant has traveled 150,000 air miles with Bob Hope's annual U.S.O. Christmas tour. Each year she has taken time away from her family to travel to such places as Guantanamo Bay, Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Greece, and Vietnam. In a recent personal letter to Anita, President Johnson expressed his gratitude for her continued volunteer work overseas for the United States troops: "I know how many hearts you have lifted in Vietnam - and god will surely bless you for bringing such hope and comfort to your fellow man".
#115 Bernice Hatchett He's Coming Home From Vietnam 1967 · Single · He's Coming Home From Vietnam / Big Black Wheels · Jalyn # 322 · USA
Credited on the record as Bernice Hatchett and The Bluegrass Mountain Boys.
Notes
"He's Coming Home From Vietnam" by Bernice Hatchett

Country. Soldier dies in Vietnam, send home in a box. Mother received a purple heart for his service.
Notes
Jalyn Records 45-322A, blue label, 1806 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio 45409; "He's Coming Home From Vietnam" (B. Hatchett), 2:45, Jaclyn, BMI; a Jack Lynch Production, 20261. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There's a mother's heart that's broken...
A telegram came this morning, he's coming home to stay
His troubles are over, and his work is done
And his mother's got a purple heart in the memory of her son
They sent him off to Vietnam...
His mother hadn't realised they'd send him home this way...
He was mother's precious child, her darling pride and joy
A soldier died in battle, mother's only boy
He fought the toughest battle as bravely as he could
Then they sent him home to his mother
In a cruel box of wood
#116 Redd Stewart & Pee Wee King I Want to Light a Candle (For Daddy) 1967 · Single · I Want to Light a Candle (For Daddy) / Too Many Years · Cuca # J-1315 · USA
Credited on the record as Redd Stewart with Pee Wee King.
Notes
I Want to Light a Candle (For Daddy) (Stewart, Redd & Pee Wee King)

Sauk City, Wisconsin, USA. Country.
Soldier and home front perspective
Daddy away in Vietnam, due to return home.
Sent a letter home requesting a cake for his birthday, and to meet at home.
Day arrived, family received an army telegram - KIA.
So the child and mother light a candle in the church instead of the cake.
Notes
Cuca J-1315, Side 1, matrix U4KM-2801, black label with sombrero figure logo, "Cuca Record, Sauk City, Wisc."; "I Want to Light a Candle (For Daddy)" (Redd Stewart), Acuff-Rose, BMI, time 2:39. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#117 Bobby McDowell I'm Coming Home 1967 · Single · I'm Coming Home / Keep Her Out of Sight · Amy # 995 · USA
Notes
I'm Coming Home (McDowell, Bobby)
Notes
Amy 995, blue and silver label; "I'm Coming Home" (Tom DeLaney), Fame Pub. Co., Inc., BMI 8219, time 2:50; Bobby McDowell, produced by Rick Hall & Staff. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#118 Carolina Charlie Wiggs Letter From Home 1967 · Single · Letter From Home / S.R.O. (When I Die) · Pussy Cat # 7006 · USA
Notes
Letter From Home (Wiggs, Carolina Charlie)
Notes
"a Pussy Cat record", P.O. Box 12281, Norfolk, Va.; Record No. 007006 A (201,232), 45 RPM, white label; "Letter From Home" (Hank Penny), time 3:03, publisher Copar-Forrest Music Corp. (BMI); credited to "Carolina" Charlie Wiggs; "Dist. by Chart Records, 806 16th Ave., S., Nashville, Tenn." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Jody Songs
#119 Mama Cats My Boy 1967 · Single · Miss You / My Boy · Hideout # H-1122 · USA
Notes
"My Boy" (Mama Cats) (Hideout Records # H-1122)

Detroit, Michigan. Written by Bob Seger. Girl group.
Mama Cats - aka Honey Ltd., under which they released the Vietnam song "The Warrior" on the 1968 album Honey Ltd. (LHI Records # LHI-12002).

Garage rock
#120 Winola Carter My World Ended in South Viet Nam Mother 1967 · Single · My World Ended in South Vietnam, Sweetheart / My World Ended in South Vietnam, Mother · Spar # 9005 · USA
Credited on the record as Winola Edmond, Edmond Sisters & The Jordanians.
Notes
My World Ended in South Vietnam, Sweetheart
My World Ended in South Vietnam, Mother
Notes
Spar Records, Nashville, Tenn.; 9005, both sides by the same writer and performers: "My World Ended in South Viet Nam Sweetheart" (SPS 10) and "My World Ended in South Viet Nam Mother" (SPS 11), both (Winola Carter); Tenn. Music Inc. BMI / Ralph Radio Music Inc.; performed by Winola Edmond, Edmond Sisters & The Jordanians. No times printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#121 Little Shirley What's It Like in Viet Nam 1967 · Single · A Little Bitty Girl / What's It Like in Viet Nam · Bolt # 70239 · USA
Credited on the record as Little Shirley & Her Wranglers.
Annotation
Little Shirley - born Maine, USA.
Rockabilly "What's It Like in Viet Nam"
Child singer?
Sweetheart's letter to soldier.
Hope he returns soon.
Proud of the soldier.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bolt Records 70239 B, 45 RPM – 2002B, blue label, "Lone Star Ranch, Reed's Ferry, N.H."; "Whats It Like in Viet Nam" (Buzz Whittica - Buck Carney), "Time: 3 Min.", Reeds Ferry Music (BMI); Little Shirley & Her Wranglers. The purple picture sleeve shows a photograph of Little Shirley in a fringed western shirt with an acoustic guitar, titled "Little Shirley and Her Wranglers", "Little Bitty Girl" / "What's It Like in Viet Nam".

The back notes tell how Little Shirley, one of nine children born in a little town in northern Maine, won her first amateur contest at six singing "You Are My Sunshine", and that the Wranglers had played the Lone Star Ranch at Reeds Ferry, N.H., hotels along the Maine coast and lounges around New England; Bolt Records wishes the group "continued success". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Well I've got you on my mind, I'm sending you this line
To let you know that everything is okay, though we had
To change our plans, you left for Vietnam
I'm praying he'll be home...Please take care and let me know
If there is anything you need, I don't have to tell you honey
That I'm proud of you indeed, won't you write me when you can
Genre: ♪ Country
#122 Seth Connors Why Concern Yourself 1967 · Single · Why Concern Yourself / In the Naked City · Verve Forecast # KF 5067 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Why Concern Yourself (Connors, Seth)

"Speaking of New Comers, I've been hearing one ballad in particular lately done by Seth Connors which has really stuck in my mind. The song is entitled "Why Concern Yourself." I think a great many people will appreciate this, since it deals with people who know someone in Viet Nam.:It doesn't deal with the war itself, only with the people here at home that it concerns".1

Billboard spotlight 28 October 19672
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Verve Forecast KF5067 (103,281), "Disc Jockey Record", "Not for Sale"; "Why Concern Yourself" (Shorter), 3:11, Breck Music, BMI; produced and arranged by Rick Shorter, production supervisor Jerry Schoenbaum; MGM Records, a division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#123 Dionne Warwick I Say a Little Prayer 1967 · Single · I Say a Little Prayer / (Theme From) Valley of the Dolls · Scepter # SCE-12203 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Dionne Warwick wrote in her autobiography "My Life, As I See It": "I Say A Little Prayer was written during the Vietnam War and seemed to resonate with listeners touched by the war. General Colin Powell and many other who fought in Vietnam have thanked me... letting me know how it got them through many difficult time".12

"I Say a Little Prayer" , composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick. Lyricist Hal David said that it was composed from the perspective of a woman whose partner was serving in the Vietnam War. (Dominic, Serene, "Burt Bacharach, song by song: the ultimate Burt Bacharach reference for fans" (2003).
1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Scepter Records SCE-12203-A (60865), multicoloured label; "I Say a Little Prayer" (Burt Bacharach - Hal David), 3:04, Blue Seas Music, Jac Music Inc. (ASCAP); Dionne Warwick, produced by Bacharach-David, arranged and conducted by Burt Bacharach, engineer Phil Ramone. Rim text: "Scepter Records Inc., 254 W. 54 St. N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#124 The Southerners This World 1967 · Single · This World / If You Get There · Jewel [Shreveport] # 116 · USA
Notes
- Gospel
- Many soldiers killed in Vietnam
- Mother said my child is over there
- Home front perspective

- Jewel Records Devotional Series. Published by Su-Ma (BMI). Mastered at Ter Mar Studios, TM 1840 / TM 1843. Discogs note: '©1965 printed on labels'. Discogs writer credit 'Ecford' (release-level). Same group (Discogs 'The Southerners (6)') issued LP The Storm Is Passing Over, Jewel LPS 0020, Sept 1968.
#125 R. B. Hudmon Send Your Boy a Letter 1967 · Single · Send Your Boy a Letter / I'm a Roller · Tomahawk # 110 · USA
Notes
Soul, home front perspective
Your man is in the army, send him a letter
Notes
Credited on label as 'R.B.'; Discogs links the credit to R.B. Hudmon. No writer, duration or matrix data on Discogs.
#126 Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Merry Christmas, My Darling 1967 · Single · Merry Christmas, My Darling / Sleigh Ride - Jingle Bells · Capitol # 2022 · USA
Credited on the record as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Notes
Capitol 2022; producer Ken Nelson; published by Paramount-Roy Rogers Music Co. and Mills Music. Also on the LP "Christmas Is Always" (Capitol T/ST 2818, 1967).
Genre: ♪ Country
#127 Ken Wright and the Palmetto Playboys While Daddy Is Gone Away 1967 · Single · While Daddy Is Gone Away / B. Bowman Hop · Travel # TRC-5305 · USA
Notes
Country, home front perspective, M.I.A.
10 year old boys tells man that his father went to Vietnam.
But telegram arrived, he's missing in action.
Does not mention P.O.W.s
Notes
Travel ("The Sound That Travels"), Record No. TRC-5305 (SO: 4152), 45 RPM, time 2:37; (A. K. Wright); Winall Music Co, BMI; Travel Record Co. Credited "Ken Wright and the Palmetto Playboys". [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#128 Lou Millet Last Letter From Viet Nam 1967 · Single · Last Letter From Viet Nam / Memories From Your Cedar Chest · Scenic # S-4000 · USA
Notes
Last Letter From Viet Nam (Millet, Lou)

Country, patriotic, home front perspective
Cover of Tubbs - updated for Vietnam
Postman delivered last letter - I miss you mother
In a trench, captain just gave order to go out - K.I.A.
God protect all sons fighting in Vietnam and help keep America free
Notes
Scenic Records A-4000, coupled with Memories From Your Cedar Chest. [From Discogs]

Scenic Records S-4000 A, 2:53; (Tubb & Stewart); NOMA Music, BMI; produced by Bob Prather & Jim Horn. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#129 Rena Wright Message to My Soldier Boy 1967 · Single · This Angry World / Message to My Soldier Boy · Tide # T-45-2017 · USA
Notes
Home front, soldier's perspective, traditional pop, religion.
You're not alone, I'll pray for you each day.
Keep our country free.
Fighting so we can live in harmony
Notes
Discogs lists Message To My Soldier Boy as side A and This Angry World as side B. Written by Triune; published by Cepha Publishing Co. (BMI). [From Discogs]

Tide T-45-2017 (T-2017-AA), 2:40; (Triune); Cepha Pub. Co., BMI; 2146 West View St., Los Angeles 16, Calif. [From the record label]
#130 Richie Nashville Purple Heart 1967 · Single · Purple Heart / These Foolish Tears · Jewel [Cincinnati] # 806J-738 · USA
Notes
Home front perspective, killed in action (K.I.A.), religion, medals
Minor patriotic sentiment
Notes
Jewel Records 806J-738. [From Discogs]

Jewel Records 806J-738 (U4KM-5772), Side One; (Jim Riffitt); Rusty York Music, BMI; Box 78, Mt. Healthy, Ohio. [From the record label]
Lyrics
English
It was just a little token when delivered in the mail
At last a message from her darling son
With happy thoughts awaiting
What could he have to say
It was just a purple heart from Uncle Sam
Take this little token
Replace your darling son
Who died for the good old USA
For it's just a purple heart sent to by Uncle Sam
And may god be with him upon the judgement day
Hold your hearts together for these words I have to say
We liked your son and wear a happy smile
Your boy was made a hero
And he wears his purple heart
But you'll have to stay with us for just a while
Take this little token
Replace your darling son
Died for the good old USA
For it's just a purple heart sent to you from Uncle Sam
And my god be with him upon the judgement day
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#131 Richard Todd Draft Dodger 1967 · Album · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Interviews with draft dodgers in Canada Spoken word, field recordings [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] TR 101; Vinyl LP (33 rpm); 1967; Canada. [From Rate Your Music]
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#132 Bud Berman Let's Talk About Vietnam: "For Too Long I Have Remained Silent" 1967 · Album · Bud Berman (self-released) # BB-506 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. spoken word [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#133 Various Artists Vietnam: Dilemma for Christians 1967 · Album · Lutheran Church Press # CSM 640 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#134 Various Artists Viet Nam Casualty 1967 · Single · Forgotten People: Radio Spots for National Paraplegia Foundation · USA
Notes
Viet Nam Casualty (Various Artists) Spoken word radio spots - man disabled in Vietnam, one of the forgotten people Please send money to help research on paraplegia [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#135 The Banana There She Goes Again / She's Gone 1967 · Single · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Lead by Dean Kohler, from Portsmouth, Virginia. Previously in the band Satellites. Group formed in Vietnam in 1967. Garage rock. (1) (2) (3) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#136 Nancy Nally & Jubilee Wranglers I Will Wait 1967 · Single · I Will Wait / You Never Mentioned My Name · Country Jubilee # 579 · USA
Notes
I Will Wait (Nally, Nancy) Country. Plight. Demorest, Georgia. 1967 Country Jubilee # 579 [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#137 Hal Southern Sgt. Lucky 1967 · Single · Sgt. Lucky / Jimmy Loves Jeanie Bee · Sand # 45-421 · USA
Notes
Sand 45-421 (5921), 2:24; (Hal Southern); Golden Valley Music SESAC. [From the record label]

Sgt. Lucky (Southern, Hal) Soldier's perspective, combat description, novelty Telephone call to sweetheart: Vietcong been on the attack. But I made it, I'm back in the USA News report: Vietnam veteran killed in car accident on way home. New correction: the Vietnam vet, Sgt. Lucky, survived Meets the president to receive Medal of Honor [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#138 Frenchie & The Undertakers Freedom of the World 1967 · Single · Freedom of the World / Honest, I Do · Hartco # 101 · USA
Notes
Country. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Potentially a song poem? [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#139 Dottie Brown Blow Me a Message 1967 · Single · Blow Me a Message / O-O-O-Oh Baby · Dewl # 1013 · USA
Notes
Country. Tucson, Arizona, USA [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#140 The Invincibles Viet Nam 1967 · Single · Viet Nam / Tonda · Invincible # IR-200-A · USA
Notes
Viet Nam (Invincibles, The) Garage rock [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#141 Bluegrass Gospel Travelers Our Boys in Viet Nam 1967 · EP · I Can Hear the Angels Singing / Our Boys in Viet Nam / Sing About Jesus / Excuses · Jewel [Cincinnati] # 806J-0735 · USA
Notes
"Our Boys in Vietnam" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#142 Jim and Lyn Heartbreak Ship 1967 · Single · Heartbreak Ship / Tears Are Falling · Tiger # T-103 · USA
Notes
Heartbreak Ship (Jim and Lyn) Country, home front perspective, sailor boy La Junta, Colorado, USA I remember when you were shipped out to Vietnam Counting days until you come home to me my sailor boy [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#143 Ed McMahon Beautiful Girl 1967 · Single · Beautiful Girl / The Loving Heart · Cameo # C-474 · USA
Notes
Traditional pop, home front perspective Father says goodbye to daughter, off to the war. Someday it will end In the jungle, writing a letter [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#144 La Lloroncita Papito en Vietnam 1967 · Single · Papito en Viet Nam · Pop Art # 112 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as La Lloroncita con Nieves Quintero y su Conj..
Annotation
Born Quetcy Alma Martínez De Jesús on 17 May 1956, in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, the track "Papito en Viet Nam" ( "Daddy in Vietnam" ) (Pop Art Records # 112) is probably the most well-known Vietnam War song from Puerto Rico. Known as La Lloroncita, she was around 10 or 11 years old when she released this record.2 It appeared on the album Jibarita (Pop Art Records #LP 154). Both the single and album were released in New York, USA. The song was composed by Luz Celenia Tirado, born on 1 August 1928 in Puerto Rico. The song is in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in Puerto Rico". Jíbaro is used in Puerto Rico to refer to the countryside people.2 Needless to say, this is sung from the perspective of a child whose father is "fighting in Vietnam" . She referred to it as a "merciless war" and "terrible conflict" , thus leaning towards the anti-war side.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Seis milonga, as printed on the label. Pop Art Records 112 (PAH-3060), gold and black label; A & R: J. Salguero, producer Jose I. Acosta; "Papito en Viet Nam" (Luz C. Tirado), time 2:56; La Lloroncita con Nieves Quintero y su Conj. Rim text: "Produced by Pop Art Records Interprise of N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'm sad and desolate, almost orphaned I'll say
Because my daddy went off to the merciless war
Desperate situation is what I suffer
Blessed I beg the infinite to take care of all those who are in the Vietnam war where daddy is
How can I not cry every time I'm singing
If I keep remembering that I can't hug him
He doesn't come to caress me like he did every little while
He doesn't bring me toys
He doesn't sing to me
Because fighting in Vietnam is where you find your daddy today
I remember with sadness when I saw him in his uniform
With his soldier's clothes very upright in his head
He stared at me with a mocking smile
He said to me, heart you must pray to god that your daddy comes home from Vietnam
Lord god of great power hear my petition
Is my humble plea to return
Make him finish the troop of that terrible conflict
And come back healthy to kiss him again
I miss playing, bring my daddy from Vietnam
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
#145 El Gran Combo Vas Bien 1967 · Album · Boogaloos con El Gran Combo · Gema # LPG-3044 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
El Gran Combo, a salsa group formed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1962, released the song "Vas bien" ( "You're Doing Well" ) (Gema # LPG-3044), written by the band leader Rafael Ithier, and sung by Pellín Rodríguez - born 4 December 1926, Santurce, Puerto Rico; died 31 October 1984, San Juan, Puerto Rico - and Andy Montañez. This one took a more comic, novelty approach, about how his friends were being sent to Vietnam, and that he would not get caught up in the conflict. Originally released on a Cuban record label.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gema Records LPG-3044, stereo, "Boogaloos con El Gran Combo"; cantan Pellín Rodríguez y Andy Montañez; arreglos y dirección de Rafael Ithier; Lado A track 3: "Vas Bien" – Guaracha (Rafael Ithier), 2:48 on the back cover; light blue label. Mftd. and dist. by Gema Records Corp., San Antonio No. 422, Santurce, Puerto Rico; distributed in the U.S.A. by Armada & Fernandez of Florida, Inc., Miami. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The one they took to Vietnam was Armando's son
And as a natural thing, he was trembling
Look for another man, I screamed in the middle of the race
Well, what is for me is not caught, nor tied up with chain, no way
That I don't go back there, that they take Cholo, that they take Manolo....
Spanish
Al que se llevaron pa’ Vietnam fue al hijo de Armando
y como una cosa natural, él iba temblando
¡Búsquese a otro hombre
Gritaba en plena carrera
Pues lo que es a mí no me cogen
Ni amarrao’ con cadena! ¡Qué va
Que yo no me vuelvo pa’ allá, que se lleven a Cholo
Que se lleven a Manolo
Que la guerra se hizo pal guapo, y yo de guapo no tengo na
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
#146 Colleen Lovett Wait for Me, Sue 1967 · Single · 帰らぬ少年兵 / 恋する少年兵 [Freckle-Faced Soldier / Wait for Me, Sue] · Dot # SJET-1093 · Japan
Credited on the record as コリーン・ラベット.
Notes
B-side of the Japanese single only (Dot SJET-1093, Golden Couple Series, also numbered SDOT-1016; Victor Company of Japan). The US single (Dot 16832) has "Go-Go Girl" on the B-side. US issue: Dot 45-16832 (MB-20641), "Ultra High Fidelity" black Dot label dated 2-66; "Freckle-Faced Soldier" (C. Lovett–T. Phillips), Wood River Music Co., ASCAP, time 2:12; Colleen Lovett with Teddy Phillips' Orch.; "Dot Records, Inc., Hollywood, California – A Division of Paramount Pictures Corporation".

The Japanese picture sleeve, Dot SJET-1093 (SDOT-1016), "Stereo / Golden Couple Series", bills "帰らぬ少年兵 / 恋する少年兵" ("Freckle-Faced Soldier" / "Wait For Me, Sue") sung by コリーン・ラベット, and its back prints the full English lyrics of both songs: "Freckle-Faced Soldier" tells of an eighteen-year-old who writes home from Vietnam, then never writes again, his mother receiving a medal of honour, while "Wait For Me, Sue" tells of a girl waiting after a "Missing in action" telegram.

"Manufactured by Victor Record Company Ltd., Japan, by agreement with Cosdel Inc."; 発売元 日本ビクター株式会社; price ¥400. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Missing in action" the telegram read
O' but I know in my heart he can't be dead
His heart must beat or mine will die, too
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#147 Doug Trineer Letter from Vietnam 1967 · Album · The Green Beret · Point # P-273 · Canada
Notes
Point Records P-273, mono LP, 1967. [From Discogs]
Genre: ♪ Country

1968

American soldiers under attack in Saigon, during the Viet Cong Tet Offensive, launched on 30 January 1968, seen as a key turning point in the conflict
Key EventsUS troops numbers in Vietnam continued to rise significantly in 1968, reaching 536,000 by December. Yet the most significant event occurred at the beginning of the year, with the launch of the Tet Offensive. Launched on 30 January by the Vietcong and North Vietnamese Army (NVA), on the Tet Lunar New Year, the wave of attacks on the South and on the US embassy in Saigon shocked the US public and led to a major re-assessment of the US role in Vietnam. In the November 1968 US presidential election, won by Richard Nixon, all the major candidates supported withdrawal. Unknown to the US public at the time, members of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry massacred over 300 Vietnamese civilians at My Lai.
  • 30 January 1968: NVA and Vietcong launch Tet Offensive
  • 16 March 1968: My Lai Massacre led by Lt. William Calley [not released to public]
  • 31 March 1968: Johnson decides not to seek re-election
  • 4 April 1968: Assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King
  • 10 May 1968: Peace talks start in Paris
  • 1 July 1968: General Westmoreland replaced by General Abrams
  • 28 August 1968: Anti-war protest outside Democratic National Convention, Chicago
  • 31 October 1968: US Rolling Thunder bombing campaign halted
  • 5 November 1968: Richard Nixon elected US president
  • 27 November 1968: Henry Kissinger appointed National Security Adviser

1968

#148 Martha Reeves & the Vandellas Forget Me Not 1968 · Single · I Promise to Wait My Love / Forget Me Not · Gordy # 7070 · USA
Annotation
The song "Forget Me Not" (Gordy Records # 7070) by Motown girl group Martha and The Vandellas told the story of a soldier setting "off to war" because "the battle's on" - probably Vietnam-related. The narrator declared that "I'll be here when you return" , and she wanted the soldier to "write a letter every day, don't throw my picture away" . The theme is very similar to Soldier Boy by The Shirelles. Composed by Sylvia Moy and Richard Morris (also the producer) - both of whom worked as song-writers and producers with Motown over a long period. In 1970, Martha and the Vandellas released the Vietnam single "I Should Be Proud", which leaned towards the anti-war side of the debate and displayed an interesting change in opinion on the war from 1968-1970.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gordy G-7070 (GSU-417M04), © 1968, purple-and-yellow label; "Forget Me Not" (Morris, Moy), Jobete, BMI, 2:58; produced by R. Morris; "In album 'Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Ridin' High' G 926". Rim: "A trademark of Motown Record Corp. © 1968". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Now we kiss goodbye, you'll be off to war, the battle's on
I don't wanna cry as I stand and watch your ship sail on
Now when you're out to sea and the sky is dark and water surrounds you...forget me not boy...
Remember old Joe's, our favorite song, our table for two
Well heaven knows these little things I'll share with no one but you...
Write a letter every day, don't throw my picture away, forget me not boy...
I'll be here when you return, each night I will pray for peace on earth, goodwill to all men
#149 The Sweet Inspirations Am I Ever Gonna See My Baby Again 1968 · Single · Unchained Melody / Am I Ever Gonna See My Baby Again · Atlantic # 2551 · USA
Annotation
The song "Am I Ever Gonna See My Baby Again?" (Atlantic #2551) does not mention Vietnam, or indeed war, just that a woman's man is over seas, although the narrator's tearful questions - "is he ever coming back?" and "when will it end?" - indicate that he is away at war. Released in 1968, this track is largely associated with the Vietnam conflict. The Sweet Inspirations were a soul group founded in New York in 1967, led by Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Atlantic 45-2551 (A-14356-PL), red and black label, 45 rpm, vocal; "Am I Ever Gonna See My Baby Again" (R. Clark-R. Bailey-J. Northern), pub. TM Music, BMI, time 2:55; arranged by Arif Mardin, produced by Tom Dowd; in an Atlantic Records company sleeve. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Am I ever gonna see my baby again?
Cause I'm gonna have to cry until them
Night and day, in every prayer all I can say
Am I ever gonna get him back in my arms?
I even had a gypsy read my arms
I sure miss him, love him so bad...
Its been so long, when will it end?
Is he ever coming back? - tell me when
Across the sea, a thousand miles away from me
Does he think of me across the sea?
#150 Pattie Ward Get Off My Stuff 1968 · Single · (Girls) You Have To Wait for Love / Get Off My Stuff · Road # R-6244 · USA
Annotation
In the song "Get Off My Stuff" (Road Records # R-6245) a woman back home tells us that "Uncle Sam got my man" and that "he's in Vietnam" - she was very displeased and told Uncle Sam to send back her "stuff" . It is sung by Pattie Ward - nothing found on this artist or the record label that released the song.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Road R-6244, © 1968, black and silver label with a truck design; "Get Off My Stuff" (T. Shepard, J. Wooten, A. Flemming), Thomas Shepard Pub. Co., BMI, time 2:39; produced by T. Shepard, arranged and conducted by Leon Mitchell; "A Division of Path Investment Corp." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Uncle Sam got my man, get off my stuff
He's in Vietnam, his name is Dan
And he is stuck in the sand
So please Uncle Sam, get off of my stuff
I just can't sleep at night
'Cause my stuff ain't here to hold my stuff
Tell me when my stuff will be back
I need him back so bad
So please Uncle Sam get off my stuff...
Everyone saying 'you're alright'
But to me you got him wrapped too tight
I got an itch I can't reach where it's out
#151 Ginger & Jean What's Been Going On In Viet Nam 1968 · Single · What's Been Going on in Viet Nam / Miss, May I Drive You Home · Parrot # PAR-322 · USA
Annotation
Ginger and Jean, two of the sisters from the country group The Dinning Sisters, based in Oklahoma, US, released the song "What's Been Going on in Vietnam" (Parrot # PAR-322). The narrator described that a man had just returned from Vietnam. His wife felt that something strange had come between then. She searched his suitcase and found a picture, with the narrator providing a racist description: "a picture of a slant-eyed girl...she's holding a baby" . So while the GI was away he had an affair with a Vietnamese girl, and apparently fathered a child. A similar theme appeared in the song "Something You Couldn't Write About" by soul singer Gloria Edwards, whose protagonist also found a picture, also using a racist description: "some slant-eyed woman" . Note: furlough - a temporary leave of absence from military duty.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Parrot 45-PAR-322, matrix CL 7635; "What's Been Going On in Viet Nam" (Jean Surrey), 1:54, Pub: Iris-Trojan Music Corp., BMI; credited to Ginger and Jean; "A Product of London Records, Inc.", Made in U.S.A.; black label with parrot-in-top-hat logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
What went on in Vietnam
You finally got a furlough, I met you at the train
You hugged me and kissed me, but it was not the same
Something's come between us and I'll find out somehow
You loved me when you left me, why don't you love me now?
What went on in Vietnam, what was it you forgot to write about
I'll find out, I've been true waiting just for you
Tell me, what's been going on in Vietnam
As I unpacked your suitcase hidden away I see a picture of a slant-eyed girl pretty as can be
That's not all I'm seeing, I imagined two and two
She's holding a little baby and it looks a lot like you...
Tell me, what's been going on in Vietnam
#152 Aretha Franklin I Say a Little Prayer 1968 · Single · The House That Jack Built / I Say a Little Prayer · Atlantic # 45-2546 · USA
Notes
- Soul, home front perspective
- Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick
- About a woman's concern for her man serving in Vietnam
- Top 10 hit for Aretha Franklin

- Atlantic 45-2546, 45 R.P.M., red and black label; "I Say a Little Prayer" (Burt Bacharach-Hal David), vocal, 2:41, published by Blue Seas-Jac, ASCAP; Aretha Franklin, "From Atlantic LP 8186". Rim text: "Mfg. by Atlantic Recording Corp., 1841 Broadway, New York, N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#153 Joyce Brown Christmas in Viet Nam 1968 · Single · Christmas in Viet Nam / You Just Played for Fun · Drew-Blan # 1017 · USA
Annotation
Released in 1968, the song "Christmas in Vietnam" (Drew-Blan Records # 1017), by the obscure country singer Joyce Brown on a Morgan City, Louisiana based record label, dealt with the plight of the soldiers and their families. It did not take a pro or anti line. This song title would be used by at least four different artists, although most of them were different songs, discussed above. The narrator recalled her son as a little boy, singing Christmas carols and opening presents, but who would be "alone this Christmas eve in a foreign land" . She pondered on the discrepancy between the voting age and the conscription age: "still not old enough to vote, he is fighting for our land" - a familiar topic in Vietnam War songs, mentioned by Barry McGuire on "Eve of Destruction", and several others, and thus also a draft inequality song. Also note:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Drew-Blan Records no. 1017, 45 RPM (LH-4888), stamped "Not for sale"; Pelican Music, BMI, 1620 Federal Ave., Morgan City, La.; "Christmas in Viet Nam" (G. Giroir), 2:14. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Our little boy is spending Christmas in Vietnam
It seems that only yesterday he was four years old
And we'd give out the presents wrapped in green and gold
We'd go out on the lawn and sing carols...
Now our little boy is spending Christmas in Vietnam
To us he is still a little boy, to Uncle Sam a man
I can still remember when I held his little hand
To cross the street and climb the stairs...
Still not old enough to vote, he is fighting for our land
He will be alone this Christmas eve in a foreign land
Genre: ♪ Country
#154 The Salem Travelers A Letter for Christmas 1968 · Compilation · A Christmas Dedication · Checker # LPS 10050 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Letter for Christmas, A (Salem Travelers) (Checker Records # LPS 10050) 1968

The Salem Travelers. Various artist compilation.
Christmas. Soul
Formed 1962, Chicago, IL, United States

1

"I received a letter from my brother fighting
Over in the war, he wrote me brother, I want
To come home, but tell the family I'm just too
Far, tell mama I want to come home, tell her
I wish I could come home for Christmas
Wish I could be there, he wrote it's bad living
Here, everyday your'e living in fear, knowing
When you lay down at night, in the morning
You might not be here, I wish could come home
Wish I could make it home, wish I could make it
For Christmas...this is between you and I, I might
Not see the family again...tell them I said goodbye

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#155 Hank Penny A Letter From Home 1968 · Single · A Letter From Home / Keep's On Haunting Me · Wasp # WR-117 · USA
Credited on the record as The Incomparable Hank Penny.
Annotation
Notes
Letter From Home, A (Penny, Hank)

Tacoma, Washington, USA. Country.
Comedy recitation about a letter to a buddy in Vietnam about his wife having a fun time at home with other men. Originally released by Hank Penny in 1955 for the Korean War. Other Vietnam versions of the song by Joe Medwick, Johnny Bond, Charlie Wiggs, and Dick Bruce. Classified as a "jody" song??

Billboard, 30 July 1955: "This is a recitation...Penny reads a letter to a buddy in Korea, wherein he relates the happenings back home - his wife's gay behavior etc. It might be distressing to the buddy, but it's loaded with yocks for the listener with a slight touch of sadism"1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Wasp WR-117-A, orange-and-white label, P.O. Box 7171, Tacoma, Wash.; "A Letter From Home" (Hank Penny), time 4:05, Penny Music (BMI); credited to "The Incomparable Hank Penny"; recorded at Wiley Sound Studios, Tacoma, Wash.; "Ron Biberthaler Productions" printed on the rim. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#156 Fred Boyd Love and Pray for Papa 1968 · Single · Love and Pray for Papa / Ma's Kids · Bell # 45,006 · USA
Notes
Love and Pray for Papa (Boyd, Fred)

Easy listening, home front perspective. California, USA.
Papa went away. Miss games we played.
Mum says to pray and not worry.
Mother cries at night.
Notes
Bell Country Series 45,006, promotional copy, cream label with repeated Bell logo; "Love and Pray for Papa" (John Hurley-Ronnie Wilkins), time 2:19, Tree Publ. Co., Inc., BMI, 8946; "Produced & Arranged by Don Tweedy for Papa Don Productions", "A Papa Don Production"; Amy-Mala-Bell N.Y.C. Housed in a blue star-pattern Bell Records / Amy-Mala Records company sleeve, "Bell Records Inc. - 1776 Broadway, New York". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#157 Sarah Nix My Big Marine 1968 · Single · My Big Marine / It's a Wonderful Life · Belmont # BE 102 · USA
Notes
My Big Marine (Nix, Sarah)

Teen pop, soldier boy song: Vietnam-era
Home front perspective
My man has shipped out to war.
Proud to fight for his country
Notes
Belmont H Records BE 102 (CO 2493 A), 45 RPM, light blue label; "My Big Marine" (Sarah Nix - Nick Casciano), Sunbeam Music, Inc., 2:50; Sarah Nix (vocal); produced by Charles Grean. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#158 Chiquita Oh Happy Day 1968 · Single · Father in Law / Oh Happy Day · Cha Cha # C-772 · USA
Notes
Oh Happy Day (Chiquita)

Soul, home front perspective.
My baby is coming home from Vietnam.
Fighting for country day and night.
Please god protect him
Notes
Cha Cha Records, Chicago, Ill., C-772 (843C-0772, W4KS-4965), red label; "Oh Happy Day" (Prestella Young), 3:07, Don-Del Music (BMI). [From the record sleeve and labels]
#159 The Gospel Mountaineers A Prayer for Daddy in Vietnam 1968 · Single · A Prayer for Daddy in Vietnam · GMT # 71229 · USA
Notes
GMT Records 71229A, blue label with silver print, "Est. 1967", Columbus, Ohio 43207, with a drawing of a Bible with a cross on its cover; 45 RPM, R2C13; "A Prayer for Daddy in Vietnam" (Geo. Hinkle & Jim Hamilton), 3:12, DoViNe, ASCAP. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#160 The American Dream All the Way in Mourning 1968 · Single · All the Way in Mourning / Tioga · Demik # 101 · USA
Notes
Demik 101A, "Promotional Radio Copy", magenta label; "All the Way in Mourning" (H. Socher), 2:29, New Folk World, ASCAP; produced & arranged by H. Brown, B. Bonney. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#161 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).
#162 Kim Weston When Johnny Comes Marching Home 1968 · Single · The Impossible Dream (The Quest) / When Johnny Comes Marching Home · MGM # K 13928 SS · USA
Annotation

Vietnam-era revival of Civil War song

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
MGM Records K 13928 SS – 'SS' (Sound Saturation) suffix means the 45 plays in stereo (Discogs promo note).

Track also on LP This Is America (MGM SE-4561, 1968), produced by William 'Mickey' Stevenson, arranged by Marty Paich; LP credits the song 'Adapted By, Arranged By: Marty Paich'.

A-side 3:16. MGM K13928 SS (L 622), yellow "Special Disc Jockey Record – Not For Sale" promo label; Avant Garde Music ASCAP, time 2:39; arranged and adapted by Marty Paich; produced by Mickey Stevenson; from the album E/SE 4561. In the MGM "The Greatest Name in Entertainment!" company sleeve. [From the record label]
#163 Dale McCarren The Campaign Part III and Chicago Convention 1968 · Album · The Impossible Year 1968 · WBBM Newsradio # none · USA
Annotation

Documentary, spoken-word record, the first track on the B-side was titled "The Campaign Part III and Chicago Convention", with further details on the back of the LP, which said: "Chicago Convention: Mayor Richard Daley-hippies in Chicago-Walter Cronkite with the Mayor-Chicago Police". Produced by WBBM Newsradio 78 CBS Chicago. Presented by St. Paul Federal Savings of Chicago. Pressed by Columbia Record Productions.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Narrated by Dale McCarren; written and produced by Jonathan Ward and Lane Venardos; music director Lenny Kaye (credited "Leonard Kaye"). Pressed by Columbia (Terre Haute), matrix XCTV141819/141820. Presented by St. Paul Federal Savings of Chicago.
#164 Charles Kuralt The Conventions; The Campaign, Protest, and War 1968 · Album · The Incredible Year: 1968 · CBS # none · USA
Annotation
Another documentary review of 1968, with the Chicago demonstrations featured on the track "The Conventions; The Campaign, Protest, and War" , released by CBS (# XSV 144898).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mono LP, matrix XSV 144898/144899 (Pitman); producers Joel Heller and Peter Wells.
#165 Bill Carlisle My Name Is Jones 1968 · Single · My Name Is Jones / All of This for Sally · Hickory # 45-K-1502 · USA
Annotation
Notes
My Name Is Jones (Carlisle, Bill)

Born 19 December 1908, Wakefield, Kentucky, USA.
Country, draft, home front perspective.
Billboard 30 March 19681
I used to be a soldier, I want to get back. Swap my son's name from the list for mine.
I've got experience, I can shoot just like I did in WW2.
I don't want my son to go.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hickory 45-K-1502; producers Johnny Erdelyan and Wesley Rose; published by Acuff-Rose.

Promotion copy, "Plug side"; 45-F-1206; Hickory Records, Inc., Nashville, Tenn. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#166 Hoyt Scoggins Returned Package From Viet Nam 1968 · Single · Returned Package From Viet Nam / Blue Grass Theme #1 · Nashville # 5479 · USA
Credited on the record as Hoyt Scoggins, Roy Ledford, Ricky Woods.
Annotation

K.I.A., soldier did his duty. Religion. Home front perspetive.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Nashville label, Starday Recording and Publishing Co. Inc. Mastered at Columbia Recording Studios, Nashville. [From Discogs]
#167 Vikki Louise & Jimmy West Fearless Fred 1968 · Single · Fearless Fred / The Ballad of Birmingham Steel · Kid Cuz'n # C.W. 3536 · USA
Credited on the record as Vikki Louise and Jimmy West.
Notes
Country, patriotic, K.I.A.
Switch between home front and soldier' perspective.
Home: I will wait for, proud that you answered the call.
Soldier: When I return I'll marry you.
Home: not received a letter in over a year, killed in action
Notes
Published by Old Ironsides Publ. and Pelton Publ. Co. [From Discogs]

Kid Cuz'n C.W. 3536, 2:55; (Dick Alexander); Pelton Publ. Co., B.M.I.; produced by C. O'Neal; Box 722, Radio City Station, New York 10019. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#168 Bob Harrington Preaching in Viet Nam 1968 · Album · Chaplain Productions # No. 200 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. spoken word [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Religion
#169 Honey Ltd. The Warrior 1968 · Album · Honey Ltd. · LHI # LHI-12002 · USA
Notes
Warrior, The (Honey Ltd.) Garage rock [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#170 Daryl Hall with The Cellar Door The Princess and the Soldier (Vocal) 1968 · Single · The Princess and the Soldier · Amy # A - 11.049 · USA
Notes
Easy listening. Toy soldier theme [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#171 Mitch Wayne Ten Wooden Soldiers 1968 · Single · Ten Wooden Soldiers / Escape in Black · Philips # 40575 · USA
Notes
Ten Wooden Soldiers (Wayne, Mitch) Traditional pop. Vietnam-era: unused toy soldiers - husband died in the war?? [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#172 Buddy Chambliss A Soldier's Child 1968 · Single · Wouldn't You Like to Know / A Soldier's Child · Gold Standard # 279 · USA
Notes
Soldier's Child (Chambliss, Buddy) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#173 Ralph Reason Soldier Boys 1968 · Single · So Afraid of Losing You / Soldier Boys · Hibrite # 2334 · USA
Notes
Country, Nashville, Tennessee. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#174 Street Some Thoughts of a Young Man’s Girl 1968 · Album · Street · Verve Forecast # FTS-3057 · USA
Notes
"Some Thoughts of a Young Man’s Girl" Alternative version of City Women / Last Thoughts of a Young Man [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#175 Sammy Poole Johnny Bigfoot 1968 · Single · Johnny Bigfoot / Take Your Time · Great Record Co. # 1185 · USA
Notes
Country novelty - Johnny went off to war, had big feet [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Satire
#176 Royal Shakespeare Company Barry Bondhus 1968 · Musical · Tell Me Lies · Gregar # GGS-5000 · UK
Credited on the record as Peter Brook Production with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Notes
Soundtrack to Vietnam War film.
Note: need to catalogue songs
Protest, anti-war

UK
Notes
1968 British documentary drama film directed and produced by Peter Brook. Based on the 1966 play US by Denis Cannan. Soundtrack performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Gre-Gar Records GGS 5000, stereo, 33⅓ rpm, black labels; master nos. 68-3142 SA (side one) and 68-3143 SB (side two); "Original Soundtrack"; all tunes lyrics by Adrian Mitchell, music by Richard Peaslee, published by Borscht Music (BMI); "Exclusively distributed in U.S. and Canada by MIRA Productions, Inc.", 9028 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

Front cover: "The Walter Reade Organization presents the Peter Brook Production 'Tell Me Lies' with the Royal Shakespeare Company", with a drawing of a giant hand of caricatured figures working a burning globe like a puppet. Back-cover credits: directed and produced by Peter Brook, designer Sally Jacobs, original text Denis Cannan, orchestra conducted by Tony Russell, chorus and music director Michael Reeves, music recording John Timperley (Chappell Studios), executive producer Peter Sykes; cast includes Glenda Jackson, Mark Jones, Robert Lloyd, Michael Williams, Marjie Lawrence and others, also with Stokely Carmichael and the Open Theatre Group; chorus by actors of the Royal Shakespeare Co. Soloists: Tell Me Lies (Mark Jones, Robert Lloyd), Road Number One (Glenda Jackson, Margie Lawrence, Pauline Munro, Ursula Mohan), Make and Break (Glenda Jackson, Michael Williams, Barry Stanton), Barry Bondhus (Robert Lloyd), God Is Flame (John Hussey, Margie Lawrence), The Leeches (Hugh Sullivan, Leon Lissek, Glenda Jackson), When Dreams Collide (Hugh Sullivan, Michael Williams, Robert Lloyd, Glenda Jackson), Rose of Saigon (Michael Williams, Margie Lawrence), Zapping the Cong (Michael Williams), Any Complaints (Margie Lawrence).

A note by Peter Brook explains that the film grew from the 1966 Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage show "US", was made without a script as a mixture of fiction and documentary examining London in relation to the Vietnam War in the summer of 1967, and is "not a documentary on Vietnam". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#177 Joni Mitchell Cactus Tree 1968 · Album · Song to a Seagull · Reprise # RS 6293 · Canada
Annotation

———

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Track B10 (side 2, "Out of the City and Down to the Seaside"). Produced by David Crosby. US stereo LP, Reprise RS 6293, April 1968.
Lyrics
English
There's a man who sends her medals
He is bleeding from the war
#178 Royal Shakespeare Company Make and Break 1968 · Musical · Tell Me Lies · Gregar # GGS-5000 · UK
Credited on the record as Peter Brook Production with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Notes
Soundtrack to Vietnam War film.
Note: need to catalogue songs
Protest, anti-war

UK
Notes
1968 British documentary drama film directed and produced by Peter Brook. Based on the 1966 play US by Denis Cannan. Soundtrack performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Gre-Gar Records GGS 5000, stereo, 33⅓ rpm, black labels; master nos. 68-3142 SA (side one) and 68-3143 SB (side two); "Original Soundtrack"; all tunes lyrics by Adrian Mitchell, music by Richard Peaslee, published by Borscht Music (BMI); "Exclusively distributed in U.S. and Canada by MIRA Productions, Inc.", 9028 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

Front cover: "The Walter Reade Organization presents the Peter Brook Production 'Tell Me Lies' with the Royal Shakespeare Company", with a drawing of a giant hand of caricatured figures working a burning globe like a puppet. Back-cover credits: directed and produced by Peter Brook, designer Sally Jacobs, original text Denis Cannan, orchestra conducted by Tony Russell, chorus and music director Michael Reeves, music recording John Timperley (Chappell Studios), executive producer Peter Sykes; cast includes Glenda Jackson, Mark Jones, Robert Lloyd, Michael Williams, Marjie Lawrence and others, also with Stokely Carmichael and the Open Theatre Group; chorus by actors of the Royal Shakespeare Co. Soloists: Tell Me Lies (Mark Jones, Robert Lloyd), Road Number One (Glenda Jackson, Margie Lawrence, Pauline Munro, Ursula Mohan), Make and Break (Glenda Jackson, Michael Williams, Barry Stanton), Barry Bondhus (Robert Lloyd), God Is Flame (John Hussey, Margie Lawrence), The Leeches (Hugh Sullivan, Leon Lissek, Glenda Jackson), When Dreams Collide (Hugh Sullivan, Michael Williams, Robert Lloyd, Glenda Jackson), Rose of Saigon (Michael Williams, Margie Lawrence), Zapping the Cong (Michael Williams), Any Complaints (Margie Lawrence).

A note by Peter Brook explains that the film grew from the 1966 Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage show "US", was made without a script as a mixture of fiction and documentary examining London in relation to the Vietnam War in the summer of 1967, and is "not a documentary on Vietnam". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#179 John Lee Hooker I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam 1968 · Single · I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam / Mean Mean Woman · Bluesway # 61023 · USA
Annotation
The well-known and influential blues singer/songwriter John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) wrote a couple of Vietnam related tracks. Born in Mississippi, he largely lived and worked in Detroit. Chicago blues grew in the northern US cities in the post-war electric period. Despite mainly using an electric guitar and performing in the cities of the north, Hooker's style more closely resembled the southern rural blues, such as delta, country, and folk blues. In 1969, he recorded the song "I Gotta Go to Vietnam" , although it only appeared as a bonus track to the 1993 CD reissue of the 1968 album Urban Blues (MCA Records # MCAD-10760). In the song "I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam" (Bluesway Records # 61023) he reflected on his friends involvement in Vietnam, the fear of the draft, and, like J.B. Lenoir, questioned why the US were in Vietnam when "we got so much trouble at home" - perhaps a civil rights message as well. The song featured on the 1968 album Simply the Truth (Bluesway # BLS-6023).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Bluesway 45-61023 ("Bluesway ... is where it's at!", ABC Records logo), side AMP 45-15381; "I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam" (John Lee Hooker), Pamco Music, Inc., BMI, 3:25; "From Bluesway LP 6023 'Simply the Truth'"; produced by Bob Thiele. "A Product of ABC Records, Inc., New York, N.Y. 10019 • Made in USA." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'm sittin' down here thinkin', I don't wanna go to Vietnam
I have all these troubles at home, I don't wanna go to Vietnam
I read the news every day, I read about Vietnam...
I got so much friends in Vietnam, I might not never see them no more....
I have my wife and my family...
We got so much trouble at home, we don't need to go to Vietnam

1969

The front page of The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), the first paper to publish the graphic photograph of dead villagers at Mỹ Lai in a mass grave, 20 November 1969 - taken by Ronald Haeberle, a U.S. Army sergeant. Time, Life, and Newsweek also ran stories that day, bringing world attention to the massacre
Key EventsElected in November 1968 with a mandate to end the war, soon after his inauguration in January Nixon implemented a strategy of "Vietnamisation" - the gradual withdrawal of American forces and the strengthening of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. This was part of the Nixon / "Guam" Doctrine, whereby the government would move away from interventionist policies - by December 1969, US troops levels in Vietnam fell by 115,000. Meanwhile, Nixon extended the war, by bombing Cambodia. This, plus news of the My Lai massacre, contributed towards an increase in opposition to the war.
  • 25 January 1969: Peace talks in Paris begin
  • 17 March 1969: Operation Menu - bombing of Cambodia
  • 10-20 May 1969: Battle at Hamburger Hill
  • 14 May 1969: Nixon announces Vietnamisation plan
  • 8 July 1969: The first US troop withdrawals, starting with 800 men
  • 2 September 1969: Ho Chi Minh dies
  • 5 September 1969: Lt. Calley charged with murder over My Lai Massacre
  • 15 October 1969: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam

1969

#180 Cal Green Johnny's Gone to Vietnam 1969 · Single · Johnny's Gone to Vietnam / Trippin' · Mutt & Jeff # MJ22 · USA
Annotation
The soul jazz track "Johnny's Gone to Vietnam" (Mutt & Jeff Records # 22) as suggested by the title, was about a man who had gone to fight the war in Vietnam. This is an instrumental, so no political views can be determined from the actual record. It featured in the album Trippin' With Cal Green (Mutt & Jeff Records # MJ-001). Cal Green was born in Texas, in 1937.1
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mutt & Jeff Records 22 (017), yellow label with hand-drawn stars, phone 213-461-4781, "Manufactured by Mutt & Jeff Productions, Inc."; "Johnny's Gone to Vietnam" (Green - Jefferson), Little Jeff (BMI), time 2:59; "From the LP title 'Trippin With Cal Green'"; produced by Joe Jefferson for Joey Jefferson Prod. Corp. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#181 Kenny Rogers & The First Edition Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town 1969 · Single · Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town / Girl, Get Ahold of Yourself · Reprise # 829 · USA
Credited on the record as Kenny Rogers and The First Edition.
Annotation
The country-rock song "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" (Reprise Records # 0829) written by country artist Mel Tillis, told the story of a veteran disabled in that "old crazy Asian war" - presumed to be Vietnam, but also possibly a reference to the Korean War.1 It was first released by Johnny Darrell in 1967 - "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" , which reached # 9 in the Billboard country chart. This version reached # 6 in the Billboard Hot 100.23 It dealt with themes typically found in a post-Vietnam war song. The soldier said that he "was proud to...do my patriotic chore" . Unfortunately, he returned to the US with his "legs...bent and paralysed" . As a result, his sweetheart left him.
Answer records
Dori Helms - "Ruby's Answer" (Little Darlin' Records # LD-0029) (1967).
Dodie Stevens - "Billy, I've Got to Go to Town" (World Pacific # 77927) (1969).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Reprise 0829 (L6669), "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" (Mel Tillis), 2:52, Cedarwood Pub. Co., BMI; from the Reprise album RS 6328 "The First Edition '69"; arranged by Glen D. Hardin; produced by Jimmy Bowen; manufactured by Amos Productions, Inc.; "Reprise Records, a division of Warner Bros.-Seven Arts Records, Inc." The UK pressing is Reprise K 14009 (K 14009 A), Side One, 45 RPM, ℗ 1969, publisher Southern, "Manufactured in the UK", credited to Kenny Rogers & The First Edition, in a Reprise Records Hollywood company sleeve "Distributed by Pye Records (Sales) Ltd., A.T.V.

House, Gt. Cumberland Place, London, W.1". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair
Ruby are you contemplating, going out somewhere
The shadow on the wall, tells me the sun is going down
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
It wasn't me that started that crazy Asian war
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
And yes, it's true that, I'm not the man I used to be, oh, Ruby I still need some company
It's hard to love a man, whose legs are bent and paralysed
That my wants and needs of a woman of your age Ruby, I realised
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
She's leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door the way
I know I've heard it some 100 times before
And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#182 Nancy I Promise I'll Wait 1969 · Single · I Promise I'll Wait / Like You Do · Mercede # 2727 · USA
Annotation
The song "I Promise I'll Wait" (Mercede Records # 2727) sung by Nancy, a young teenager, in which the narrator took the role of a soldier's sweetheart, hoping to see her man again. Nancy also released records under the names Nancy and Her Sixth Street Boogle and Nancy and the Kintwetts, but her surname is unknown. The label based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida apparently took its name from its building: The Mercede Building, 2727 East Oakland Park Boulevard. At the beginning of the song Nancy dedicated it to "all the prisoners of war and their families" - also written on the front cover of the picture sleeve. The label had printed on it "Nancy sings for P.O.W.". The narrator hoped to "meet again" her sweetheart and promised to "wait until then" , and thus this looked at the impact of the war at home (in the US). Word, music, and arrangements by Billi Welles. Produced by John & Dee Mercede. Background vocals by Kin Twetts.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Mercede Records 2727-A, 45 RPM, stereo, white-and-pink label with a photo of the singer; 2430 E. Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Tel. (305) 771-0757. "I Promise I'll Wait" © (words, music & arr. by Billi Welles), pub. by Power of Music, BMI, 2:08; Billi Welles Outer Realm, Unlimited; background vocals Kin Twetts; produced by John & Dee Mercede. The pink-tinted picture sleeve is headed "Nancy sings for the prisoners of war and their families" and shows the young singer seated on the bonnet of a Mercedes car under trees, with both titles "I Promise I'll Wait" and "Like You Do". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'd like to dedicate this song to all the prisoners of war and their families
Dear, I hope we meet again but can't say when
Who can say when, but if we ever meet again
I promise I'll wait until then
We never know what tomorrow may bring
It might bring happiness...
Love is strange so they say....
We'll have all day
Genre: ♪ Pop
#183 Roscoe Robinson Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Vietnam) 1969 · Single · Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Vietnam) / Tis Yuletide · Gerri # 2 · USA
Annotation
Roscoe Robinson, soul and gospel artist, wrote and recorded this single on his own label, Gerri Records (named after his wife Geraldine), which he established in Chicago, 1965. Born in Arkansas, 1928, he is currently based in Alabama. He also performed with the gospel groups The Fairfield Four, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, & The Highway QC's.1 This soul song "Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Vietnam)" (Gerri Records # 002) started with mail being handed out to the soldiers in Vietnam, highlighting the importance of sending letters to the soldiers abroad (and another song address mail call time). As the title suggested, the song concerned itself with the plight of the soldier. In the main body of the song the narrator received a letter from his brother Tom, "fighting over in Vietnam" . He noted the young age: "he is only 22, still he had to go" - presumably drafted, and not a volunteer. Then the track recalled the difficulties in Vietnam: "lying in foxholes...bombs are falling...bullets are coming" . In the final part of the track, Robinson brought in the civil rights issue, telling people not to be so obsessed with colour: "stop worrying about who is white, stop worrying about who is black, we are human beings" . Robinson produced and composed the song.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gerri Records, Chicago, 002, Side A, pink label; "Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Viet Nam)" (Roscoe Robinson), 3:10, Scoe Pub., BMI; produced by R. Robinson. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I got a letter from my brother Tom
The one who is fighting over in Vietnam
He my little brother, he is only 22
Still he had to go, fight for me and you
Thinking about the holidays it make feel bad
It's the first time away from mum and dad...
You don't know what a soldier goes through...
Don't forget the soldiers, fighting in Vietnam
Lying in foxholes, all day and night
Trying everything to win this fight
Bombs are falling from planes in the air
Bullets are coming from everywhere...
I've held my peace as long as I can
Now I'm really worried about my brother in Vietnam
We ain't going to win nothing killing a fellow man
Stop worrying about who is white
Stop worrying about who is black
We are human beings, that is a natural fact
Show full lyrics (19 lines) ▾
#184 Azie Mortimer Eternally 1969 · Single · That's That (Get Off My Back) / Eternally · Number One # 7778 · USA
Annotation
The song "Eternally" (Number One Records # 7778) is one of the lesser known soul songs to directly reference the Vietnam War. This might be because it starts out as a slow jazzy / soul number, with a woman recalling the night that her man "whispered 'love' so tenderly" . But the narrator tells us that he is gone, and that only the "memory of you will linger on" , leaving her sad and lonely. About 30 seconds before the end of the song the listener discovers what happened, as Azie Mortimer screams out "lord, why did they have to send you to Vietnam?" The song was written by Azie Mortimer, and her manager Don Clay. Clay, and Mortimer's husband, Mort Kaplan, released the single on their Chicago label Number One.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Number One Records 7778-B, red label; "Eternally" (A. Mortimer, D. Clay), time 2:59, Scot-Tees Pub. Co., Cetra Music Corp., Rah-El Music, B.M.I.; arranged by Al-Tog's Staff; an Al-Tog & Moraz Production, produced by Don Clay. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I still recall that lonely night
You kissed my lips and you held me so tight
You whispered 'love' so tenderly
You said 'baby, you have my heart, my love
And you said it was eternally
Oh I still remember the joy I felt inside
I remember, though sometimes I have to cry
You're gone, you're gone, I can't forget, though I may try
Wounds do heal, yes they do, as time goes by...
Don't you know you have my heart my love, eternally
Lord, why did they have to send you to Vietnam?
I never never never feel warmth from your arms
Oh but the memory of you will linger on
But you gave me a kind of love that brought me a mighty, mighty long way
You have my love eternally
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#185 Watson and The Sherlocks Standing on the Corner 1969 · Single · Funky Walk / Standing on the Corner · Soulville # SV-1015 · USA
Annotation
The soul / funk song "Standing on the Corner" (Soulville Records # SV-1005) warned that "if Uncle Sam don't change his policy and bring some men home from overseas" , the lonely girls might start a revolution, because "men are getting scarcer" - a similar theme to the song "Men Are Getting Scarce" by Chairmen of the Board and Joe Tex. In the meantime, the narrator suggested that the woman were hanging out on the street corners, "looking fine" and "flicking eyes" because they were "getting desperate" and "need a man to squeeze" . Released on the Philly soul label Soulville founded by Bobby Fulton in 1967. The song was written by Joseph "Watson" Moore (the lead vocal) & Jesse Herring.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Soulville Records SV-1015, red, cream and teal label; "Standing on the Corner" (Joe Moore-Jesse Herring), Toote Town Pub., Inc.-BMI, time 2:07; produced by Soulful Sounds from Soulville Productions, True-Glotown Prod.; 2308 N. 6th Street, Harrisburg, Pa. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Standing on the corners looking fine
Standing on the corners, flicking eyes
Lots of girls everywhere...
Standing on the corners, all alone...
Men are getting scarcer
All these girls: 'I need help'
Standing on the corners, all alone
If Uncle Sam don't change his policy and bring some men home from overseas
The girls going to start a revolution
They need me, that's the only solution
Standing on the corners, in two's and three's
The girls are getting desperate boy
They need a man to squeeze, shame they are alone...
Waiting for their lovers to come home
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#186 Joe Tex I Can't See You No More (When Johnny Comes Marching Home) 1969 · Single · Sure Is Good / I Can't See You No More (When Johnny Comes Marching Home) · Dial # 4095 · USA
Annotation
Texas soul singer Joe Tex released another war-related track during the Vietnam era, called "(When Johnny Comes Marching Home) I Can't See You No More" (Dial # 4095) - following on from 1966's "I Believe I'm Gonna Make It". The title of the song was a play on the title of the well-known American Civil War song, while the theme fitted into the "Jody" category. The term "Jody" originated from "Joe the Grinder" (dated c.1939) - a mythical man in blues and jazz tunes who seduced the wives and girlfriends of soldiers, prisoners, and those away from home (for work or whatever). "Grinder" was an old slang word for sex (dated c.1647). It is thought to have been introduced into the army by African-Americans during the Second World War, used in military cadences (marches), such as "ain’t no use in going home, Jody’s got your girl and gone" - shouted out by a military officer, and repeated by the group of marching soldiers in unison. This type of marching later got the nickname of "jodies" or "jody calls".1

This one is narrated from the perspective of the "Jody", a man having an affair with a woman who "is waiting on a man; right now he is in the army" . Of course, when he, "Johnny" , returns, the narrator will "have to pack my toys" . The narrator also feels that "what we are doing is wrong" , so he asks that someone "kick me right dead in the seat...go get a rope" because "I ain't got the sense, that the good lord give a goose" ! Once again, the song is written by Tex, and produced by Buddy Killen, founder of Dial.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Dial 45-4095 (DL-17883 SP), vocal; "(When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again) I Can't See You No More" (Tex), 2:45, Pub. Tree, BMI; produced by Buddy Killen; "Dist. by Atlantic Recording Corp., 1841 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Somebody ought to take their foot down
And kick me right dead in the seat of my pants
I ain't got the sense, the good lord give an ant
This woman that I'm in love with tells me time and time again
That we can't see each other no more because she is waiting on a man
Right now he is in the army, and what we are doing is wrong
And according to the letter she got, any day he'll be home
When Johnny comes marching home again, I can't see you no more
Somebody go get a rope, yo and try to pull me and this woman loose
That's what you better do
I ain't got the sense, that the good lord give a goose
I fell for this woman when I knew all along that one day I'll have to pack my toys as soon as the man got home
I'm so in love with her I really don't want to go
#187 The Superbs So Glad You're Home 1969 · Single · So Glad You're Home / The Dawning of Love · Symbol # 8 · USA
Annotation
The Superbs, aka Devotion, formed in New Jersey, USA. Its members included Retta Young, Rhonda Franklin, Phillis Harris, Anita, Henrietta Young, Bertha Addison, and Madge Quince. In the track "So Glad You're Home" (Symbol Records # 8) - written, produced, and arranged by Paul Kyser - a woman's sweetheart had returned "from the service" after two years. During the soldier's service, she "started to date and fool around" because it had been such a long time. But she declared that "I was so wrong...I wanna be your bride" . Thus, this was another song about the strain of army service on a relationship. In this case, a slightly different element was added compared to other songs - the sweetheart at home was not faithful, and yet she wanted to make amends.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Symbol Records, Symbol 8 (69-SY-8-B), red label; "So Glad You're Home" (Paul L. Kyser), Micro Mini Music & Mozella Music (BMI), time 3:13; arranger Paul Kyser, producer Kyser & Vetri for Kay Vee Prod.; "Dist. by Sue Records". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
At last from the service you've come boy
A guess we're no longer one
I know that I'm the one to blame boy for filling your heart with pain
Even though I've been untrue no one could ever take the place of you
And I'm so glad you're home
You know two years have been a long time boy
It has gave me such a confused mind
So I started to date and fool around boy
And thought that I could put you down
But I was so wrong, this was untrue...
And I'm so glad you're home
I just got to be by your side boy
I wanna be your bride..
Even though I've been untrue
I want to fill your heart with happiness
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#188 Johnnie Taylor I Could Never Be President 1969 · Single · I Could Never Be President / It's Amazing · Stax # 46 · USA
Annotation
Johnnie Taylor, primarily known as a southern soul singer, also worked with other genres, such as gospel, blues, and R&B. Born Johnnie Harrison Taylor on 5 May 1938 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, he started out singing in several Chicago, Illinois based gospel groups - The Five Echoes (1952-54) and The Highway QC's (1953-57) - and later on the Houston, Texas soul scene with The Soul Stirrers (lead tenor vocals, 1956-63). He died in Duncanville, Texas (31 May 2000). In 1970 he released, as a solo artist, the famous single "Jody Got Your Girl and Gone" (Stax Records # STA-0085) about a mythical man in blues and jazz tunes who seduced the wives and girlfriends of soldiers, prisoners, and those away from home. It reached # 1 in the Billboard R&B charts, and # 28 in the Hot 100. A year earlier, in 1969, he released the song "I Could Never Be President" (Stax Records # STA-0046) in which he said that if elected president he would "bring home all the fellows from over in Vietnam" and redeploy them to protect his sweetheart from the world. Thus while not really a song about the war, it indicated the prominence of the issue.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Stax STA-0046 (ST-0191), yellow label with finger-snap logo; "I Could Never Be President" (We Three), 2:33, Pub. East/Memphis Music, BMI, dated June, 1969; produced by Don Davis; "Stax Records, 926 East McLemore, Memphis, Tenn. — Div. of Paramount Pictures Corp., a G+W Co." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
If I became President, I know I wont last a day
I would lower all the taxes just to suit your taste
I'd bring home all the fellows from over in Vietnam
Station them around your door so the world can't do you no harm
I'd name every street in the city, honey, after you (yeah yeah yeah)
In the fight against poverty, there's no limit to what I'd do
Theme: Anti-War
#189 Sister Maggie Merckson It's a Time in the USA 1969 · Single · It's a Time in the U.S.A / Hand Made Servant · Gusman # 106 · USA
Annotation
The gospel song "It's a Time in the U.S.A" (Gusman # 106) by the obscure artist Sister Maggie Merckson, recorded in Savannah, Georgia, was a prayer for the well-being of the soldiers in Vietnam and for their mothers: "Oh lord please take care of my child over there in Vietnam" . It also pleaded with the president and governor to kneel down and pray with the mothers because "they all seem so confused" . This record label was established by Waymon "Gusman" Jones, born in Bulloch County, GA in 1932. He owned a record shop at 1210 East Broad Street, Savannah, where he recorded local gospel singers on his labels Gusman and Pitch Records - for further information see the booklet of the label compilation The Pitch/Gusman Records Story (Big Legal Mess Records # BLM 0224).1
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gusman Records, P.O. Box 9202, Savannah, Ga. 31402, red label, 45 RPM, 106, matrix 24785, stamped "D.J. Copy — Not for Sale"; "It's a Time in the U.S.A." (M. Merckson), Gusman, BMI, time 4:28. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It's a time in the USA
An American dying each and everyday
Mums are bowing down on their knees
Lord, take care of my child
Come on everybody, let us leave and pray
I don't know why the race is so hard to run
Oh lord please take care of my child over there in Vietnam...
Tell the president, I want you to tell the governor too
They all seem so confused - don't know just what to do
Come on everybody, let us all kneel down...
Tell the mothers, please don't worry
I know the lord will take care of your child
#190 Frank & Vivian Over Here, Over There 1969 · Single · Sen-Town # 1006 · USA
Annotation
The soul song "Over Here, Over There" (Sen-Town # S-1006), from Alabama, dealt with both the plight of the soldier, and the soldier's loved one backed home. Strong horns introduce the song, followed by the first vocal verse, in which Vivian sings that she misses her man: "I'm so lonely and full of memories" . In the second verse, Frank replied, saying that being separated from his sweetheart left him "in such a sad mood" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
[Vivian] In the darkest hour of the night
Seems like nothing baby ever goes right
I'm so lonely and full of memories
But without your letters baby to keep me company
I'm going stay that way, alone
As your over there, I'm over here
[Frank] I see your love everywhere
I'm in such a sad mood
Cause I'm over here, you're over there
Darling, there will always be a place in my heart for you
Because no one will ever take your place
#191 Mike Tuttle A Letter to Santa Clause 1969 · Single · A Letter to Santa Clause / Can Johnny Come Over for Christmas · Spots # 13351 · USA
Annotation
The track "A Letter to Santa Clause" (Spot Records # 13351), released in 1969 by another obscure, unknown artist, also asked Santa Clause (similar to "Dear Mr. Santa Clause" by Chi Chi Wilson, discussed below) to send daddy home for Christmas as "he is fighting somewhere, way across the sea" . The track does not actually mention Vietnam. Possible sung by a teenager or older child.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Spots Records, red label, Side 1 (PRP 13351), 45 RPM; "A Letter to Santa Clause" (Mike Tuttle), time 2:27, Clay Music BMI; arranged by Harry Neal. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I don't want any toys like other girls and boys
Just send my daddy home to me
He's been gone since May, he is so far away
He is fighting somewhere, way across the sea
I always mentioned him every night in prayer
And prayed that when I awake he'll be standing there
When he left he told me to do the best I can
He said remember son, you're daddy's little man
Mother wrote and told him everything is alright
Then I heard her cry in the middle of the night
We all miss him so, why did he have to go
Just bring my daddy home to me
Genre: ♪ Country
#192 Miss Sza'vee A Prayer for Christmas 1969 · Single · Soular # S-501 · USA
Annotation
The song "A Prayer for Christmas" (Soular # S-501) by Miss Sza'Vee - she also released a garage rock record under the name Cidney Sza'vee & The Rain, called Marianna. It was recorded on a label based in Hollywood, California. The picture sleeve read: "dedicated especially for our men in Vietnam, season's greetings to all".1 The narrator's Christmas gift for the soldiers was "just a prayer" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Soular S-501 (S-501-A), P.O. Box 841, Hollywood, Calif. 90028, grey label with a large yellow hand design; "A Prayer for Christmas" (Jaramillo - Sza'vee), 2:50, Aleph Baze Music (BMI); arranged by Carter-Jaramillo, produced by Soular Records. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My gift for Christmas is just a prayer
No gift is greater to show I care
You won't be with us to share this Christmas
But I will pray this holiday
This prayer I'm sending is filled with love
You'll see it glowing from up above
No greater treasure could ever measure
To show I care that just a prayer
#193 The Emotions Going on Strike 1969 · Album · So I Can Love You · Volt # VOS-6008 · USA
Annotation
The soul track "Going on Strike" (Volt Records # VOS-6008) looked at the position of a soldier's woman left on the home front, waiting for her man to return, and faced with male attention and the opportunities to have fun without their loved one. So the narrator tells us that she has been "sitting up crying" reading the newspaper, and receiving letters, that "keep bothering me about Vietnam". She is also receiving invitations to "all night parties" from people, including her man's best friends, who have "been thinking" they have a chance with her. However, she decides that she is going on strike "until my baby comes back". Female vocal group The Emotions, from Chicago, featured the four sisters Jeanette Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson, Sheila Hutchinson (who composed the song), and Pamela Hutchinson, as well as Theresa Davis. The song was released on a Stax Records R&B subsidiary.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Track A3. Producers David Porter, Isaac Hayes; arranged by Isaac Hayes. Matrix (variant r10635497): VOL-0071 / VOL-0072; label variation blue with lightning bolt at right. Stax spotlight: each Hutchinson sister credited as writer on the album, with contributions from Pervis Staples. Reissued on CD with Untouched (Stax SCD-88029-2, 1996).
Lyrics
English
Western Union has been sending telegrams
Keep bothering me about Vietnam
Baby's over there, and my friends are wondering
Wondering why I don't go nowhere?...
I'm going on strike until my baby comes back
All night parties and invitations, even from his best friends
They've been waiting, I can tell they've been thinking...
His love is good now as its ever been...
Every night I sleep he kisses me...
Sitting up crying, reading the newspaper
Keep bothering me about Vietnam
#194 Barbara Colson Dear Jane 1969 · Single · Dear Jane / Truck Stop · Voice of Country # VOC 142 · USA
Notes
- Country, home front perspective
- Nashville label
- Letter from darling in Vietnam
- Had an affair with a Vietnamese girl, I won't be coming back

- Voice of Country VOC 142 (VOC 117), 45 rpm, "D. J. Copy"; "Dear Jane" (E. Thorn), 2:15, Window Music Co., Inc., BMI; produced by Pete Drake; Barbara Colson (vocal); distributed by Stop Records Inc., 809-B 18th Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#195 Ray and The Country Ramblers How Much Can a Mom & Dad Take 1969 · Single · How Much Can a Mom & Dad Take / I'll Be on That Bird (A Commin' Home) · Vet-Co # VCR 101 · USA
Notes
- Country, home front, soldier's perspective, K.I.A.
- A-side: Letter to parents - fighting day and night. Buddy K.I.A.
- B-side: Got days lefts then I'll be coming home
- Last words he wrote, K.I.A.
- We have one more son over there

- Vet-Co Records VCR 101-A, yellow label; "How Much Can a Mom & Dad Take" (R. Dalrymple), 3:10. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#196 Dodie Stevens Billy, I've Got to Go to Town 1969 · Single · Billy, I've Got to Go to Town / It's Not Their Heartache, It's Mine · World Pacific # 77927 · USA
Credited on the record as Geraldine Stevens.
Annotation
Notes
Billy, I've Got to Go to Town (Stevens, Geraldine) (World Pacific Records # 77927)

aka Dottie Stevens. Answer song to the well-known Kenny Rogers single Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town (Reprise Records # 0829), released in 1969, and composed by Mel Tillis. Johnny Darrell actually released an earlier, but less popular version in 1967 - Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town (United Artists Records # UA-50126). This Dodie Stevens answer went by the same tune as the original, with Mel Tillis receiving a credit on the label.

1

Also see the other answer record - Dori Helms - Ruby's Answer (Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Dodie Stevens aka Geraldine Stevens World Pacific 77927 (WP-689), "Liberty/UA, Inc., Los Angeles, California"; "Billy, I've Got to Go to Town" (Vic Dana, Mel Tillis), 2:55, Cedarwood Publishing Co., Inc. BMI; credited to Geraldine Stevens; produced by Dana-Reisdorff. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#197 Jackie Sule Bring My Baby Home (What Good Is Christmas Alone) 1969 · Single · Bring My Baby Home / I Found Someone · Big Town # BTR 101 · USA
Notes
Bring My Baby Home (What Good Is Christmas Alone) (Sule, Jackie)

Soul, Christmas. New York City, USA
Mr. President, I want my baby home this Christmas
I understand when you were called, but now I need you
What good is Christmas alone

Notes
Big Town Records BTR 101 (X4KM-1597), Big Town Records Inc., 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, N.Y.C.; "Bring My Baby Home (What Good Is Christmas Alone)" (Keith Paris), Big "S" Music/Keith Music, ASCAP, 2:52; engineer Bud Stockham, produced by Keith Paris Productions. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#198 Rick Roberts & Skip Ballard Congressional Medal of Honor 1969 · Single · Empty Home / Congressional Medal of Honor · Twin # NR-2898 · USA
Notes
Congressional Medal of Honor (Roberts, Rick & Skip Ballard)

Country, soldier and home front perspective. KIA.
Army visited man: your son has died in Vietnam
Battle description of how.
Received medal for bravery.
Notes
Twin Record Productions (GWS logo), NR2898-2, compatible stereo, 2150 Parklake Drive, N.E., Atlanta, Ga.; "Congressional Medal of Honor" (Rick Roberts), 3:46, Elkee Music, BMI; produced by Naomi Roberts, Rick Roberts, Skip Ballard. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#199 Jimmy Ruffin Farewell Is a Lonely Sound 1969 · Single · Farewell Is a Lonely Sound / If You Will Let Me, I Know I Can · Soul # 35060 · USA
Notes
Farewell Is a Lonely Sound (Ruffin, Jimmy)

Soul, soldier's perspective.
Saying goodbye to his sweetheart. I'll be back

Motown subsidiary
Notes
Soul S-35060 (TJ1-S-I-487S03), purple label, © 1967 Jobete, BMI; "Farewell Is a Lonely Sound" (Dean, Weatherspoon, Goga), time 2:56; arranged by Paul Riser, produced by Dean & Weatherspoon; "In Album 'Ruff 'N Ready' S 708"; rim "A trademark of Motown Record Corp. © 1969". In a Motown "The Sound of Young America – Album Favorites" company sleeve (10/70) showing Motown-group LP covers, among them Edwin Starr's "War & Peace" (GS948). [From the record sleeve and labels]
#200 Paul and Dell Sporleder 'Til You Return 1969 · Single · How Long Vietnam / 'Til You Return · Century # 35014 · USA
Notes
Century Records 35014 ("mfg. by Century Records"), 45, black label with rainbow band; credited "Paul and Dell Sporleder"; Side 1 "How Long Vietnam", 2:37, Side 2 "'Til You Return", 2:07, both © 1969 Paul and Dell Sporleder, Prieturn - BMI; guitarist Chet Priewe. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
How long, how long Vietnam?
How long must the war go on?...
Wars are lost and wars are one
Lives are given
Everyone is wondering, when will it end?...
Soldier fight and die
So we folks at home may be safe and free
But how long, how long Vietnam?
How long must the war go on?...
Peace our hearts keep yearning for
Now you are gone your love moves on
Waiting for you I cannot do
I cried each night for you
Each day I'll pray for you
'Til you return to me
When you were here my love was so dear
Now you are away, what can I say
I cried each night for you
Each day I will pray for you
'Til you return to me
Days are so long, nights never end
There is no sun
Show full lyrics (23 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
#201 Ray McKay Dear Sir 1969 · Single · So Glad You Came / Dear Sir · Master # 1137 · USA
Notes
- "Dear Sir"

- Label: Master Records # 1137
- Songwriter: Deckard, McKay

- Country, song poem label
- Stone Mountain, Georgia

- Home front perspective, contains patriotic sentiment
- "Dear Sir my mama was out last night, while daddy is somewhere over there helping put this world right, daddy love my mama sir, so please don't steal her heart, while daddy fights to save your world, don't tear his world apart"
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#202 Van Q. Temple Mister Wallace Please Wait for Me! 1969 · Album · Mister Wallace Please Wait for Me! It's a Riot No. 4 · R.R.I. # Riot No. 4 · USA
Credited on the record as Van Q. Temple as Iula Humps and Ray Kinnamon.
Notes
The record "Mister Wallace Please Wait for Me!" (R.R.I. ‎– Riot No. 4) was a racist comedy sketch, impersonating African-Americans, centred around the Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago. Van Q. Temple was a radio DJ, based in Pensacola, Florida. The character he played, Iula Humps, featured on the front cover in stereo-typical, racist form, was in the role of the "cleaning lady" at the radio station. "Mister Wallace" was of course a reference to the Alabama Governor George Wallace. The back of the record said:

.
Sleeve notes
Even the Democrats confess, the 1968 Convention in Chicago was nothing less than shear pandemonium. Millions of TV viewers could hardly believe their eyes as they viewed the spectacle of all spectacles. The content of this hilarious album attempts to capture some of the classic moments of the greatest show on earth
Notes
Credited "Van Q. Temple as Iula Humps and Ray Kinnamon"; A1 and B1 both "Mister Wallace Please Wait For Me!". The notes say the album is centred around the 1968 Convention in Chicago.
#203 The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Human Beings, People, Persons & Homo Sapiens Oh Mr. Nixon 1969 · Single · Oh Mr. Nixon / Claire De Looney · Doré # 823 · USA
Credited on the record as The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Human Beings, People, Persons & Homo Sapiens.
Notes
Doré 823 (Hollywood), promo; B-side "Claire De Looney" by The Zanies.

Label: written by B. J. Hunter; Meadowlark Music Inc., ASCAP; time 2:23; 45-LJB-571; arranged by John Greek. "Thanks George Jay" and "Stacey" are handwritten on this copy. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Novelty
#204 Bob Mills I'm Taking Care of Things Here at Home 1969 · Single · She's as Close to an Angel / I'm Taking Care of Things Here at Home · Great Record Co. # GR-1285 · USA
Notes
"I'm Taking Care of Things Here at Home"

Country, minor reference to draft dodging, Vietnam-era. Nashville, TN.
Notes
Great Record Co. GR-1285 (promo on Discogs); writers on the release Danny Walls and Sammy Lyons; published by Yonah Music.
Lyrics
English
When the army come for me, I hid down in the cellar
I've never been the kind to roam
I'm taking care of things here at home
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#205 Kathy & Butch Teenage Soldier Boy 1969 · Single · Crown # #120 · USA
Notes
Country, soldier's / home front perspective, patriotic.
Home: Got your letter, waiting for you.
Soldier: in Vietnam, we got a job to do.
Going out to battle.
Notes
Pressed by Precision Record Pressing, Inc. (PRP 1508). [From Discogs]

Crown Ltd. #120 (PRP 15081, SOB 1000), 2:33; (N. Hemphill); Moonsong Pub., BMI; dist. by Sound of B'ham, Div. of Crown Ltd. Records. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#206 Buddy Bohn Places 1969 · Album · Happy Tiger # HTR-S-1001 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Vietnam veteran - referenced on back of sleeve. Songs unrelated to VN [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Vet
Genre: ♪ Pop
#207 Various Artists The Big Lift 1969 · Single · The Big Lift · Revell # 87-8433 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Documentary, field recording Various role of the helicopter. Including Vietnam - in the jungle to rescue soldiers Set platoon down to come out fighting [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#208 Peter, Paul and Mary Leaving on a Jet Plane 1969 · Single · Leaving on a Jet Plane / The House Song · Warner Bros.-Seven Arts # 7340 · USA
Notes
Warner Bros.-Seven Arts Records 7340 (K51297), 3:27; (John Denver); Cherry Lane Music, Inc., ASCAP; produced by Albert B. Grossman & Milt Okun. [From the record label]

Contemporary folk. Famous song composed by John Denver in 1966 during a layover in DC leaving someone. Peter, Paul, and Mary released it in 1969 - many interpreted as a Vietnam War song. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Lost Love
#209 Frank St Clair Pollution of the Mind 1969 · Single · I Hope My Guilty Don't Show / Pollution of the Mind · Rosebud # 1002 · USA
Notes
Pollution of the Mind Minor reference to war. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#210 Paper Train Time Waits for No One (Especially the Young) 1969 · Single · Brother / Time Waits For No One (Especially the Young) · Capitol # P-2464 · USA
Notes
Time Waits for No One [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#211 Cristy Lane Salutes GI's of Viet Nam 1969 · Album · Lane # LANE 101 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. (1) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#212 Walter E. Hurst Law, You and...The Draft 1969 · Album · Law U # 7-109 · USA
Notes
Law-U Records, 6000 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Theme: Draft
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#213 Jody Irvin Generation Gap 1969 · Single · This Heart of Mine / Generation Gap · Nashville # 45-NV-5493 · USA
Notes
- Country, counter-culture novelty - hippies - released Nashville, Tennessee [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#214 Joe Berluck Dear Mister President 1969 · Single · Dear Mister President / The Last Rose of Summer · Monopole # S.011 · Belgium
Annotation
The song "Dear Mister President" (Monopole # S 011), released in Belgium, performed by Joe Berluck, currently based in Gent, Belgium, and Jack Lennert. The song features an English-spoken country song with Flemish translation over it. In the song, a girl writes a letter to the US president, asking to send her father home from the Vietnam War. Note: lyrics coming.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Orange green cover. Rights society SABAM. Released on Monopole (S 011) with Jack Lennert; an English-spoken country song with a Flemish translation narrated over it, in which a girl writes to the US president asking him to send her father home. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#215 Tom T. Hall Girls In Saigon City 1969 · Album · I Witness Life · Mercury # SR-61277 · USA
Annotation
Tom T. Hall, born 25 May 1936 in Olive Hill, Kentucky, son of a preacher, is primarily known as a storyteller and songwriter in the country music genre. Between 1957 and 1961 Hall served in the US army, stationed in Germany. He performed songs at local officer clubs and on the Armed Forces Network.12 In 1965 he scored a massive songwriting hit with Johnnie Wright - Hello Vietnam. From 1967 he started to release his own material, including the Vietnam-related track "Girls in Saigon City" (Mercury Records # SR-61277). Narrated from a soldier's perspective, near a place called "Da Nang"... "cross the ocean far away" . The soldier "got a dear-John-letter" . So the soldier goes off to Saigon to visit the Vietnamese girls - presumably a reference to prostitutes. At the end of the song, Hall switches the narrative, giving out advise to those on the domestic front: "stateside girls should take this warning, be faithful" - otherwise the soldier may go visit the girls in Saigon. Thus, this looks at both the soldier's experience and the us domestic perspective.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
There's a place called Da Nang Village cross the ocean far away
In deep concern for one young woman
That's where I abide today
Today, I got a dear-John-letter from that young woman in the USA
When I was called I knew I'd lose her it don't matter anyway
There are girls in Saigon City waiting there with open arms
On my leave I may go see them in this other world called Vietnam
Stateside girls should take this warning be faithful cause you can't tell
On the streets of Saigon City they have many things to sell
There are girls in Saigon City
English
A list of Tom T. Hall Vietnam War compositions:
Johnnie Wright - "Hello Vietnam" - a soldier headed out to war.
Kitty Hawkins - "Goodbye to Vietnam" - a soldier returned to the US.
Dave Dudley - "Then I'll Come Home Again" - a soldier will return home after doing his duty.
Dave Dudley - "What We're Fighting For" - soldier justified the conflict in Vietnam.
Maybelle Carter - "I Told Them What You're Fighting For" - a mother justified son's role in Vietnam.
Tom T. Hall - "Girls in Saigon City" - warned that GIs visited Vietnamese girls in Saigon.
Jimmy Snyder - "Chicago Story" - a soldier goes to Vietnam, while his wife started an affair back home.
George Kent - "Mama Bake a Pie" - a wounded veteran criticised the human cost of the war.
Show full lyrics (22 lines) ▾
#216 Johnnie Taylor I Could Never Be President 1969 · Single · I Could Never Be President / It's Amazing · Stax # 46 · USA
Annotation
Johnnie Taylor, primarily known as a southern soul singer, also worked with other genres, such as gospel, blues, and R&B. Born Johnnie Harrison Taylor on 5 May 1938 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, he started out singing in several Chicago, Illinois based gospel groups - The Five Echoes (1952-54) and The Highway QC's (1953-57) - and later on the Houston, Texas soul scene with The Soul Stirrers (lead tenor vocals, 1956-63). He died in Duncanville, Texas (31 May 2000). In 1969, he released the song "I Could Never Be President" (Stax Records # STA-0046) in which he said that if elected president he would "bring home all the fellows from over in Vietnam" and redeploy them to protect his sweetheart from the world. Thus while not really a song about the war, it indicated the prominence of the issue.

A year later he released the song "Jody Got Your Girl and Gone" (Stax Records # STA-0085), which does not mention war or soldiers, but has often been associated with the Vietnam conflict, appearing on several compilations (such as Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die). The lyrics focused on the fear of a man loosing his girl while away from home - thoughts that are closely associated with the soldier figure. This theme often appeared in Vietnam War songs. The term "Jody" originated from "Joe the Grinder" (dated c.1939) - a mythical man in blues and jazz tunes who seduced the wives and girlfriends of soldiers, prisoners, and those away from home (for work or whatever). "Grinder" was an old slang word for sex (dated c.1647). It is thought to have been introduced into the army by African-Americans during the Second World War, used in military cadences (marches), such as "ain’t no use in going home, Jody’s got your girl and gone" - shouted out by a military officer, and repeated by the group of marching soldiers in unison. This type of marching later got the nickname of "jodies" or "jody calls".1

So in this song the narrator warned the soldiers that "there's a cat named Jody...in every town" who snuck around, using the soldier's home, bed, and food. The narrator concluded that it "ain't no sense in going home, Jody's got your girl and gone" . The song reached # 1 in the Billboard R&B charts on 20 February 1971, and peaked at # 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 27 February.23
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Stax STA-0046 (ST-0191), yellow label with finger-snap logo; "I Could Never Be President" (We Three), 2:33, Pub. East/Memphis Music, BMI, dated June, 1969; produced by Don Davis; "Stax Records, 926 East McLemore, Memphis, Tenn. — Div. of Paramount Pictures Corp., a G+W Co." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Every guy I know trying to get ahead
Working two jobs til you're almost dead
Work your fingers right down to the bone
There's a cat named Jody, sneaking around
In your home, there's a cat named Jody
In every town...
The ashes in your ashtray
Footprints on your carpet
While you work all day
He even got the nerve to sleep in your bed
Sit down at the table, eat your bread
When you discover your gross neglect
It'll be too late to give your woman respect
Ain't no sense in going home
Jody's got your girl and gone
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War

1970

Richard Nixon announces the US incursion into Cambodia, an expansion of the war, 30 April 1970. This sparked major demonstrations across the US.
Key EventsOfficial peace talks continued in Paris, and Kissinger opened a secret channel with his North Vietnamese counterpart Le Duc Tho. Meanwhile, Nixon stunned Americans by announcing the US and South Vietnamese incursion into Cambodia, which sparked mass demonstrations in the US and firmly turned public opinion against the war in Vietnam. During the protest at Kent State University, Ohio, four students were shot and killed. The Congress also reacted to the Cambodia incursion, with a series of legislative restrictions on US operations in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Captain Medina was charged over the My Lai Massacre, and Lt. William Calley's trial began.
  • 21 February 1970: Kissinger talks with Le Duc Tho begin
  • 30 April 1970: Nixon announces the incursion into Cambodia
  • 1 May 1970: Nixon calls protesters "bums"
  • 4 May 1970: 4 Student killed at Kent State Ohio, by National Guardsmen
  • 24 June 1970: Congress repeals the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
  • 12 November 1970: Trial of Lt. William Calley began
  • 22 December 1970: Cooper-Church Amendment

1970

#217 Freddie Scott Johnny's Hill 1970 · Single · Sugar on Sunday / Johnny's Hill · Roulette # RO 509 · USA
Annotation
Freddie Scott released the track "Johnny's Hill" (Elephant V Ltd. # 1) in 1970, which told the story of a deceased soldier, whose body was returned to his home in the US. Scott spoke about the song in an interview, saying that "one of my cousins died in the army, and that's what sort of brought that about". He composed it with Tommy Kaye. So the body arrived by train with all the family waiting at the platform. A mother was asking everyone "why did this happen to my son" . The family received a medal, and the captain tells them that "he was the hell of a soldier" . But to the family this "doesn't mean a thing" - so a similar theme to "I Should Be Proud" by Martha and The Vandellas, and "That Man of Mine" by Barbara Stant.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Roulette RO 509 (R 509-B), red and yellow sunburst label with push-out centre, "Manufactured and distributed by Major Minor Records Ltd.", ℗ 1969; "Johnny's Hill" (T. Kaye / F. Scott), Copyright Control; Freddie Scott, produced by Thomas Kaye. [From the record sleeve and labels] Also issued in the US on Elephant V Ltd. 1 (1970).
Lyrics
English
Train is slowly pulling in, people from all around
Come to pay their last respect to their kin that was shot down
His father stands out sadly, with the flag folded over his arm
But his mother keeps asking everyone why did this happen to my son
They gave us a medal but it doesn't mean a thing
Johnny never really lived his life, now he is riding on that train
The train that takes the bodies on to their final resting place
Johnny was a leader they say, but we can't even see his face
A person is standing up their on a hill saying a prayer in grief
The mayor is standing there all so silently, with tear down her cheek
Johnny's friends are quietly standing by
They've got their eyes fixed to the sky
They're Johnny's brother, but why did Johnny die
Captain says 'I'm sorry' I've got to tell you folks again
He was the hell of a soldier, he was one of our best men
Since then they named it Johnny's Hill about three years ago
Flags are flying everywhere, now there's room for just six more
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#218 The Byrds Welcome Back Home 1970 · Album · (Untitled) · Columbia # CG 30127 · USA
Annotation
The song "Welcome Back Home" (Columbia Records # CG 30127), written by Skip Battin who took over on bass for the Byrds from John York in 1969, expressed concern for the soldiers returning home to the US - a theme usually found in post-Vietnam war songs. Battin said in a 1979 interview with Johnny Rogan, in the book The Byrds: Timeless Flight Revisited (p. 315) that "I was personally touched by the Vietnam situation, and my feelings about it came out in that song. I had a high school friend who died out there and I guess my thoughts were on him at the time".1 Thanks koeeoaddi_there
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Welcome back home
If you wanna tell someone about it tell me
I think that I am afraid to hear it
I know you're afraid to say yes
Tell me anyway you can
Ah but don't tell your momma
I won't tell your papa...
Tell me how they kill a man
Ah but don't tell momma
I won't tell papa
Welcome back home
#219 Toni Dae and Carl Knight Come Back From Viet Nam 1970 · Single · Come Back From Viet Nam / Someone on Your Mind · New Star # 623P-124 · USA
Annotation
The country song "Come Back From Viet Nam" (New Star Records # 623P-124) by Toni Dae and Carl Knight told the story of a soldier killed in action (K.I.A.). He told the listener that "I'm coming home from Vietnam in a lonely box" . The song started with the soldier's partner (narrated by a female vocalist) waking up in the middle of the night, thinking of him. She wrote the soldier a letter, telling him that the children miss him. However, the soldier, listening in from beyond the grave (a male vocalist entered), wished that he could tell his wife that he had already died in Vietnam last week. Thus, it looked at the negative impact the war had on a soldier's family. Released in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, USA. Composed by Carl Knight.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
New Star N-37 (SK5M-7103, 623P-124), green label, "Manufactured by New Star Records, Goodlettsville, Tennessee, U.S.A."; "Come Back From Viet Nam" (Carl Knight), 2:29, Pamper Music, Inc., BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Come back from Vietnam, I just woke from a dream so real
I thought I felt your touch, it's past midnight, but I must write
I miss you all so much, I held your picture close to me
'Till your paper lips taste warm, as nights grow old, those lips grow cold
Come back from Vietnam
I just can't put it into words
How the children miss you dear
We sit at night and talk about the times you were here
But suddenly I feel so strange, with fear I'm overcome, god only knows....
Come back from Vietnam, I'm right here with you now sweetheart
If only you could hear me speak
I'd talk with you before they let you know I was killed last week
Tell the children how I loved them dear
Or they will forget in time
I'm coming home from Vietnam
In a lonely box up high, I've held your picture close to me
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#220 The Wilburn Brothers Little Johnny From Down The Street 1970 · Album · Little Johnny From Down the Street · Decca # DL 75173 · USA
Annotation
The group, which featured the brothers Doyle Wilburn and Teddy Wilburn from Hardy, Arkansas, both served in the US army during the Korean War.2 They also released two anti-war / peace songs: "Vision at the Peace Table" on this album, and the single "The War Keeps Draggin' On" (Decca Records # 32909). Reaching # 37 in the Billboard country charts (on 14 March 1970), the track "Little Johnny From Down the Street" (Decca Records # DL 75173) focused on the plight of a soldier called Johnny.1 The front cover of the album featured a freckled-faced boy - presumably Little Johnny? Larry G. Whitehead composed the song.

It started by recalling the childhood of Johnny, who got up to various misadventures, and eventually fell in love with a girl called Janie. This early section personalised the life of the soldiers sent to fight in Vietnam, focusing on their 'normal' or 'happy' American childhood. But then the protagonist received his draft letter: "orders from his country came" , and most likely the army sent him to Vietnam. At the end of the track, the listener discovered that Johnny "died in a foreign land all alone" , before having the chance to marry Janie. Thus this track mainly dealt with the impact of the war on both the life of the soldier and on those left behind in the US. To a small extent it leaned towards the anti-war side, by portraying the negative impact of the war.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Who threw a brick through my front glass
Little Johnny from down the street
Who's been diggin' up the courthouse grass
Little Johnny from down the street
Who's been pullin' little Janie's pigtails...
Little Johnny from down the street...
Who taught the other kids how to cuss...
Now Janie thinks Johnny is her whole world
Little Johnny from down the street
Then orders from his country came
He pulled out on the midnight train
Now Janie's cryin' with a different pain
For little Johnny from down the street /Who is it everybody misses, now the neighborhood's quiet...
Who won't be coming home, died in a foreign land all alone
Little Johnny from down the street
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#221 The Wilburn Brothers Vision at the Peace Table 1970 · Album · Little Johnny From Down the Street · Decca # DL 75173 · USA
Annotation: see “Little Johnny From Down The Street” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
We need him now, we need him now, yes we need Jesus now
Last night this whole world went to sleep with troubles on her mind
More troubles she's known since time began
With the leaders of all nations gathered in one room
The future of the world was in their hands
Now the moment had come for men and nations to decide how an everlasting peace could be born
But hopes of peace soon ended
When one man took the floor and started speaking words of fire and scorn
The smaller nations pleaded that their people might be safe from the awful fate of war that filled the air
Then a handful of leaders who put their faith in god bowed their heads and began to pray...
Why some of you have prayed for peace, others speak of war
The treaties of this world will never stand...we need him now...Jesus
Who threw a brick through my front glass
Little Johnny from down the street
Who's been diggin' up the courthouse grass
Little Johnny from down the street
Who's been pullin' little Janie's pigtails...
Little Johnny from down the street...
Who taught the other kids how to cuss...
Now Janie thinks Johnny is her whole world
Little Johnny from down the street
Then orders from his country came
He pulled out on the midnight train
Now Janie's cryin' with a different pain
For little Johnny from down the street /Who is it everybody misses, now the neighborhood's quiet...
Who won't be coming home, died in a foreign land all alone
Little Johnny from down the street
Show full lyrics (28 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#222 The Chymes My Baby's Gone Away 1970 · Single · My Baby's Gone Away / Where I Come From · Down to Earth # 101 · USA
Annotation
The song "My Baby's Gone Away" (Down to Earth Records # 71) released in 1970 by the Chymes (aka Chimes) - a US soul group from Chicago, featuring the harmonies of the three brothers Victor, David, and James Martin, also known as the Star-Tels. The Chymes were supported on this track by the Soul Crusaders, the house band of the Chicago label Lamarr run by Burgess and Walter Gardner (of which Down to Earth Records was a sub-label).1 This song is concerned with a soldier "out of the army now, back from Vietnam" , who revisits his old neighbourhood, only to discover that his girl has left him. He sadly sings that "she should have never let me go" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Down to Earth 101-A, yellow label, "Mfd. by LaMarr Prod. Co. 746 E. 75th St. Chgo., Ill.", with "71" printed; "My Baby's Gone Away" (D. Martin-B. Gardner), Merye-Earl Music (BMI), 2:30; produced by Walter & Burgess Gardner; arranged and conducted by Burgess Gardner, background music by the Soul Crusaders Recording Orchestra. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'm out the army now, back from Vietnam
Went to my old neighbourhood to find someone I know
I walked down the street to my baby's door
Her mother tells me she don't live here no more
My baby's gone away...
I love my baby so, she should have never let me go...
I remember reading all her letters
How she used to say
That she'd wait forever come what may
#223 Melverine Thomas A Letter From My Son 1970 · Single · A Letter From My Son Part 1 / A Letter From My Son Part 2 · Jay-Walking # JW-004 · USA
Annotation
The song "A Letter From My Son" (parts 1 & 2) by Melverine Thomas - little is known of this artist. Released on the obscure Harrisburg, Pennsylvania label Jay-Walking (# JW-004), a sub-label of the better-known Soulville Records, founded by Bobby Fulton in 1967. In the song Thomas emotionally recalls the moment that a mother "got a letter from Vietnam" with good news, as repeated by the chorus throughout the song: "Mama, I'm coming home" . The soldier requested that his mother meet him at the station, "put soul food on the stove" , and tell his girlfriend to meet him at "our same old hideout" - so showing the soldier dreaming about his old life in the US.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Jay-Walking JW-004, white "D. J. Copy" labels with a walking-boot-and-stave logo; "A Letter From My Son" (Part 1) and (Part 2) (M. Thomas), Playnote Music Co. BMI, "DWG Production"; Part 1 time 2:50, Part 2 time 2:35. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I got a letter from Vietnam the other day
It was unexpected because there had been some delay
But when I read that letter it caused my heart to feel so young and gay
Listen to what my son had to say
Mama, I'm coming home
I've got my duffel bags in my hands
You'll all meet me at the station
Meet me on the platform...
Mama, I want you to tell my girl something
You know Elma down the street
Tell her to meet me at our same old hideout
Now put soul food out on the stove
#224 Dr. William Truly, Jr. (The Two Wars Of) Old Black Joe 1970 · Single · (The Two Wars Of) Old Black Joe / King Is Not Dead · House of the Fox # HOF-2 · USA
Annotation
The monologue gospel / soul track "(The Two Wars Of) Old Black Joe" (House of the Fox # HOF-2), released on a Nashville, Texas label, was another civil rights / race relations track connected to the Vietnam War. It told the story of Old Back Joe, an African-American soldier who "had been to Vietnam" , won a Purple Heart medal for bravery, and had slept and ate along with everyone, "like any other infantry man" , no matter white or black. The soldier is killed in Vietnam, and his "flesh and bones" are returned to the US, "his country...his home" - thus highlighting that he was no different to the white soldiers. However, nobody greeted the body on its return, and the white people in his town do not want him buried next to their family, although they are eventually forced to by a judge. So this song primarily focused on the disparity between the treatment of African-Americans in the US, such as the continuation of segregation, and the role played by African-Americans in the Vietnam conflict.

The sleeve of the record said that the song was dedicated to Bill Henry Terry, K.I.A. in the Vietnam War, but refused burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama, because he was African-American. His family filed a lawsuit and faced threats from the KKK.1. Furthermore, it was dedicated to Eugene Williams, K.I.A. in Vietnam, but denied burial in a "Caucasian‐only" cemetery in Florida.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
House of the Fox HOF-2 (HO-Fox-5566), "A Subsidiary of Lelan Rogers Enterprises, Inc., Nashville, Tenn., U.S.A."; "(The Two Wars Of) Old Black Joe" (Dr. William Truly, Jr., Danny Rogers), House of the Fox Music, BMI, 4:24, "From the album Dr. William Truly, Jr. 'Poet to All Mankind'"; "Proudly produced with humility and respect by Lelan Rogers".

The label top is printed with a fox-fur pattern.

The picture sleeve prints the song's opening verses and is dedicated to PFC Bill Terry, Birmingham, Alabama, and Spec. 4 Poindexter Eugene Williams, Ft. Pierce, Florida. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Old Black Joe had been to Vietnam
Had killed himself a thousand times
Old Black Joe was the bravest soldier you ever wanted to see
Had won a purple heart, maybe two, maybe three
He slept in a ditch and ate out of a can, like any other infantry man...
Then one day Old Black Joe was sitting on a hill
And that was the day he got himself killed
They shipped his flesh and bones in a box back to his home
No one was to greet him, no one was around
Sister, brother, not even the mayor of the town
His body just lay there for a day or two
Until the white folks figured out what to do
Didn't want to bury him in their white cemetery
Then came along a judge, and said 'I'll be damned'
This here boy has been to Vietnam...
This is his country, this is his home
Well the white folks fuss and cuss...
You should have see those folks...
To move the bodies of their kin
Brothers, sisters, and friends to the outside of town...
You know it takes a lot of hate to move the dead...
But there was no place to go...
So they all had to come back to bury those bodies next to Old Black Joe
Show full lyrics (24 lines) ▾
#225 Helen Curry A Prayer for My Soldier 1970 · Single · A Prayer for My Soldier / Sad and Blue · Ja-Wes # J-0110 · USA
Annotation
The song "A Prayer for My Soldier" (Ja-Wes # J-0110) by Helen Curry - is this the same Helen Curry in the Chicago soul group The Independents? This is another track with religious content. A woman in the US prayed each night for "my soldier in Vietnam" , so that god would "guide him, and protect him, and lead him" . Released on the James Shelton group of Chicago labels: Daran, DJO, and Ja-Wes.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ja-Wes J-0110-A, dark grey label with silver print; Daran Recording Co., 4148 So. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60653; "A Prayer for My Soldier" (Robinson & Robinson), 2:50, Shelview Pub. Co., BMI; Helen Curry, arranged by C. Handy, produced by Shelton & Robinson. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Each night when I go to bed I say a prayer for my soldier in Vietnam, in Vietnam
Don't think I'd forget you even though you are far way...
And here is what I pray:
Dear god, won't you keep him safe
Let him return...
Guide him, and protect him, and lead him
Each night when I go to bed I say a little prayer, for my soldier
In Vietnam...
I want him to come back to me
#226 Nonie Cline & Buford Arrowood His Last Lines 1970 · Single · We'll Take the Blame / His Last Lines · Gent # 242 · USA
Credited on the record as Nonie Cline & Buford Arrowood with The Town & Country Gentlemen.
Notes
His Last Lines (Cline, Nonie & Buford Arrowood)

Country, home front perspective. Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
Sweetheart's letter to soldier
Received his letter which he wrote while KIA
Hope to see you when I return home...
Notes
Gent #242, Side 2, 45 rpm, matrix PRP 16282, light-blue label, Rt. 4, Box 509 E, Kannapolis, N.C. 28081; "His Last Lines" (Nonie Cline), 2:08; Nonie Cline & Buford Arrowood with The Town & Country Gentlemen. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#227 Betty Wright Soldier Boy 1970 · Single · Soldier Boy / A Woman Was Made for One Man · Alston # 45-4581 · USA
Notes
Soldier Boy (Wright, Betty)

Soul. Cover of Shirelles
Notes
Alston 45-4581 (AL-18095 SP), white promotional label marked "Plug Side", vocal; "Soldier Boy" (L. Dixon-F. Green), Pub. Ludix Music, BMI, time 3:15; strings arranged by Mike Lewis; produced by Brad Shapiro & Steve Alaimo; "Dist. by Atco, Div. of Atlantic Recording Corp., 1841 B'way, N.Y., N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#228 The Supremes Bill, When Are You Coming Back 1970 · Album · Right On · Motown # MS 705 · USA
Notes
Bill, When Are You Coming Back

Motown

Every morning waiting for the mailman to come.
But again he shook his head and said maybe tomorrow there'll be one.
He said, better than a letter, some guys just arrived.
I felt so much better that I ran to catch the 3:45.
I got to the station, oh, just a little bit late,
When I spotted a soldier turning through an exit gate.
Oh, I pushed through the crowd until I reached his side
And got the strangest look from a strangers eyes.
I cried, Bill, Bill, Bill when are you coming back.
I cried in a stranger's arms standing there by the railroad tracks.
Oh, yes I did.
The day you left me remains in my mind so clear.
You were saying you loved me, but the train made it hard to hear.
So, we moved by the Coke machine, oh, so we could say goodbye.
The people were staring, but I couldn't keep the tears from my eyes.
As the train departed your loving mother held me close.
We cried together, yeah, trying to keep each other host.
Oh, wherever you are you know you need it too,
â??Cause no one in this world needs you like I do.
I cried, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill when are you coming back.
I cried in a stranger's arms standing there by the railroad tracks.
Oh, yes I did.
standing there by the railroad tracks.
Oh, yes I did.
No news is good news; at least, that's what your mama said.
But, I could see in her eyes, she too, is so afraid.
Now, I've got nothing to cling to except what I felt inside,
When I cried I loved you and looked into that stranger's eyes.
Oh, I miss you, Bill.
I can't stand the pain of knowing if I'll ever see you again!
I cried, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill when are you coming back.
I cried in a stranger's arms standing there by the railroad tracks.
Oh, yes I did.
Billy, baby!
Billy, baby, when are you coming back?
I cried in a stranger's arms standing there by the railroad tracks.
Oh, yes I did.
Notes
Track B5. Album producers (Wikipedia): Frank Wilson, Clay MacMurray, Ivy Jo Hunter. Sleeve: 'Album designed at London Studio'; art direction Curtis McNair; photography Frank Dandridge; special tear-away 'poster' gatefold sleeve with 12x24 poster. Label printed MS705 / MS-705. Also UK Tamla Motown STML 11157.
#229 The Singing Southern Echos of Memphis, Tennessee I Was Brought Up 1970 · Album · Somebody Touched Me · Designer # LP 6829 · USA
Notes
"I Was Brought Up"

Gospel
Notes
Track B6 'I Was Brought Up'. Discogs notes: reissue of the album originally released by Designer Records (1960s-70s Memphis custom gospel label). Barcode 895102002362. Big Legal Mess / Fat Possum.
Lyrics
English
I was brought up by the hands of the lord
Ever since I was a child
He's been with me all the while
I was brought up by the hands of the lord
Mother, don't worry if you have children in Vietnam
For no matter how bad you feel, the war in Vietnam is my god's will
I've been sick and didn't even have the money to pay the doctor bill
Even though I could not afford the bill
I called on the lord and I was healed
#230 Walter Cronkite Republican and Democratic Conventions 1968 1970 · Album · I Can Hear It Now / The Sixties · Columbia Masterworks # M3X 30353 · USA
Credited on the record as Walter Cronkite & Fred W. Friendly.
Annotation

Documentary record, narrated by Walter Cronkite, well-known US broadcast journalist, for CBS, born 4 November 1916 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA, died 17 July 2009 in Manhattan, New York, USA. This record included the track "Republican and Democratic Conventions 1968". It was a 3-LP box-set.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
3LP box set, stereo; co-producers J. G. Gude and John M. Patterson. Side F: "Republican and Democratic Conventions 1968, Through Flight of Apollo 11, First Moon Landing, July 20/21, 1969".
#231 Myles Jackson Viet Nam Veterans 1970 · Album · Loyalties: Whose Side Are You On? · Scholastic # FS 12004 · USA
Notes
Scholastic Records documentary LP. Tracks: General Introduction / Street Gang / Antiwar Demonstration / Viet Nam Veterans / Frank Garcia / Rachael Ortiz.
Theme: Vet
#232 Al Homburg Soldier Joe 1970 · Single · Teacher's Lament / Soldier Joe · Panorama # PR-1008 · USA
Notes
Country, home front perspective, K.I.A., Christmas
18 years old, a soldier today in a land far away.
Why? It's Christmas time, decorations are up
Looking forward to his homecoming. But killed in action
Notes
Panorama PR-1008 (October 1970); producer John Shiriram. Eighteen and a soldier far away at Christmas; the decorations are up for his homecoming, but he is killed in action.

Label: PR-1008B; Pano Pub. Inc., ASCAP, 2:36; mfg. by Panorama Recording Corp., 1819 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#233 Various Artists The Ins and Outs of the Draft 1970 · Album · The Ins and Outs of the Draft · Declaration # DEC-001 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. spoken-word - explanation of the new draft regulations introduced by Nixon in 1971 [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Themes: Draft Nixon
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#234 The Currence Brothers To Vietnam 1970 · Single · Don't Say Goodbye If You Love Me / To Vietnam · Lark [Waynesboro] # LR 1137 · USA
Notes
To Vietnam (The Currence Brothers) Virginia, USA. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#235 Beni Mason Recorded Live at the V.C. Hilton Vietnam 1970 · Single · Recorded Live at the V.C. Hilton Vietnam / The Devil's Disciple · P&L # 007 · USA
Notes
P&L Records 007, 5:25; (Beni Mason). [From the record label]

Recorded Live at the V.C. Hilton Vietnam (Mason, Beni) Comedy recorded in Vietnam, performed to US troops [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: Satire
#236 Chesley Carroll Hippie from Mississippi 1970 · Single · Hippie From Mississippi / Lonesome for You · Minaret # MIN-155 · USA
Notes
Minaret MIN-155 (711-1025), 2:25 + :10 intro; (C. Carroll-Jim Foster); Carmusic (BMI); produced by Finley Duncan for Shelby Singleton International Productions, Inc.; distributed by The Shelby Singleton Corp., Nashville. [From the record label]

Hippie From Mississippi (Carroll, Chesley) Answer to Merle Haggard. Hippie country novelty. Father is mad I won't join the navy. Family is embarrassed No love-ins here, leading free student movement. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#237 The Youngbloods Hippie from Olema 1970 · Single · Hippie From Olema / Misty Roses · Raccoon # 7445 · USA
Notes
Raccoon/Warner Bros. Records 7445 (N19271), Raccoon S 3, promotion, not for sale, 2:55, intro :06; (Lowell Levinger); Dogfish Music ASCAP; recorded live in San Francisco. [From the record label]

Hippie From Olema (Youngbloods, The) Hippie country novelty - answer to Merle Haggard. Long hair, we don't hate, we take in strangers Civil rights reference. Also ecology / environmental protection. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#238 Douglas Falls and the Counselors I'll Not Be a Selfish Man 1970 · Single · I'll Not Be a Selfish Man / 99 Miles · Not On Label · USA
Notes
I'll Not Be a Selfish Man Rockabilly. Minor reference to the Vietnam War [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#239 Bill Martin Concerto for Head Phones and Contra-Buffoon in Asia Minor 1970 · Album · Warner Bros. # WS 1856 · USA
Theme: Satire
Genre: ♪ Novelty
#240 Sam and Alice God Changed Our Wedding Plans 1970 · Single · God Changed Our Wedding Plans / Will You Love Me When I'm Old · Tycer # 1003 · USA
Notes
"God Changed Our Wedding Plans" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#241 Jerry Gilmore Guam Blues 1970 · Single · Guam Blues / Shake a Hand of a Serviceman · L. D. L. # 821L-3790 · USA
Notes
Country (1) A-side: novelty about being stationed in Guam, Pacific. B-side: lonely service man fighting in a foreign land Will not strike, always broke, shake his hand Letter from home bring him joy [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]

1971

The New York Times publishes the Pentagon Papers, on Sunday, 13 June 1971
Key EventsUS and South Vietnamese forces invade Laos, to cut off the Ho Chi Minh trail, while Nixon continued to withdraw US troops from Vietnam, which sink to 156,800 by the end of December. The publication of 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 June 1971, increased the credibility gap and support for withdrawal from Vietnam.
  • 30 January 1971: Operation Lam Son - Laos incursion
  • 29 March 1971: Lt. Calley found guilty of My Lai murders
  • 29 April 1971: US death toll in Vietnam reaches 45,000
  • May 1971: Gallup reports 68% support for withdrawal from Vietnam
  • 13 June 1971: New York Times publishes Pentagon Papers
  • 15 June 1971: Nixon takes legal action against the NYT
  • 18 June 1971: Washington Post starts publishing Pentagon Papers
  • 30 June 1971: Supreme Court votes 6-3 in favour of NYT and WP
  • 15 July 1971: Nixon announces that he will visit China
  • 17 July 1971: Nixon established 'Plumbers' unit to stop leaks
  • 18 August 1971: Australia and New Zealand announce withdrawal from Vietnam
  • 22 September 1971: Captain Medina acquitted over My Lai massacre
  • 31 December 1971: US troop numbers drop to 156,000

1971

#242 John Prine Sam Stone 1971 · Album · John Prine · Atlantic # SD 8296 · USA
Annotation
John Prine, influential and successful country singer/songwriter, born 10 October 1946 in Maywood, Illinois, USA, and died on 7 April 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, released the topical track "Sam Stone" (Atlantic # SD 8296).1 The narrator told of the plight of a Vietnam veteran returning home from the "conflict overseas" , who turned to drugs: "morphine eased his pain" . The song ended with his death: "Sam Stone was alone when he popped his last balloon" . Thus, this was another Vietnam-Drugs representation. The song makes a small reference to the Purple Heart - a US military decoration. Covered by the Virginia soul artist Swamp Dogg on the 1972 album Cuffed, Collared and Tagged.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Atlantic 45-2815, 45 R.P.M., issued in both a mono pressing (red and white label, side code A-22571 SP) and a stereo pressing (pale blue label, ST-A-22571 SP), both marked "Vocal"; "Sam Stone" (John Prine), 3:40, published by Walden-Sour Grapes, ASCAP. "Mfg. by Atlantic Recording Corp., 1841 Broadway, New York, N.Y." Both copies come in the red-and-white "Atlantic Records" company sleeve with the repeated "A" pattern. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Sam Stone came home to his wife and family
After serving in the conflict overseas
And the time that he served had shattered all his nerves...
But the morphine eased the pain and the grass grew 'round his brain
And gave him all the confidence he lacked
With a Purple Heart and a monkey on his back
There's a hole in daddy's arm...
Sam Stone was alone when he popped his last balloon...
While the room smelled just like death with an overdose hovering in the air
But life had lost it's fun
#243 Cher Classified 1A 1971 · Single · Classified 1A / Don't Put It on Me · Kapp # K-2134 · USA
Annotation
The song title "Classified 1A" (Kapp Records # K-2134), performed by Cher, and written by Sonny Bono, referred to the draft classification of those eligible to fight in Vietnam. It is a narrative from the perspective of a soldier in Vietnam, dying in the mud, who declares his love for his wife, and sadly reflects that his wife will receive the bad news soon that "Mrs., your not Mrs. anymore" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kapp Records K-2134 (K-12700), white label marked "Plug Side" and "Radio Station Copy"; "Classified 1A" (Sonny Bono), 2:55, Chrismarc, BMI; produced by Sonny Bono; "Kapp Records, a division of MCA Inc., Mfr'd by Kapp Records, N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I know now, how much I love you
I knew it surely when I saw my blood
I cried with my wet eyes, I said I love you
I said I love you dying in the mud
It's funny you know
I'm not the one that feels bad
Some guy is gonna knock at our front door
Honey he's gonna try and tell you in a nice way
That Mrs., your not Mrs. anymore
#244 Norma Jean Carpenter & Bobby Adams Prisoner Of War 1971 · Single · My Love Guarantee / Prisoner of War · Kingstar # 1001 · USA
Annotation
The country music song "Prisoner of War" (Kingstar # 1001), performed by Norma Jean Carpenter & Bobby Adams - released in Nashville, Tennessee. Copyright held by Golden Imperial Songs, Hollywood, California. Although no other information is known about these two artists, you can see a picture of them on the record label. In the narration, Norma Jean Carpenter took the perspective of a soldier's wife: "my husband is a prisoner of war in North Vietnam" . She waited many years for news of her husband and started to lose hope of him returning, so she prayed to god for help. Late at night she heard her husband's last word before he went to war, presumably narrated by Bobby Adams: "goodbye sweetheart...I'll be coming home...I'll write to you often" . This song, thus, displayed the impact of the P.O.W. situation on the families back home.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kingstar Records Inc., Nashville, Tenn., 1001 A, stereo, pink-and-yellow label with a crown-and-star logo and photographs of the two singers ("Artist photo on record label"), printed and made in U.S.A.; "Prisoner of War" (Words and music by Bobby Sharp - Jo Ann Roth), Golden Imperial Songs Corp., ASCAP; © Copyright 1971 Golden Imperial Songs, Hollywood, Calif. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My husband is a prisoner of war in North Vietnam
I read the newspaper and I cried today
I tried to find the hope in what it had to say
Years have gone by since I received a telegram
My husband is a prisoner of war, in North Vietnam
For long long time I thought he was dead
I'll pray he'll come home, just like he said
I don't want to lose hope but loosing hope I am
My husband is a prisoner of war in North Vietnam
Last night the children had all gone to sleep
I just lay down thinking and started to weep
Then I heard his voice, it must have been a dream
But oh how real the dream did seem
I heard all he had to say on the day he went away
Goodbye sweetheart I love you, don't worry about me
I'll be coming home, just you wait and see
I'll write to you often, so why all those tears
I'll only be gone darling, just for a year
I woke up crying and started to pray, god give me your strength and help me each day
God I am trusting you, you know that I am
To bring home all the prisoners from North Vietnam
Show full lyrics (22 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#245 Stephen Stills Relaxing Town 1971 · Stephen Stills 2
Annotation
Stephen Stills, singer/songwriter born on 3 January 1945 in Dallas, Texas, USA, and currently based in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was a member of Buffalo Springfield, composing and singing the famous anti-war song "For What It's Worth", originally released as a single (ATCO Records # 45-6459), and subsequently appearing on the 2nd edition of their 1967 debut album Buffalo Springfield. He was also in the super-group Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young which released the anti-war single Ohio / Find the Cost of Freedom, about the Kent State shooting, with Young composing the A-side, and Stills the b-side. In 1971 he released the song "Relaxing Town" on the solo album Stephen Stills 2 which contained a reference to the Chicago Eight demonstrations. In the post-war period, in 1991, Stills released the song "Treetop Flyer" on the album Stills Alone, about a Vietnam War vet who used is flying skills, gained in Vietnam, to smuggle drugs under the radar.

On this album featured the song "Relaxing Town" (Atlantic # SD 7206), which expressed discontent with the protest movement, with the narrator wishing to settle down in a quit town, away from the demonstrations and revolution. It contained a minor reference to the confrontation between prominent hippie Jerry Rubin, one of the Chicago Seven, and Mayor Richard J. Daley: "Jerry Rubin versus Mayor Daley...admission is free, we can all stay home and watch it on TV".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Do I remember what I think about revolution
Mind pollution, the kind of books I drink after one last look around
I believe that I might like to settle down in a relaxing town
All we ever get to see are the rednecks and the revolution
Crazies, let's rent out Soldier's Field and have Jerry Rubin versus Mayor Daley
For the benefit of peace, admission is free, we can all stay home and watch it on TV
Call it the supersede
#246 Delia Gartrell See What You Done Done (Hymn No. 9) 1971 · Single · See What You Done, Done (Hymn No. 9) / Fight Fire With Fire · Demin-Kalo # JS-2 - JS-3 · USA
Annotation
The 1971 track "See What You Done, Done (Hymn No. 9)" , a raw angry cry against the army and government that sent her son "back to me a stoned junkie… my son died from an overdose... while he was fighting in your war" , an early representative of a Vietnam veteran who became a drug addict. Through highlighting the negative impact of the war, it leans towards the anti-war side.Composed by Atlanta, Georgian soul singer Delia Gartrell and her husband James T. Shaw, otherwise known as The Mighty Hannibal (he also released a Vietnam War song in 1966 with a similar name, but different theme - Hymn No. 5). This Delia Gartrell single, originally released on the obscure Atlanta label Demin-Kalo (# JS-2/JS-3), was soon after picked up by the larger New York label Right-On Records (RR0-109). Hannibal explained in an interview that the inspiration for writing "See What You Done, Done" : "Me and my wife were watching the news and Walter Cronkite was talking about how all the soldiers were coming back from Vietnam addicted to opium".1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Original pressing Demin-Kalo JS-2 / JS-3 (1971). Reissued on Right-On Records RRO-109 (RRO 109 A), "A Division of Farem Productions, Inc."; "See What You Done, Done (Hymn #9)" (J. Shaw - D. Gartrell), Captain Music BMI and Chaca Music BMI, 4:30; Delia Gartrell, arranger Jay T. Shaw, producer Hannibal. [From the Right-On reissue label]
Lyrics
English
Can't you see what you done done to my only son, my only son...
While he was fighting in your war
America, I gave you my only son
Right away you sent him off
To fight in Vietnam...
He was a good soldier and he really did his part
I was so proud when he won that medal
The one they call the Purple Heart
I didn't know that when he went off to serve his country
I didn't know you'd send him back to me a stoned junkie...
I watched him one day take some money from my purse
That's when I knew his habit had gotten worse...
My son died from an overdose
#247 Gloria Edwards Something You Couldn't Write About 1971 · Single · Enough of a Woman / Something You Couldn't Write About · Jet Stream # 814 · USA
Annotation
The song "Something You Couldn't Write About" by soul singer Gloria Edwards, released on Huey P. Meaux's Texan label Jet Stream Records (# 814) takes on a very different theme from all the other songs on this list - it tells of a US soldier who had an affair with a Vietnamese woman, producing a child. It is narrated from the soldier's partner in the US, who tells the listener that she "found that picture" of "some slant-eyed woman" and the soldier "holding that darling boy" . This was a similar theme to the Ginger & Jean country song "What's Been Going on in Viet Nam".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Jet Stream Records 814, 45 RPM, matrix JS-GE-4; "Something You Couldn't Write About" (Thomas–McRee–Thomas), 2:39, Crazy Cajun Music, BMI; produced by Huey P. Meaux. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Some slant-eyed woman made you a prison of her love
I'm so glad my prayers were answered and you are right here close to me
But something must have happened in that land far across the sea
Was there something, something you just couldn't write about
Was there something, something, you just couldn't live without
I wish I'd never found that picture darling
Of you and the lovely lady holding that darling boy
The two of you standing there your eyes just shinning with joy
Oh, for you the war is over, for me it has just begun
#248 Sonny Green Jody's on the Run 1971 · Single · Jody's on the Run / If You Want Me to Keep on Loving You · Hill # H-777 · USA
Annotation
The blues/jazz influenced soul track "Jody's on the Run" (Hill Records # H-777) by Sonny Green, obviously took on the Jody theme - in which a man stole the wife / girlfriend of a soldier - as discussed with Johnnie Taylor's "Jody Got Your Girl and Gone". Unlike the Taylor track, this one actually referenced the war, with the narrator telling the listener that a "fellow is back from 'Nam" . The soldier knew what was going on, and so now the narrator tells "Jody" that "he's looking for you with his gun" , and so "you better run home Jody" . The song was released on Matt Hill's Californian label Hill.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hill Records H-777 A, blue label with silver print, 4224 E. Rosecrans, Compton, Calif.; "Jody's on the Run" (Miles Grayson; Bobby Lexing), Respect Music Co., BMI, time 2:40; arranged by Miles Grayson; produced by Matt Hill & Miles Grayson. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Everybody, Jody's on the run...
Son you better pack your stuff and run
Cause fellow is back from 'Nam
He's looking for you with his gun
He said you've been doing him wrong
Sleeping at his house when he wasn't home
You better run home, Jody, you better run fast...
Jody, let me tell you something
You've been running around this town
Talking sweet, soak him down
#249 Bobby Patterson Right On Jody 1971 · Single · Right On Jody / If You Took A Survey · Paula # 352 · USA
Annotation
Texan soul singer / producer Bobby Patterson also released a Jody themed track, "Right on Jody" (Paula Records # 352). In this one the narrator has been doing a lot of overtime at work, as requested by his foreman, and so he starts to get suspicious that "Jody's been sleeping in my back door" , and that it might be the case that "the foreman is Jody" . The narrator then sends out a warning to everybody, that Jody is "in your town...on your street" , and that it might be your neighbour or friend. The song concluded with a warning to the soldiers in South-East Asia: "you fellows over in Vietnam - watch out for Jody" . Bobby Patterson produced many R&B singers, such as Chuck Jackson, Ted Taylor, and Roscoe Robinson.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paula 352 (SL-1855), Side One; "Right On, Jody" (J. Strickland, J. Beach, R. Bell), 3:12, Rogan-Jetstar, BMI; produced by Bobby Patterson; engineer George Clinton; recorded at Sound City Studios, Shreveport, La.; "Division of Jewel Records – Shreveport, La." Red Paula label with cameo-silhouette logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Something is going on, I don't know what it is
My baby's been acting funny since I started the midnight shift
I want to tell you, I think I know
Jody's been sleeping in my back door...
I've got the feeling in the back of my mind
The foreman always takes me to do his overtime...
I'm beginning to wonder if the foreman is Jody...
Beware because Jody is everywhere
He might be your neighbour, he might be your friend
When you walk out the front door, Jody walks in
Everybody better look out for Jody, he's in your town
He's on your street, he's in your house
The man ain't up to no good
You fellows over in Vietnam - watch out for Jody
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#250 Don Mason Here's Wishing You a Merry Christmas 1971 · Single · Here's Wishing You a Merry Christmas / Shepherd Boy · Scepter # S12372 · USA
Annotation
The song "Here's Wishing You a Merry Christmas" by Don Mason, a "special release courtesy of Scepter Records for P.O.W.-M.I.A. and their families", as written on the record label. Mason came from Western New York. In 1976 Governor Hugh Carey selected his song "Little People" as New York State's official Bicentennial song.1 Earlier, in 1960, he released a campaign single for Richard Nixon - We Need Nixon / National Republican Theme. Narrated from the perspective of a P.O.W.'s partner, she had the presents, decorations, and tree ready, and had friends and family around. However, she wished she could spend Christmas with her partner. Composed by Don Mason and Antoni Sperry. Arranged by Ben Lanzaroni. Produced by John Abbott. Engineered by John Casali.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Scepter S12372A, "Special Release Courtesy of Scepter Records for P.O.W.-M.I.A. and their Families"; "Here's Wishing You a Merry Christmas" (music by Don Mason-Antoni Sperry), 3:36, ASCAP; arranged by Ben Lanzaroni; produced by John Abbott; engineer John Casali. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Here's wishing you a merry Christmas
You'll find presents by the tree
And folks from all around will send you season's greetings
Bringing you the happiness with the yuletide feeling
There will be many loved ones all around you making every Christmas dream come true
So there is one more wish to make
It's just to be with you
To have a merry Christmas with you
I still recalled the promises I made you
That we'll be together Christmas eve, we can be with silver tinsel, bright and glowing
Looking out the window you can see it snowing
The angel on the treetop looks familiar, no wonder she reminds me dear of you
For there is one more wish to make before the year is through
To have a merry Christmas with you...to have a merry Christmas
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#251 Bob Necaise & 'Lil' Gary D Mr. Where Is Viet-Nam 1971 · Single · Nu-Fax # 101 · USA
Credited on the record as Bob Necaise & 'Lil' Gary D with the Delta Sho-Men.
Annotation
The track "Mr. Where Is Viet-Nam" (Nu-Fax # 101) recorded at Faxs Recording Company, Houma, Louisiana, featuring the country singer Bob Necaise and the very young child "L'il Gary Dee" - probably around three or four years old by the sound of the child's voice. In fact, the adult narrator, Bob Necaise, said the line "a little boy not yet four years old" . The single labeled the artist as "Bob Necaise and 'Lil' Gary D with the Delta Sho-Men". He released a very similar sounding record in 1972 called "My Daddy Is a Prisoner (Somewhere in Viet Nam)" (Renegade Records # 5608), under the name Little Gary Dee - see below.&

Necaise performed the verses in which he described seeing a young child at a playground, looking very sad. The child explained that "my daddy is in Vietnam...gone since Christmas" . The child expressed concern for his mother who cried a lot. He asked the man if he could take him to Vietnam to visit his father. 'Lil' Gary D only sung the chorus, posing the question "mister where is Vietnam, is it very far away, I want to see my daddy, will you take me there someday" . At the end of the song, the man did not know how to react, so he walked away. This provided an interesting reflection of the impact of a soldier heading out to war on a young child, who did not know or understand the situation in Vietnam.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Nu-Fax 101-A (SH-1079), red label; "Mr. Where Is Viet-Nam" (Bob Necaise), Faxs Pub., ASCAP, 3:09; Bob Necaise & 'Lil' Gary D with the Delta Sho-Men; producer Ed Still; recorded at Faxs Recording Co., Inc., 814 E. Main, Houma, La. 70360. [From the record sleeve and labels] Date: 1971 – both sides copyrighted by Robert Necaise 10 June 1971 (EU259064 / EU259065) and SH-1079 places the pressing c.1971 (45cat discussion); the 1963 date in Keesing and the Bear Family "Next Stop Is Vietnam" booklet came from a later interview with Necaise.
Lyrics
English
I was passing by a playground just the other day
And I spied a little boy sitting all alone while the other kids laughed and played
At once he drew my attention and when I asked him what was wrong and in a sad little voice kind of way, my daddy is in Vietnam
'Mr. where is Vietnam, is it very far away? I want to see my daddy, will you take me there today'
You see mister, he's been gone since Christmas, do you think that he's been shot
I know that mommy is awfully worried because she sits and cries quite a lot
So if you take me to see him mister I will gladly pay
Cause you see I have three pennies, is it very far away
'Mister where is Vietnam, is it very far away, I want to see my daddy, will you take me there someday'
I didn't know what to say to him
His words had stopped me cold and I knew that this world's troubles were on the shoulders of a little boy not yet four years old
So with head bowed down, I turned around and slowly walked away
What would you have done in my place if you had heard that little boy say
'Mr. Where is Vietnam, is it very far away, I want to see my daddy
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#252 Mission Possible Bring My Daddy Home for Christmas 1971 · Single · Bring My Daddy Home for Christmas / You're Still Free · Gale # 1014 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Bring My Daddy Home for Christmas (Mission Possible)

Traditional pop. Christmas. P.O.W. / M.I.A.
Please Santa bring daddy home for Christmas.
Billboard - song dedicated to prisoners of war.1


Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Gale A-1014, Side 1 (10394), 45 RPM, Box 122, Midway, Ga.; "Bring My Daddy Home for Christmas" (John Murat), Gale Music, ASCAP, 3:00; produced by Midway Productions. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#253 Don Gully & Buster Turner I Won't Be Home for Xmas 1971 · Single · I Won't Be Home for Xmas / Tragic Xmas · Ebb-Tide II # 102470 · USA
Credited on the record as Don Gully & Buster Turner and The Big D & B Band From Tennessee.
Notes
I Won't Be Home for Xmas (Gully, Don & Buster Turner)

Christmas Vietnam.
Country.
Label Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Musicians from Tazewell, Tennessee.
Notes
Ebb-Tide II Records, P.O. Box 2544, Baton Rouge, La., yellow label; "I Won't Be Home for Xmas" (Clay Webb), Jimmy Price Music, BMI, time 3:00, "Another Golden Production", N.R.P.S. No. 102470-B, E.T. No. 144; Don Gully & Buster Turner and the Big D & B Band from Tennessee, "Dedicated to our boy's in Viet-Nam", recorded at Columbia Studios in Nashville, Tenn.; producers Ebb-Tide, Jimmy Angel and Clay Webb, arranged by Ebb-Tide and Clay Webb.

The stereo picture sleeve (#145) reads "'Ebb-Tide II Record's' presents 'Clay Webb'", with the title and "Merry Christmas" framing a photograph of two soldiers in a sandbagged trench, one writing on a helmet across his knee, "Dedicated to: (Our Boys in Viet-Nam)" and "The Big D. & B. from Tennessee". A typed letter from Clay M. Webb, 1005 East Mariposa, Phoenix, Arizona, dated November 22, 1971, to the Billboard Record Review Department encloses the Christmas single for review, describing Don Gully (a D.J.) and Buster Turner as new artists with many years of musical experience who reside at Tazewell, Tennessee and have done much radio and television work in and around Knoxville. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#254 Wyatts for Christ Little War Orphans 1971 · Single · Little War Orphans / The Three Kennedy's · Evangel # EVR 7102 · USA
Notes
Little War Orphans (Wyatts for Christ)

Pop, home front perspective.
Mammoth, West Virginia, USA
Children left as orphans by the war - Vietnam-era
Other side is a tribute to JFK, RFK, and brother killed in WW2
Notes
Evangel EVR 7102 (107317 B), 45 RPM, Copyright 1971; "Little War Orphans", 2:25, "Composed and sung by James E. Wyatt (The Singing Miner)", Billy Milam—guitar, Mammoth, W Va. 25132. Evangel Recording Studios, Logan, West Virginia 25601. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#255 Pat Boone M.I.A. / P.O.W. (Prisoner of War Song) 1971 · Single · MGM # K14242 · USA
Credited on the record as Pat Boone and the Mike Curb Congregation.
Notes
M.I.A. / P.O.W. (Prisoner of War Song) (Boone, Pat)

John Canty cover.
Notes
MGM K14242 (71L-2088), yellow "Special Disc Jockey Record" label marked "Not for Sale"; "M.I.A./P.O.W. (Prisoner of War Song)" (Captain John Canty), 3:41, Hastings Music, BMI; Pat Boone and the Mike Curb Congregation, "Prod. & Arr. by Don Costa"; "MGM Records - A Division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. - Made in U.S.A." Housed in an MGM Records company sleeve, "The Greatest Name in Entertainment!", with the lion logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#256 The Sensational Saints My Brother 1971 · Single · My Brother / Walk Through the Valley · Bos # B-015 · USA
Notes
The song My Brother (Sensational Saints, The)
Notes
Bos Records B-015-A (B-7150-A), 1966 E. 55th St. Cleveland, O., tan label; "My Brother" (M. Kenniebrew), Outwaite Pub. BMI 1971, 2:45; arranger Melvin Kenniebrew, producer James Bullard. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#257 The Dove Soldiers 1971 · Single · Toy Train / Soldiers · Vanguard # VRS-35140 · USA
Notes
Soldiers (Dove, The)

Pop rock. Plight of the soldiers and those back home.
Soldiers returning home from the war.
Friends and family gather to welcome them.
Pay tribute to those KIA.
Notes
Vanguard VRS-35140, 45 RPM, matrix ZTSP 223768; "Soldiers" (Paul Parrish), 2:46, Kitty Hawk Music, ASCAP; producer Dan Dalton. "Mfd. by Vanguard Recording Society, Inc., N.Y." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#258 Jesse Anderson Women's Liberation 1971 · Single · Women's Liberation / Ow, Wow Man · Outta Cyte # GB 100-71 · USA
Notes
Women's Liberation (Anderson, Jesse)

Soul / funk, Chicago Illinois, USA
I support equality, let then have freedom
Like to see a captain of a ship to the moon
Congress should repeal law stopping women going to war
Notes
Red Outta Cyte Records label, Chicago, Ill., GB 100-71 (TM 5099); "Women's Liberation" (G. Barge - J. Anderson), 2:47, Sabarco Music, B.M.I.; Gene Barge Productions, arranged by Gene Barge. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#259 Charles Kuralt Cambodia and the Campus 1971 · Album · 1970: A Record of the Year · CBS News # none · USA
Notes
Vietnam, P.O.W., Nixon, Agnew, Chicago 7, Kent State shooting, My Lai massacre, Cambodia incursion. Also Civil Rights, Space Race, Middle East, ecology, Edward Heath (UK)
Notes
CBS News LP, mono, matrix XTV 222690; producer Peter Wells. Tracks: Dawn of a Decade; Unlucky Apollo 13; Earth Day; Cambodia and the Campus; The Eventful Middle East; End of the Year; Epilogue. The year-review covers Vietnam, P.O.W.s, Nixon, Agnew, the Chicago 7, the Kent State shooting, the My Lai massacre and the Cambodia incursion, as well as civil rights, the space race, the Middle East, ecology and Edward Heath.
#260 Harvey Edge A Candle Will Burn 1971 · Single · A Candle Will Burn / Corn Bread Sally · Galaxy # 3792252 · USA
Notes
Candle Will Burn, A (Edge, Harvey)

Country, home front perspective, K.I.A.
Grand Prairie, Texas, USA
Son was always good, he did not demonstrate and protest
Sent to war, to kill
But all that is left are his medals
Casket wrapped in flag.
Notes
Lacquer cut at Dick McGrew Recording Service (71727). [From Discogs] 45rpm single, Galaxy 3792252; 1971; side A "A Candle Will Burn" (L. Garling), produced by Ellis Ebarb. [From 45cat]
Genre: ♪ Country
#261 Billy Dugger The Love of Two Brothers 1971 · Single · The Love of Two Brothers / I Wish I Had Never Called · Star [Athens] # NR-1359 · USA
Notes
Love of Two Brothers, The (Dugger, Billy)

Country, soldier / home front perspective.
Athens, Alabama, USA
I fought in a war, now my younger brother is in the East fighting.
Miss him. War is hell, but I love my country, defending freedom.
Notes
Mastered at Nashville Record Productions. [From Discogs] 45rpm single, Star NR-1359; side A "The Love Of Two Brothers" (S. Hall, N. Merritt, G. Greenhaw). [From 45cat] Star Records, 1405 South Jefferson Street, Athens, Alabama. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#262 George Winn and The Bluegrass Partners Go Where the Action Is 1971 · Album · MRC # MR CLP 1171 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Bluegrass group from Richmond, Virginia. The back of the LP said: "the big break came when the band was booked by Uncle Sam for a USO tour of overseas military installations. 'A real back-breaker, but a ball all the way', as George puts it. That trip took the Partners to Japan, Korea, South Viet Nam, Alaska, and points in between. They were away from home over five months. They say the GI applause is still ringing over Nam's rice paddies. And, the Partners are already thinking about going back" . The back cover also included images of the band performing on Hamburger Hill. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#263 Cactus Bag Drag 1971 · Album · Restrictions · Atco # SD33-377 · USA
Notes
Blue rock. Bag Drag [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#264 Fannie Flagg Press Conference...Viet Nam... 1971 · Album · My Husband Doesn't Know I'm Making This Phone Call · Sunflower # SNF-5008 · USA
Notes
Vietnam (Flagg, Fannie) Comedy [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#265 Loretta Lynn One's on the Way 1971 · Single · One's on the Way / Kinfolks Holler · Decca # 32900 · USA
Notes
"Hello, honey, what's that you say? You're bringin' a few Army buddies home?" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#266 The Watts Prophets Rappin' Black in a White World 1971 · Album · Ala # ALA 1971 · USA
Notes
Ala Records, 4101 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
#267 Weston Howard Paw Paw County 1971 · Single · Dear Judy / Paw Paw County · Nashville North # NN-302 · USA
Notes
Country, home front perspective, K.I.A. Marches off to war from Paw Paw county. Mother standing at the train station waving him off. Got killed today in the war. Mother at station as body returns. What a price for glory. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#268 Vancie Flowers Listen Kids 1971 · Single · Paradise / Listen Kids · Pampa # P-1971-3 · USA
Notes
- country, California, USA - Domestic perspective - Father / husband killed in action (K.I.A.) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#269 Edward Swint Bulletts from the Bottle 1971 · Single · Bullets From the Bottle / Three O'Clock in the Morning · Wasp # WR-131 · USA
Notes
- About alcoholism - Gun laws can prevent death, but not the killing of JFK - Liquor killed more people than in Vietnam [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#270 The Violinaires Groovin' With Jesus 1971 · Album · Checker # CK 10067 · USA
Notes
Checker CK 10067, stereo LP, Chess Producing Corp., Chicago, 1971; A1 "Grooving With Jesus" (Benny Swartz, Gene Barge; Heavy Music Inc. / Sabarco Pub., BMI) 6:16, produced by Gene Barge. A passing "over in Vietnam" reference. [From the label (Discogs) and 45worlds]
Theme: Religion

1972

9-year-old Kim Phuc, as she runs down Route 1 near Trang Bang village, South Vietnam, after a US aerial napalm attack on suspected Viet Cong troops in the area. Taken on 8 June 1972 by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut.
Key EventsAs North Vietnam launched a major ground offensive against the South (Eastertide), the US resumed massive bombing campaigns over North Vietnam, including Hanoi in Operations Linebacker I & II throughout 1972. Peace talks in Paris continued, broke down, and then resumed, with major concessions made on both sides. The US finally withdrew all its combat troops, although 24,000 advisers and administrators remained.
  • 10 March 1972: 101st Airbourne division withdrawn from Vietnam
  • March 1972: North Vietnamese launch Eastertide Offensive
  • 4 April 1972: "Freedom Train" begins - major US bombing of North Vietnam
  • 15 April 1972: US Bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong harbour
  • 9 May 1972: Beginning of Operation Linebacker: mass bombing of North Vietnam
  • 22 May 1972: Nixon meets Brezhnev in Russia
  • 17 June 1972: Watergate break-in
  • 14 July 1972: George McGovern becomes Democratic presidential nominee
  • 7 November 1972: Richard Nixon re-elected US president
  • 23 August 1972: Last US combat troops leave Vietnam
  • 18 December 1972: Operation Linebacker II ("Christmas Bombings")

1972

#271 Ann Sexton You've Been Gone Too Long 1972 · Single · You've Been Gone Too Long / You're Letting Me Down · Seventy 7 # 77-104 · USA
Credited on the record as Ann Sexton and the Soul Masters.
Annotation
The song "You've Been Gone Too Long" (Seventy 7 Records # 77-104), a highly sought-after record by Northern Soul collectors - this issue usually sells for around $100. Even more collectible is the original issue on Impel (# SS-AS-103), which sells for around $500-$1000, as of late 2012 - see "You've Been Gone Too Long" . Ann Sexton, born Mary Burton in 1950, in Greenville, South Carolina, fronted a soul group called both "The Masters of Soul" and "The Soul Masters". In 1971 she met soul producer / singer-songwriter David Lee, who also owned a record shop in Shelby, NC, called Washington Sound. Out of this shop, was based Lee's label Impel, which released this song. It gained decent airplay, and Nashville DJ John "R." Richbourg picked up the song and distributed it on his national label Seventy 7, selling around 90,000 copies. (1)

This song picked up on the "Jody" theme - the mythical man who stole the wives and girlfriends of soldiers away from home, as discussed with Johnnie Taylor's well-known "Jody Got Your Girl and Gone" . Sexton switched between narrating from the soldier's perspective to that of the soldier's girlfriend / wife. The soldier has noticed that something is wrong with his girl: "I know you've been running around" , he tells her. But the girl says that "I found me a man who loves me better" , adding the justification: "you've been gone too long" . Then in the third person, Sexton tells the listener the famous line: "ain't no use in coming home, cause Jody got your girl and gone" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Seventy 7 Records, Record No. 77-104 (SS 108), "Division of J R Enterprises, Inc., P.O. Box 6128, Nashville, Tennessee 37212"; "You've Been Gone Too Long" (David M. Lee, Ann Benton, Melvin Benton), 2:26, Cape Ann Music, Inc.; produced by David Lee; Ann Sexton and the Soul Masters. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The smile on your face baby is not there anymore
And the thrill of a kiss honey is not like it was before
I know you've been running around, I know
Because the look on your face is beginning to show
You might as well run on, baby you've been gone too long
Ain't no use in coming home
Cause Jody got your girl and gone
The way you used to hold me when we were all alone
It's not there anymore because baby
The thrill is gone
Somehow it doesn't matter because I found me a man who loves me better
You've been gone too long
#272 John Denver Prisoners 1972 · Album · Rocky Mountain High · RCA Victor # LSP-4731 · USA
Annotation
John Denver, born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr., in Roswell, New Mexico (31 December 1943), became a hugely successful country pop singer/songwriter in the early 1970s. Throughout his career he sold over 33 million records. He died in Monterey, California (12 October 1997).1 In 1971 he covered the Vietnam War song "Readjustment Blues" on the album Aerie (RCA Victor # LSP-4607), about a veteran, adjusting from the life of a soldier to civilian society, as well as encountering major cultural and political changes in the US. Originally written by Bill Danoff of the folk rock duo Fat City, on their 1971 album Welcome to Fat City (Paramount Records # PAS 6028). This Denver cover became a more well-known and popular version.

In 1972 he released the prisoner of war (P.O.W.) song "Hard Life, Hard Times (Prisoners)" (RCA Victor # 74-0801). It featured on the album Rocky Mountain High (RCA Victor # LSP-4731), under the track name "Prisoners" . He spoke about it on the Tonight Show on 19 September 1972, a US television show hosted by Johnny Carson.2 He said "I wrote it in January. The single is called 'Hard Life, Hard Times' but...on the album it's called 'Prisoners'. It's about prisoners of war".3 The lyrics present two perspectives. Firstly, it looked at those back home, the family of a P.O.W.: "Josie works...to help her pass the time, her mama keeps the baby and grandpa rambles on" . Secondly, the narrator switched to the perspective of the P.O.W.: "I see her face in the stone, I try to imagine our baby, I wish they would let me go home" . Produced by Milt Okun. The song got noted in Billboard on 16 September 1972 for strong radio play, especially in Chicago, Illinois.4 On 30 September it bubbled under the Hot 100 at #110.5 It peaked at # 103 on 4 November 1972.6
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Josie works the counter at the downtown five and dime
Anything at all to help her pass the time
Her mama keeps the baby and grandpa rambles on about the good times playing in his mind
It's a hard life living when you're lonely
It's a long night sleeping alone, it's a hard time waiting for tomorrow
It's a long, long way home
Josie spends the evening with the people, in the pages of the paperback she picked up at the store
Or sometimes it's the TV, or she'll try to write a letter, oh, they don't come too often anymore
It's a hard life living...
I stare at the gray walls before me
I see her face in the stone, I try to imagine our baby
I wish they would let me go home, I wish they would let me go home, it's a long, long way home...
I wish they would let me go...
Bringing me and the other boys home
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#273 Tammie McCarroll Man in Vietnam 1972 · Single · Man in Vietnam / Crazy Indian · Log Cabin # LC3873 · USA
Credited on the record as Tammie McCarroll and the McCarroll Family.
Annotation
Tammie McCarroll, born 1959, wrote and recorded the Vietnam / P.O.W. song "Man in Vietnam" (Log Cabin Records # LC3873) in 1972, at the age of 11-12, while still in junior high school. She grew up in Lenoir City, Tennessee, and came from a long line of country and bluegrass musicians, in the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee. Her father Tom McCarroll played the fiddle, guitar, and banjo, recording several records and playing in the local music scene. Her grandfather, Jimmy McCarroll, a famous fiddler, led the traditional country group Roane County Ramblers, which released six singles in the late 1920s on Columbia Records.123 This song focused on the impact that a US P.O.W. had on the soldier's family back home. The narrator of the song said that she had "been waiting for a man in Vietnam...in a prison" . But she soon revealed that her sweetheart's name appeared on television with the "ones that have been freed" , and so she expected to see her loved one again soon. Released in Ohio, on Rusty York's country label. Produced by Frank White. The label credited the backing band to "The McCarroll Family", which included Tom McCarroll on rhythm guitar and Polly McCarroll on bass.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Log Cabin Records LC3873-1, black and silver label, 45 RPM, "Producer Frank White"; "Man in Vietnam", written and vocal by Tammie McCarroll, credited to Tammie McCarroll and the McCarroll Family; credits: Tammie McCarroll, vocal and rhythm guitar; Tom McCarroll, rhythm; Glenn Presley, steel guitar; Polly McCarroll, bass; Larry Presley, bass guitar. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Yes I'm a girl that's been waiting for a man in Vietnam
So long ago he left me to serve the USA
He served in Vietnam but I've been left to wait
He left me in the summer and he said he won't be too long
I'm a girl that's been waiting for a man in Vietnam
Now they've got him in a prison, somewhere in a foreign land
And I'm the girl who has been waiting for a missing man
I saw his name on TV with the ones that have been freed
And I know that he's coming home to live again with me
He's coming down the runway now and I know I miss him
So I want to hug and kiss him and never let him go
Genre: ♪ Country
#274 Jerry Silver Dear Mr. Hanoi 1972 · Single · Dear Mr. Hanoi / Bad Mouthing · Lam # 2001 · USA
Annotation
A slow tempo country track, "Dear Mr. Hanoi" (LAM # 2001), by Jerry Silver, took a similar approach to the P.O.W. issue as the song "Letter to Hanoi" by Don Holiman. Taking the format of a letter written to Hanoi, the capital of North Vietnam, the narrator took the role of a boy, asking Hanoi to send his father (a prisoner of war) back home. The song sought to show the negative impact on a P.O.W.'s family - the soldier's child would not be able to "play ball with his own dad" , while his wife "cried, because she's so alone" . The record company placed a full-page advertisement in Billboard on 13 January 1973, just as the US government were negotiating the ceasefire agreement and discussing the P.O.W. issue, and thus a very topical subject.1 Released in Wilson, North Carolina, USA. Distributed by the General Record Corporation (Atlanta, Georgia). Composed by Bob Keiber. Publisher: Blue Surf Music. Performing Rights: BMI.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Lam, Mega Sound Production Record No. 2001 (L-2001-A), "Promotion Copy"; "Dear Mr. Hanoi" (Bob Keiber), time 3:10, ℗ 1972 Blue Surf Music, BMI; "Dist. by General Record Corp., 123 Simpson St., Atlanta, Ga." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Dear Mr. Hanoi, please let my daddy come home
Bobby wrote a letter, and addressed it to Hanoi
A letter so profound, indeed, for such a little boy
He told them how he missed his dad and wanted him back home
He told about how his mummy cried because she's so alone
Dear Mr. Hanoi, please let my daddy come home
Bobby wants...to play ball with his own dad
Other boys have fathers
He wants back the one he had
So Bobby wrote to Vietnam to get his feelings read
All boys need a daddy, and so do little girls...
And mummy's need a daddy to, a shoulder, true and strong
Let him come home, we are so alone
Genre: ♪ Country
#275 Sandy Bagley POWMIA 1972 · Single · POWMIA / You'll Go Away Hungry Today · Wrayco # WM 219 · USA
Credited on the record as Sandy Bagley and The Wildwood Angels.
Annotation
The song "POWMIA" (Wrayco Records # WM 219) by Sandy Bagley, the wife of P.O.W. Major Bobby Ray Bagley, captured in North Vietnam on 16 September 1967, and released on 14 March 1973.12 The back of the 7" single picture sleeve said "Housewife, Sandy Bagley of Sumter, S.C. sings her own true story about her husband, Major Bobby Bagley who has been a prisoner of war for five years and still remains along with many husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers in POW camps half way across the world - Sandy and her daughter, Little Vicky Ann, keep a constant prayer on their lips and faith in their hearts that soon, Major Bobby Bagley and all the prisoners of war and those missing in action will once again be back home with the ones whose love is mightier than the sword".3 Word and music by Cecil Null.

Her local newspaper in South Carolina, The Sumter Daily praised her single, writing that "on Sandy's recent trip to Nashville...she went to this great music center: to try to tell as many Americans as possible about the POW-MIA situation through music...Since her return, she has heard from (and talked with) Johnny Price, who is ready to release his own recording to help her cause, The Ballad of the POW".4Johnny Price did release the single "Ballad of Our P.O.W.'s", discussed below. Bagley wrote the b-side of that single, "Santa Bring Daddy for Christmas". Bagley's song also picked up nation coverage in Billboard on 12 August 1972, which reported that "the wife of a prisoner of war in Vietnam has done a country single".5
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Wrayco Records Inc., 8005 Pulaski Hy., Baltimore, Md. 21237, WM 219 (WM 219-A, PRP-37492), orange label; "Powmia" (Cecil Null), 3:13, Maple Music ASCAP; arranged by Cliff Parman, produced by Cecil Null; Sandy Bagley and The Wildwood Angels.

The picture sleeve front shows two crosses lettered "POWMIA" and "Sandy Bagley and The Wildwood Angels" over silhouetted soldiers, with photographs of Sandy Bagley, her husband and her daughter kneeling in prayer, and the text: "Housewife, Sandy Bagley of Sumter, S.C. sings her own true story about her husband, Major Bobby Bagley who has been a prisoner of war for five years", adding that she and her daughter Little Vickey Ann keep a constant prayer that he and all prisoners of war and those missing in action will be back home.

The back prints the full lyrics (chorus and three verses), "Words and Music by Cecil Null", © 1972 Maple Music, Inc.—ASCAP. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
POWMIA, missing in action, POWMIA, prisoners of war
We miss you, missing in action...prisoners of war
Bobby and me and little Vicky Ann made up the world we lived for
Bobby was told to go to Vietnam
Now he's a prisoner of war
Bobby named his plane 'Little Baby Doll'
The first words from our baby girl
He was shot down over North Vietnam
We want him back in our world
In his last letter of six tiny lines he said he was doing OK
He said god will help us when he has the time
So thanks for your prayers everyday
Genre: ♪ Country
#276 Bobby Newsome Jody, Come Back and Get Your Shoes 1972 · Single · Jody, Come Back and Get Your Shoes / Post Office · Spring # SPR 125 · USA
Annotation
Another "Jody" track - "Jody, Come Back and Get Your Shoes" (Spring Records # SPR 125) - this one also does not mention war or soldiers, only that a man has "been gone for a month" , during which time Jody stole his wife. This drove the husband slightly crazy, whose been going around "with a 38 in his hand" . The song sent out a warning that "you never know who Jody is...could be the milkman...the mailman too" and even "your very best friend" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Spring Records SPR 125 (SPR-125 A), 2066 201 (1117), green and white label; "Jody, Come Back and Get Your Shoes" (Bobby Newsome), Groovesville Music, BMI, time 3:13; produced by Bobby Newsome; "℗ 1972 Spring Records", "Distributed by Polydor Inc., New York, New York", made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Everybody talkin' bout Jody, had himself a real good time
He stole the wife of my next door neighbor and the cat done lost his mind
White folks need to come get him
Throw him there in the can
He's over there walking around talkin' to himself
With a 38 in his hand
Talkin' about Jody
Come back and get your shoes, Jody
You left your shoes under my bed...
In the man's own letter he been gone for a month
Jody got everything that he wanted...
Well men let this be a lesson in this world we live
You gotta keep your eye on everyone
‘Cause you never know who Jody is
Now Jody could be the milkman
And he could be the mailman too
And Jody could even be your very best friend
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#277 Joe Quarterman (I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind Pt. 1 1972 · Single · (I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind (Pt. 1 & Pt. 2) · GSF # 6879 · USA
Credited on the record as Joe Quarterman and Free Soul.
Annotation
American funk and soul singer Sir Joe Quarterman, from Washington D.C., released the song "(I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind (Parts 1 & 2)" (GSF Records # 6879) - one of those troubles was the Vietnam War: "there is evolution, much confusion...Vietnam War...trouble in my mind" . The other issues concerning the narrator were drug addiction in schools, and his girlfriend was pregnant. At the end of song he noted those overseas "fighting over in Vietnam" , who have a "whole lot of trouble" . The song also appeared on the 1973 album Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul (GSF Records # GSF-S-1009). The song peaked at # 30 on the Billboard R&B chart on 6 January 1973.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
GSF Records 6879, "A subsidiary of G S F Inc.", GSF Records Inc., New York, N.Y. 10019, made in USA, ℗ 1972 GSF Records, Inc.; Side A "(I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind Pt. 1" (1069), 3:07, and Side B "Pt. 2" (1070), 3:14, both written by Joe Quarterman, published by Access Music Corp./Avalanche Music, BMI; produced by Bill Tate, Cotter Wells and Cory Pearson for Mantis Record Corp.; credited to Joe Quarterman and Free Soul. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I got so much trouble in my mind
Give me the strength to carry on
Cause everything I got is just about gone
I think about, I think about it
I got so much trouble in my mind
I got make up a job
And everyday my work gets so hard
I worry about it, I worry about it
I got so much trouble in my mind
There is evolution, much confusion
Drug addiction, no convictions
Vietnam War
Junkies at your door
I got so much trouble in my mind...
Those fighting over in Vietnam got a whole lot of trouble
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#278 Joe Quarterman (I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind Pt. 2 1972 · Single · (I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind (Pt. 1 & Pt. 2) · GSF # 6879 · USA
Credited on the record as Joe Quarterman and Free Soul.
Annotation: see “(I Got) So Much Trouble in My Mind Pt. 1” above (same release).
Theme: Anti-War
#279 Swamp Dogg Sam Stone 1972 · Single · Sam Stone / Knowing I'm Pleasing Me and You · Cream # 1021 · USA
Annotation
Soul singer Swamp Dogg, born Jerry Williams, Jr. in 1942 in Portsmouth, Virginia, across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk - a navy seaside town in which the 'Norfolk Sound' soul music developed in the early 1960s. He also recorded under the name Little Jerry Williams. He adopted the name Swamp Dogg in 1970: "I became Swamp Dogg in 1970 in order to have an alter-ego and someone to occupy the body while the search party was out looking for Jerry Williams, who was mentally missing in action due to certain pressures, mal-treatments and failure to get paid royalties" - from the linear notes of the 2005 compilation The Best of 25 Years of Swamp Dogg.1 In 1971 he released the politically charged album Rat On! - with included several reference to Vietnam, in the songs "Do You Believe", "God Bless America (For What)", and "Remember I said Tomorrow", discussed above.

Also in 1971, he released the song "Sam Stone" , a cover of the John Prine song (found on his 1971 self-titled country album John Prine, Atlantic # SD 8296). This version was released on Cuffed, Collared and Tagged (Elektra Records # EKS 74089). The song told the plight of a Vietnam veteran returning home from the "conflict overseas" , who turned to drugs: "morphine eased his pain" . The song ended with his death: "Sam Stone was alone when he popped his last balloon" . Thus, this presented another Vietnam-Drugs representation. The song made a small reference to the Purple Heart - a US military decoration.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Cream 1021 (CR-131-S), stereo, Bennett Ent. Inc., Los Angeles, Calif.; "Sam Stone" (J. Prine), Walden Music/Sourgrapes Music (ASCAP), 3:57; produced and arranged by Jerry Williams, Jr. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Sam Stone came home to his wife and family
After serving in the conflict overseas
And the time that he served had shattered all his nerves...
But the morphine eased the pain and the grass grew 'round his brain
And gave him all the confidence he lacked
With a Purple Heart and a monkey on his back
There's a hole in daddy's arm...
Sam Stone was alone when he popped his last balloon...
While the room smelled just like death with an overdose hovering in the air
But life had lost it's fun
#280 Hoosier Bob Wetherald That Distant Shore 1972 · Single · That Distant Shore / Truck Drivin' Fool · Nabor # NR 144 · USA
Credited on the record as Hoosier Bob Wetherald with The Hoosier Halfshots.
Notes
That Distant Shore (Wetherald, Bob)

Country, soldier / sailor boy song
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Vietnam-era
Notes
Nabor Recording Co., 243 S. Summit St., Indianapolis, Indiana, NR 144-B, 45 RPM, O/M 30306, green label; "That Distant Shore" (R.E. Wetherald, G.W. Baton), time 2:46, Brooks-Gideon Music, BMI; Hoosier Bob Wetherald with The Hoosier Halfshots. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#281 Arthur Alexander Mr. John 1972 · Single · Mr. John / You Got Me Knockin' · Warner Bros. # WB 7633 · USA
Notes
Soul, home front perspective, K.I.A.
Here to tell your daughter her man was shot down in the war.
Here's the ring you wouldn't let him give her.
Can I see the daughter you wouldn't let him see
Notes
Producer Tommy Cogbill; engineer Jim Williamson. 'A Kondo Production'. ℗ 1972 Warner Bros. Records Inc. Discogs 5006694 is the promo ('Promotion Not For Sale'); stock copies also listed (e.g. Discogs 10535741). Justin owns a copy (WB 7633). Warner Bros. WB 7633 (QTN0215)S, white stereo "Promotion – Not For Sale" label; Combine Music Corp. BMI, time 3:00, intro :06. [From the record label]
#282 Lucky Peterson Daddy Come Home for Christmas 1972 · Single · Daddy Come Home For Christmas / Florene · Today # T-1517 · USA
Notes
- Soul, Christmas, Child
- please come home daddy
- 3 years since you went away
- My mama don't understand, doing best she can
- It does not mention war, possibly Vietnam-related?

- Producers David Jordan, Patrick Adams; Written-By, Arranged By James Peterson. Published by Patrick Bradley Music Corp. (BMI); Record company Perception Ventures, Inc.; (P) Today Records, Inc. Matrix: T-1517A 11-22-72 / T-1517B 11-22-72.

Also track B5 on James & Lucky Peterson LP 'The Father The Son The Blues' (Today, 1972) per soulbluesmusic.com. Today Records T-1517-A, red and yellow peace-sign "Promotion Copy" label; Patrick Bradley Music Corp. (BMI), time 3:10; ℗ 1972 Today Records, Inc., a subsidiary of Perception Ventures Inc. [From the record label]
#283 P.O.W. Wife's Searchin' 1972 · Single · Plea / Wife's Searchin' · Dominion # none · USA
Notes
Dominion Records, Salem, Virginia. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
#284 Little Gary Dee My Daddy Is a Prisoner (Somewhere in Viet Nam) 1972 · Single · Renegade # 5608 · USA
Annotation
In 1972 Little Gary Dee also released the P.O.W. song "My Daddy Is a Prisoner (Somewhere in Viet Nam)" (Renegade Records # 5608). As noted above this artist also released the single "Mr. Where Is Viet-Nam" (Nu-Fax # 101) with Bob Necaise, credited to "Bob Necaise and 'Lil' Gary D with the Delta Sho-Men", released around the same time. The song described the narrator as "a little boy not yet four years old" according to the lyrics. In that song a man spotted a young child in a playground crying because he missed his father, fighting in Vietnam. He wanted the man to help him visit his father in the war zone, while not really understanding the conflict in Vietnam or even the location of the country. The narration switched between the adult, Bob Necaise, and the child, Little Gary Dee.

This song took an identical format, and mirrored the same story. A man walking through a "sleepy Southern town" saw a little boy whose "eyes were big and sad". The boy explained that his "daddy fights for freedom and keeps things safe for me". However the North Vietnamese "keep them locked up". So the boy took a political position on the objectives of the war, and thereby displayed an understanding of the conflict, not present in the previous version. The boy also explained how the situation affected the family: "my mummy is always crying". This song represented the plight of a P.O.W.'s family, especially on a young child, as well as containing some patriotic / pro-government sentiment. Released in Nashville, Tennessee, on Chuck Chellman's country label - he also produced the record.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
I was walking down a street today in a sleepy southern town
Things were quiet and peaceful and the sun was just going down
Then I saw a little boy whose eyes were big and sad
I asked why he was crying, he looked up at me and said
My daddy is prisoner somewhere in Vietnam
I wished that I could see him and send my daddy home
I need somewhere to play with me and tuck me in tonight
My mummy is always crying and tell her it's alright
Some people say that prisoners must never be let out
They're are murderers and robbers and they shouldn't walk about
But daddy fights for freedom and keeps things safe for me
Why do they keep them locked up
Set him free
The little boy then walked away and it left me with a chill
I knew I couldn't help him but some day someone will
We can only hope and pray that soon they'll all be home
Then mommies will stop crying and little boys wont be alone
My daddy is a prisoner...
Show full lyrics (19 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country
#285 Bobby Arvon Forgotten Child, Forgotten Man 1972 · Single · Forgotten Child, Forgotten Man / Radio Man · MGM # K 14416 · USA
Notes
Forgotten Child, Forgotten Man (Arvon, Bobby)

Vocal pop, home from perspective, P.O.W. / M.I.A.
Child's father lost in a foreign land.
Bring him home!
Notes
MGM K 14416 (72 L 3370), ℗ 1972 MGM Records, Inc.; Special Disc Jockey Record, Not For Sale; Fifth Floor Music, Inc. & Silver House Music Co., ASCAP, 3:22; (B. Arvon–J. Reed); arranged by Artie Butler; produced by Al Kasha; MGM Records, 7165 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood; in an MGM company sleeve. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Pop
#286 Al Homburg Bring 'Em Home 1972 · Single · There's a Little Old Church / Bring 'Em Home · Al Homburg # PR-10 · USA
Notes
Bring 'Em Home (Homburg, Al) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#287 Odabee Halcomb and The Gospel Ramblers War in Viet Nam 1972 · Single · War in Viet Nam / The Old Hometown · Tru-Bo Recording Co. # 205430 · USA
Notes
War in Viet Nam (Halcomb, Odabee) Bluegrass. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] 45rpm single, Sparrow SP-912; 1971; side A "War In Vietnam" (Marie Dotterman). [From 45cat]
Theme: Religion
#288 Carolyn Bennett Billy's Comin' Home 1972 · Single · Billy's Comin' Home / Grey Stone · Indigo # 1001 · USA
Notes
Billy's Comin' Home (Bennett, Carolyn) Grey Stone (Bennett, Carolyn) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Rock
#289 Carolyn Bennett Grey Stone 1972 · Single · Billy's Comin' Home / Grey Stone · Indigo # 1001 · USA
Notes
Billy's Comin' Home (Bennett, Carolyn) Grey Stone (Bennett, Carolyn) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Theme: K.I.A.
Genre: ♪ Rock
#290 Everybody's People The Music Of 1972 · Album · The Music Of · EP # No. 1001 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Back of LP referencing performing to 30,000 GIs in Vietnam [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#291 Raphy Leavitt Soldado 1972 · Album · Mi barrio · Borinquen # DG 1221 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The song "Soldado" ( "Soldier" ) (Borinquen # DG 1221) by Raphy Leavitt, born 17 September 1948, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he moved to the US, and died on 5 August 2015, in Miami, Florida. This is in the Salsa genre, derived from Cuban Son and developed in places such as Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and New York City. The song was released on a San Juan music label, founded by Dario Gonzalez. The song looked at both the soldier and home front perspective, taking an anti-war position. The narrator said that "luck has abandoned" a man, as he was sent "away from your land...your loved ones" to fight in Vietnam. He "left full of heroism" , but returned "in delirium" . The soldier's "mother alone screams" while the soldier is away, "only god knows destiny of that sad brother" . The narrator concluded with: "enough with weapons...oh suffering great pain" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Borinquen DG-1221, compatible stereo, "Mi Barrio", Raphy Leavitt y su Orquesta La Selecta; canta: Sammy Marrero; arr. Raphy Leavitt; Lado B track 1: "Soldado" (Raphy Leavitt); black label. Personnel: Raphy Leavitt (director, piano), Sammy Marrero (vocals), Billy Pizarro (1st trumpet), Luis Maisonett (2nd trumpet), Richard López (1st trombone), Franky León (2nd trombone), Jimmy Sánchez (bass), Nelson Ramos (timbales), William (Kidland) Marcano (conga), Pelo Román (bongo), Luis Maisonett and Jimmy Sánchez (coro).

Produced by Darío González; recorded at Discos Borinquen Studio; recording engineer Richard Stanley; photo by José M. Feliciano; pressed by Río Piedras Record Mfg.

The back-cover biography says Leavitt was born in Puerta de Tierra on 17 September 1948 and studied accordion at the academy of George Kudirka. "Soldado" was also issued as a single (b/w "Difícil de olvidar") on Borinquen D-382 in Puerto Rico, and in Panama on Istmo Pops DG-1829 (M-DG-1829-1), "bajo licencia Borinquen", made by Fonodiscos, credited to "Orquesta La Selecta", canta: Samy Marrero. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Luck has abandoned you, now you have to go
While they taught you to love your brothers
Why will they take you, to other places to kill?
Soldier...you left in your land, your loved ones
Your parents, your friends, and that pretty woman soldier...
Where will it be, where will it have gone?
There on a mountain is lost, why this punishment?
Well away from your land, and instead of peace
They offer you soldier war, you left full of heroism
And now you return in delirium
Listen now, listen now, listen to this sound
And so you will know that I do not forget you
That woman who has loved you
He is still waiting for you here in his soldier's nest
Only God knows destiny of that sad brother
His mother alone screams, asking God to be blessed
Enough with weapons, may the heart reign
It is sunk in the undergrowth, oh suffering great pain
Spanish
La suerte te ha abandonado
Ahora tienes que marchar
Si bien te enseñaron, a amar tus hermanos
¿Por que será que te llevan
a otros sitios a matar...?
Soldado...
Dejaste en tu tierra
tus seres amados
tus padres, tus amigos
y aquella linda mujer
Soldado...
Coro: ¿Dónde estará... dónde habrá ido.?
Allá en un monte esta perdido
¿a que se debe tal castigo?
Bien alejado de tu tierra
y en vez de paz te ofrecen guerra soldado
Te fuistes lleno de heroísmo
y ahora regresas en delirio
Escucha ahora, escucha ahora
escucha este sonido
y así sabrás que no te olvido
Esa mujer que te ha querido
aún te espera acá en su nido soldado
Tan solo Dios sabe el destino
de aquel hermano entristecido
Su madre a solas lanza gritos
pidiendo a Dios que sea bendito
Ya basta con la armas
que reine el corazón
Se encuentra hundido en la maleza
ay! sufriendo un gran dolor
Show full lyrics (52 lines) ▾

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

Between the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973) and the collapse of South Vietnam (30 April 1975). This marked the final end of the Vietnam War, with most American civilians and troops evacuated during the North Vietnamese invasion. The two halves of the country were reunified, and Saigon renamed Ho Chi Minh City, after the North Vietnamese leader Hồ Chí Minh.

1973

#292 Arlene Harden Coming Home Soldier 1973 · Single · Columbia # 4-45795 · USA
Notes
Member of The Harden Trio, The Hardens Columbia 4-45795, white "Radio Station Copy – Not for Sale" promotional pressing with mono (JZSP 154789) and stereo (JZSS 157167) sides, 45 RPM, ℗ 1973 CBS, Inc.; "Coming Home Soldier" (B. Vinton – G. Allen), intro :01, 2:32, publisher Feather Music, Inc. (BMI); produced by Frank Jones & Billy Sherrill. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#293 The Sensational Saints The War Is Over (My Brother) 1973 · Single · The War Is Over (My Brother) / He's Done More · Bos # B-024 · USA
Annotation
The track "The War Is Over (My Brother)" (Bos Records # B-024) by the Sensational Saints, an Ohio, Cleveland soul / gospel group, is sung from the perspective of a soldier's brother. He recalled a conversation between the soldier, "calling from Vietnam" , and his family. The song featured several religious references. The group released another version of this in 1971, called "Brother".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
BOS Records, 1966 E. 55th St., Cleveland, O.; B-024-A; "The War Is Over (My Brother)" (M. Kennibrew), 2:58, Outwait Pub., BMI, ℗ 1973; arranger Melvin Kennibrew; producers James Bullard and Michael Chavers. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
We had a call the other day and it was my brother calling from Vietnam
I was just thinking how great god is that he could read our minds
And let us hear from him, as I think about, when we received the call
I wasn't in the same room as my mother, but, I heard her when she called his name
She said, Harvey, I knew it was him, I can imagine the tears welled up in her eyes
We thought we'd like to make a song and relate it to you, to let you know that god is...
Real and able and all things are possible with him and it goes something like this...
I have a brother over in the war zone, the other day he called us on the telephone
Mother said, 'son, how are you doing over there', naturally he said, 'I'm doing fine'
I knew he was only ? I picked up the conversation, I'm praying for you
He said 'I thank you brother' but I'm on my knees as well
#294 The Nu Page When the Brothers Come Marching Home (Mono) 1973 · Single · When the Brothers Come Marching Home · MoWest # MW 5037F · USA
Annotation
The only single by the group The Nu Page - a studio one-off construction - was the track "When the Brothers Come Marching Home" (MoWest # MW 5037F) about the ending of major US involvement in Vietnam. It was released on the Los Angeles, Californian MoWest, a subsidiary of Motown Records formed by Berry Gordy. It existed between 1971 and 1973. The song was co-written, co-arranged, and sung by Marilyn McLeod (sister of Alice Coltrane) - in addition, she played the keyboard on the track. Melton Bolton played the guitar, and co-wrote the song. Horace Jones also contributed to the songwriting. Gene Page added the strings.1Billboard included the song in their soul picks on 3 March 1973 - so it was only released a month after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973).

Like other releases on MoWest, this track blended different genres - this had a smooth soul feel, with very upbeat jazz-funk horns, and it ended with a military drum beat, as the song celebrated the "happy days...good days" as the soldiers returned from Vietnam. The narrator said that now the war had ended, there would be "no more useless dying" and "senseless crying" , and nothing but "joy, joy, joy" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
MoWest MW 5037F, promotional copy not for sale, issued with mono (61432-M) and stereo (61432-S) sides; "When the Brothers Come Marching Home" (M. McLeod-M. Bolton-C. Carrington-Q. Dennard), 2:44, © 1972 Jobete Music Co., Inc. (ASCAP); The Nu Page; "Produced by Robert Gordy", "Arranged by Marilyn McLeod, Melton Bolton, Gene Page"; ℗ 1973 Motown Record Corp.; white MoWest labels. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
When your man or son is in the war
There not much to look forward for
Happiness is in store
When the brothers come marching home
There will be no more useless dying
There will be no more senseless crying
There will be nothing but joy, joy, joy
Everybody will be so glad
Sisters will be shouting, mothers will be crying
Fathers will be shouting, children will be laughing...
When the brothers come marching home
Talking about happy days, talking about good days
March 1,2,3,4, 1,2,3,4
#295 Freddie King Yonder Wall 1973 · Album · Woman Across the River · Shelter # SW-8910 · USA
Annotation
Freddie King covered the track "Yonder Wall" (Shelter Records # SW-8910), updating it for the Vietnam War. James "Beale Street" Clark originally composed and recorded the song, under the name "Get Ready to Meet Your Man" in 1945, about soldiers returning to the US after World War Two. Elmore James recorded a famous version in 1962: "Look on Yonder Wall" . King narrated his version from the perspective of a disabled man unable to fight the war: "hand me down my walking cane" . He had started a relationship with a woman whose "man been in Vietnam" , but who had since returned home to the US. This idea is similar to the "jody" theme - a mythical man in blues and jazz tunes who seduced the wives and girlfriends of soldiers, prisoners, and those away from home. In this case, the narrator played the role of the "jody".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Look on yonder wall
Hand me down my walking cane
I'm looking out your window
And you look upon your man
Your man been in Vietnam
I know you had it kind of rough
I don't know how many men he killed...
Yeah I love you baby, and you just won't treat me right
I give you all my money
And you walk the streets all night
#296 Bill Sise P.O.W. Release 1973 · Single · Devil Witch / P.O.W. Release · Twin # NR3081 · USA
Notes
P.O.W.
Country - Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Genre: ♪ Country
#297 Kim Whittington Welcome Home Daddy 1973 · Single · Please Let Me Die / Welcome Home Daddy · Sun Down # 02 · USA
Notes
Welcome Home Daddy (Whittington, Kim)

Country, child, home front perspective, P.O.W.
Mississippi, USA.
Hello daddy, been so long since I've seen you.
Held in a prison camp in Vietnam
Notes
Sun Down, side 2, #02-2, stereo, time 2:36, BMI; (Vern Pullens); published by Pontchartrain Music Co., Rt. 1, Box 258, Carriere, Miss. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#298 Mort Sahl Prisoners of War 1973 · Album · Sing a Song of Watergate · GNP Crescendo # GNPS-2070 · USA
Notes
Comedy. Reference to Vietnam [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#299 Congressman William Hungate When I'm the President 1973 · Single · Down at the Old Watergate / When I'm President · Perception # Ps-530 · USA
Notes
When I'm President - novelty. "they're be no troops in Vietnam". No busing, ecology, space race. A-side: Watergate, Nixon [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Novelty
#300 James Ollivier Viet Nam 1973 · Album · Récital public · Disques Alvarès # C 484 · France
Annotation

The song "Viet Nam" (Disques Alvarès # C 484) is a live cover of the Jean Arnulf song "Chante une femme" under a different title, released on the 1968 album Déjà l'automne. Marc Ogeret also covered the song, on the album Chansons de révolte et d'espoir.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Live recording: James Ollivier reads and sings works of French poets/writers, mostly guitar-accompanied, some plain recitals. Production of La Boîte A Musique (Éditions De La Boîte À Musique). Liner notes: Claude Roy, Philippe Soupault, Pierre Seghers. Recorded by K. Roos. Pressed by MPO. Live cover of Jean Arnulf's 'Chante une femme' (from the 1968 album 'Déjà l'automne') under a different title; also covered by Marc Ogeret. Cover of Chante une femme – Jean Arnulf.
Lyrics
English
Sleep, my love, my only son
Sings a woman in America
In America a woman sings
To her boy who died in Vietnam
A woman sings to her little one
Sleep, my love, sleep, my darling
I will go to the place where you sleep
And rock you there until I die
I will bring you presents
Your old train set and your Meccano
And the silver paper star
Sleep, my love, sleep, my child
Sings a woman in America
On the other side of the Pacific
A mother in the early morning
Wakes the Vietnamese child
Get up, my son, get up, my boy
I hear the planes coming back
We must pick up our bags again
We are going on a little trip
Whatever you do, don't let go of my hand
We are going to run far, far away
You carry your grey bird
I'll carry the blankets and the rice
In his diplomatic armchair
In Washington, in America
I must get my money back
Declares Mr. President
And on the map of Vietnam
Like a gentleman playing checkers
He sets the bombing raids and the march of the regiments
He puts his finger on a point
Let's run, don't let go of my hand
He has put his finger here
Sleep, my love, sleep, my little one
Sleep, my love, my only son
Sings a woman in America
In America a woman sings
To her boy who died in Vietnam
French
Dors, mon amour, mon fils unique
Chante une femme en Amérique
Chante en Amérique une femme
A son garçon mort au Vietnam
Chante une femme à son petit
Dors mon amour, dors mon chéri
J'irai à la place où tu dors
T'y bercerai jusqu'à ma mort
Je t'apporterai des cadeaux
Ton vieux train et ton mécano
Et l'étoile en papier d'argent
Dors, mon amour, dors mon enfant
Chante une femme en Amérique
Sur l'autre bord du Pacifique
Une mère au petit matin
Réveille l'enfant vietnamien
Debout , mon fils, debout, mon garçon
J'entends revenir les avions
Il faut reprendre nos bagages
On va faire un petit voyage
Surtout ne lâche pas ma main
On va courir très loin, très loin
Toi, tu portes ton oiseau gris
Moi, les couvertures et le riz
Dans son fauteuil diplomatique
A Washington, en Amérique
Je dois rentrer dans mon argent
Déclare Monsieur le Président
Et sur la carte du Vietnam
Comme un monsieur qui joue aux dames
Il fixe les bombardements et la marche des régiments
Il pose son doigt sur un point
Courons, ne lâche pas ma main
Il a posé son doigt ici
Dors mon amour, dors mon petit
Dors, mon amour, mon fils unique
Chante une femme en Amérique
Chante en Amérique une femme
A son garçon mort au Vietnam
Show full lyrics (81 lines) ▾

1974

#301 The Tune-Timers A Navy Wife 1974 · Single · I'll Wait for You / A Navy Wife · Command Performance # CP 244 · USA
Notes
- "A Navy Wife"

- Label: Command Performance Records # CP 244
- Songwriter: Mrs. Rose O. Stine

- Song poem, traditional pop
- Female singer (uncredited), not the usual "Tune-Timers" singers
- Home front perspective - "I'm a Navy wife", first person narration
- Hollywood, California
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#302 Vernon Garrett Jody Can Ease the Pain 1974 · Single · Jody Can Ease the Pain / Think People · Gator # G 1201 · USA
Notes
Soul, both sides.
A-side: Jody theme - girl lonely, Jody will help.
B-side: think about the soldiers
Younger generation looking for a better way.
Civil Rights, poverty, moon race
Notes
Gator G 1201. Produced by Miles Grayson. Runouts: A 'X-39954 G1201AA D-3', B 'G1201-B DCT-3 X-3995'. B-side Think People (2:41) written by Earl Foster; B-side YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMpAEOf7qns Gator G1201 A, yellow label; Playlist Music BMI, time 2:40; "Miles Grayson Production"; 3009 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. [From the record label]
#303 Sherri Pond Chocolate Soldier 1974 · Single · Music City Workshop # WRS 7406-45 · USA
Notes
Music City Workshop Inc. WRS 7406-45, ℗ 1974, Fig Tree Music SESAC, intro :12, 3:31; (Sherri Pond); produced by Mike Figlio; recorded at LSI Sound Studios, engineered by Denny Purcell; P.O. Box 12277, Nashville; date stamp Dec 6 1974. [From the record label]

Country / fanfare, toy soldier theme We won't let him play with guns Boys will grow up, they can't give up the game of war Please stay a toy soldier only [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#304 Shira Small The Line of Time and the Plane of Now 1974 · Album · The Line of Time and the Plane of Now · Not On Label # LC7475 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Said to have been influenced by the Vietnam War [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#305 James O'Gwynn Singing in the Jungle 1974 · Single · Singing in the Jungle / If I Could Sing a Country Song (Exactly Like George Jones) · Plantation # PL-115 · USA
Notes
Country novelty - warriors on my back, painted red. Vietnam-era [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]

1975

#306 Mike Thomas My Man, I Love Him So 1975 · Single · Ohio's the One / My Man, I Love Him So · Tin Pan Alley # TPA 80-711 · USA
Notes
- "My Man, I Love Him So"

- Label: Tin Pan Alley # TPA 80-711
- Songwriter: Ruth Isaacs

- Traditional pop
- Veteran, PTSD
- What happened when he came home from the war
- Mind wonders, he doesn't know she is there
- Help him forget the war he has left behind

- Tin Pan Alley Records, Tin Pan Alley, Inc., Sarasota, Florida 33578, TPA 80-711B, light-blue label; "My Man, I Love Him So" (Ruth Isaacs), Juke Box Alley, ASCAP; Mike Thomas. The label carries a rubber-stamped date "Jul 31 1975". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#307 Various Artists Kennedy's Assasination; Vietnam; Space-Reprise of Greatness 1975 · Album · Threads of Glory: 200 Years of America in Words & Music · London # 6SP 14000 · USA
Notes
Kennedy's Assassination; Vietnam; Space-Reprise of Greatness (Various Artists) Spoken-word, documentary. Fanfare. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#308 Phil Baker & the Crosslanders Vietnam 1975 · Single · Vietnam / The Auctioneer · Narred # N1 · USA
Notes
"Vietnam" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Narred NR-5869; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); 1975; United States. [From Rate Your Music] Narred Records, 1928 North Campbell Street, Springfield, Missouri. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#309 Verl Hide I Ain't Votin for Nothin' in '76 1975 · Single · It's Just Country # IRDA #130 · USA
Notes
I Ain't Votin for Nothin' in '76 (Hide, Verl) Country. Post-war. Fed up with politician's tricks Remember big-love in over Vietnam Economic problems, inflation. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#310 Barbara J. Shirley Stand Up for America 1975 · Single · Stand Up for America / I Need Someone · Hope # NR6570 · USA
Notes
- Country, patriotic, post-war - Stand up, there's work to be done - Our boys have gone to war and died our country - Reference to JFK, Eisenhower, FDR [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country

2018

#311 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]
#312 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

#313 Patricia Denson & the Soul Expressions Home From Vietnam EP · Home From Vietnam / I Thought I Heard You Moan · Achillean # 502 · USA
Annotation
The track "Home From Vietnam" (Achillean # 502), with a slow tempo, church organs and trumpets, by the obscure Washington D.C. soul singer Patricia Denson, focused on a soldier returning home. Taking the opposite perspective of the The Chymes's "My Baby's Gone Away", it is narrated from the girl left on the home front, rather than the returning soldier. The girl is hoping that the soldier, recently "home from Vietnam" , still wants her, pleading at the end "tell me you are still mine" . This track has some similarities to The Fawns's track "Wish You Were Here With Me", in that they are both narrated from the girl in the US, and the question of whether the couple will be back together.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Achillean – The Unconquerable Sound 502 (M-1429-LME), blue label with silver print; Barner/Claiborne Music, BMI, time 2:30; written by C. Barner and M. Barner; produced by A Natural Sound Production. [From the record label]
Lyrics
English
Now you are home from Vietnam
Thank god you are back with me in your arms
Because I love you and I prayed both night and day
That the lord would save you and sent you to me
I thank the lord that you are here
I want you to know how much I care
Because I missed you
You've been gone a long time
I need you, tell me you are still mine
#314 Vicki Williams You're in the Army But I Wish You Were Here Single · Best of Luck to You / You're in the Army But I Wish You Were Here · Big Beat # BB-133-1287 · USA
Annotation
This is another obscure release, by the largely unknown Vicki Williams. As the title of the song suggested, "You're in the Army, But I Wish You Were Here" (Big Beat Records # BB-133-1287), it is narrated from the perspective of a soldier's sweetheart back home. The label was distributed by Lynn's Records, based in Greenville, Mississippi, owned by Henry Reginald Hines - apparently Vicki Williams' husband. He co-wrote the song with her.1 So the sweetheart in the US wrote a letter to the soldier, telling him that she cries "all night long" and has started to "talk to your pictures" . She pleaded with him: "don't forget the girl back home" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Big Beat Records BB-133-1287-B; "You're in the Army But I Wish You Were Here" (R. Hines, V. Williams), Reginald Music, BMI; produced by Lynn's Prod's for Delta Prod's Association; distributed by Delta Production Association, 604 E. Clay, Greenville, Miss. 38701. No running time is printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
This is a letter I'm writing to you dear
You're in the army and I wish you were here
I cried before you, left I just couldn't help myself
Cause I love you, I love you, I love you
What are you doing, gee I would like to know
I wonder are you lonely, oh it worries me so
I cry all night long, so please don't forget the girl back home...
I talk to your friends, and I talk to your pictures too
I wondering in your spare time do you do the same thing too
Your mother asked me not to cry cause you love me still
I told her that I had to cry...
I'm going crazy, out of my mind
From worry all the time, I love you
#315 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) ▾
#316 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) ▾
#317 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) ▾
#318 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.
#319 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]
#320 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
#321 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) ▾
#322 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) ▾
#323 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]
#324 Los Oros Del Valle Corrido de Martin Rosales Corrido de Martin Rosales / Los Derechos Civiles
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
#325 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
#326 Los Aguilares La guerra de Viet Nam
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
#327 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
#328 Brenda Gail Foss Where There'll Be No Vietnam Single · Where There'll Be No Vietnam / There Is Nothing Like the Love of God · New Hope · USA
Annotation
The country track "There There'll Be No Vietnam" (New Hope Records), written by Mrs. S. H. Brackins, featured the child singer Brenda Gail Foss. This song reflected on how a M.I.A. soldier caused uncertainly for a soldier's family, and in this case, on a child. She started by explaining that her father served in the US army: "he is fighting for our country over there in Vietnam" - so a small degree of patriotic sentiment. He frequently wrote a letter to his daughter and she and her mother prayed for his safe return home. However, she recalled receiving a letter from the army, with the information that her "dad was missing over there in Vietnam" (in other word, 'missing in action' - M.I.A.) The army later informed the family that he had in fact been killed in action (K.I.A.). As Brenda Gail Foss explained, "he has gone to heaven" , and so away from the Vietnam War, which explained the title of the song. Unknown date and location.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
New Hope Records, RT #3, Johnson City, Tenn.; Side 2, 45 RPM; "Where There'll Be No Vietnam" (Brenda Gail Foss); label also prints "Brenda Gail Foss, Rt. 5 Johnson City Tenn." and "Author Mrs. S. H. Brackins; Acc. Joe Foss, Chas. Murr, Kenneth Brackins". No catalogue number or time printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My daddy is a soldier in a uniform
He is fighting for our country
Over there in Vietnam
He writes us a letter almost everyday
But still I miss my daddy...
Kneel and prayer, our lord take care of daddy and bring him safely home
Mummy and me are together
But we still seem all alone
We know that he is needed over there in Vietnam
But we are still praying that he will come back home
Mummy received a letter, it was from a strange man
It read that dad was missing over there in Vietnam
But now we know that daddy is safe from all harm
For he has gone to heaven
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#329 The Laurendeau Sisters Wars Like Vietnam Single · Wars Like Vietnam / To Heaven Without Me · Marquis # MS 1124 · USA
Credited on the record as The Laurendeau Sisters & The Laurel Westerners.
Annotation
The song "Wars Like Vietnam" (Marquis Records # MS 1124) is a country track by the Laurendeau Sisters. It sung from the perspective of two young females whose brother died in a war - sounds like they were teenagers or young adults. In any case, it sought to represent the impact of the war on siblings, whom recalled "that dreadful day" and lamented that the "soldiers are dying by the hour" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Marquis Records MS 1124, 45 RPM; A-side "To Heaven Without Me" (Jeanne Marquis), 2:49, Copr. 65004; B-side "Wars Like Vietnam" (Eileen Laurendeau), 2:58, Reg. 4356; both credited to The Laurendeau Sisters & The Laurel Westerners (B-side label spells "Westeners"). [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
One day I asked my mama why my brother went away
I know he really loved us all so much
Why did he have to leave us forever
And she told me how it was that dreadful day
Wars like Vietnam, all I think of everyday
Wars like Vietnam, breaks my heart each day
Wars like Vietnam, reminds me of my brother
Wars like Vietnam, on the families today
Now each day in the paper I read the headlines
Soldiers are dying by the hour...
I think of my brother I wish he could be here again
Genre: ♪ Country
#330 Little Debbie Duncan The Vietnam Song Single · The Vietnam Song / Forget All Your Troubles · Haven # HM-101 · USA
Credited on the record as Little Debbie Duncan and Her Twilights.
Annotation
The track "The Vietnam Song" (Haven Records # HM-101) by the young child Little Debbie Duncan and Her Twilights - song composed by Bill Duncan - her father? This might be a song-poem record label. The track started with a group chorus, introducing the listener to the little girl. Then Debbie Duncan started telling the listener "about her real daddy" , recalling that her father went off to war. However, she said that her "daddy...had been killed at some place called Vietnam" . This had a a huge impact on her family situation - in the second set of verses, Debbie Duncan started speaking about "her foster daddy" . The narration took a darker turn: "I have a new daddy, he drinks a lot...we don't get to go places and have fun" . She concluded the song by wondering how many other children had a difficult family situation as a result of the war. Thus, this song provided a different perspective on how the death of a soldier rebounded on a child and the family.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Haven Records HM-101, yellow label; "The Vietnam Song" (Bill Duncan), 2:40, Ranchette Pub., BMI; Little Debbie Duncan and Her Twilights; produced by Dick Michaels, engineer Norman Goodman. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
A little girl with the lovely curls, her eyes shine brighter than all the stars at night
Her smile was so pretty, it was such a pity when she started telling us about her real daddy
I remember the day my daddy went away
I didn't know he would come back again
One day mommy told me my daddy won't come home to us anymore
I didn't understand what she said
He had been killed at some place called Vietnam
A little girl with the lovely curls, her eyes shine brighter than all the stars at night
Her smile was so pretty, it was such a pity when she started telling us about her foster daddy
Things have changed around our house, we don't get to go places
And have fun, way we did before
Cause you seen now I have a new daddy
He drinks a lot and smokes a lot
When I'm in my room at night I can hear them talking
I know they are talking about me, I wonder how many boys and girls have the kind of problem I've got
Oh lord will you shine your light on all the broken hearts tonight
And bless our boys who are in Vietnam tonight
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#331 Mike Thomas The Prisoner of War Song Single · The Prisoner of War Song / What Do You Say Baby Beautiful Joyce · Tin Pan Alley # TPA 71-555 · USA
Annotation
The song "The Prisoner of War Song" (Tin Pan Alley # TPA 71-555), released around 1967-68 based on the label numbering, fitted into the song-poem category - song lyrics, sent to specialist publishing and recording companies, usually in response to an advertisement, that have been set to music for a fee (around $200-400).1 Hundreds of them dealt with political issues, including the Vietnam War. Jack Covais founded this label, based in New York at the time of recording (it later moved to Florida).2 Musically, this had a garage rock feel to it. Thomas started out narrating from the perspective of a soldier's father, who prayed that god would "bring our sons back from that war" . Then Thomas switched to the perspective of a soldier, held captive, who prayed to "the lord, that I will escape" - presumably from a prison in Vietnam, although it's not mentioned. Written by Richard Powliski. Note that Thomas released some other Vietnam singles - "A Fearless Soldier" (Tin Pan # 51-543) (1967), "The Last Ballad of Vietnam" (Tin Pan # 70-660) (1970), and "Freedom Boys" (Tin Pan # 53-549).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Tin Pan Alley Records TPA 71-555A, time 2:02, Juke Box Alley (ASCAP); "The Prisoner of War Song" (Richard Powliski), Mike Thomas; Tin Pan Alley, Inc., Lake Grove, New York 11755. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My god, my savior, oh my lord, please bring our sons back from that war
I pray to you on bended knee
Dear God please bring him back to me
I born my son to live not die
Please help my wife to laugh, not cry
I always think of him each day, dear god
Dear god help me pray
Dear god, he left when he was young
He said dear dad, I'm still your son, always think of you each day...
My dad is turning old and grey
I pray that mum will be okay
The strain on my mind is great
I pray the lord, that I will escape
I always think of them each day...
I pray, lord that I will survive
Dear god, please bring me back alive
I pray...dear god, please tell them I'm still here
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#332 Linda Dahrling Poor Little Sparrow Single · Poor Little Sparrow / God Bless You · Preview # 1563 · USA
Notes
- "Poor Little Sparrow"

- Label: Preview Records # 1563
- Songwriter: Mary Emily Brink

- My man is so far away, fighting for the U.S.A.
- I pray to god, don't forget my man
- Your wing will mend, while my heart is falling apart, I'll wait for you
- Home front perspective
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#333 Marilyn Gould More Than Being Lonesome Single · More Than Being Lonesome / Prayer From a P.O.W. · P.O.W. # 101 · USA
Annotation
A double-side Vietnam War single, in the country music genre, which looked at the prisoner of war / missing in action situation. The a-side addressed the perspective of a P.O.W.'s wife / girlfriend, while the b-side provided the perspective of the P.O.W., both narrated in the first person. Maureen Smith composed the songs. Produced by Scotty's studio, unknown location and date. Publisher: Golden Boy Music. In the first track "More Than Being Lonesome" (P.O.W. # 101) Marilyn Gould sung about the difficulty of not knowing when "your man is M.I.A." She wondered if he had been taken captive or if he had died. As the title suggested, while she felt loneliness and pain, the not knowing added another element which "tears you apart" .The b-side song "Prayer From a P.O.W." provided the P.O.W.'s view - it is credited to Marilyn Gould as above, but it is actually an unknown male vocalist. This track, like many others, chose to present the terrible conditions that the prisoners may have been experiencing. This is done through the form a prisoner's prayer to god. The prisoner described his situation, in which he had lost track of time. Being held captive for eight years had started to take a physical toll on him: "my wound still hurts...my vision is blurred...teeth are rotting" . He had given up asking for decent food or medication, while in his mind he had moved on from anger and indignation, yet he still could not find peace. He wanted his "family's voices to fill my silent nights" . He asked for god to look over his family for him.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
P.O.W. Records, yellow label; A-side P.O.W.-101A (ARP-1723) "More Than Being Lonesome" (Larry Thomas-Judy Thomas-Maureen Smith), Country Stream Music—BMI, 3:03; B-side P.O.W.-101B (ARP-1724) "Prayer From a P.O.W." (Maureen Smith), Golden Boy Music—BMI, 1:50; both produced by Scotty's Studio. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It's more than being lonesome when your man is M.I.A.
He fought and maybe even died, where is he today
It's more than being lonesome when you're raising your kids alone
You know your man still loves you
But may never return home, it's more than being lonesome
It's not knowing that tears you apart
You believe he is alive for you feel it in your heart
It's more than being lonesome
The flame of hope still burns
You pray for god to help him and grant his safe return
It's more than being lonesome
It's the whisper of the prayer and there's no way to share his fear
And suffer his despair
It's more than being lonesome
It's not knowing that tears you apart
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#334 Marilyn Gould Prayer From a P.O.W. Single · More Than Being Lonesome / Prayer From a P.O.W. · P.O.W. # 101 · USA
Annotation: see “More Than Being Lonesome” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Well god, another day in my endless tunnel of time has passed
And I'm alive, my wound still hurts.../ My vision is blurred, my coordination is going, and my teeth are rotting in my mouth
But I'm alive...even if they did take a chunk of my mind, my heart, and my soul, I've outlived anger and indignation
But I can't seem to live in peace with my gut crawling fears
After eight years I know better than to ask for food instead of slop, medication to sooth the pain...
Freedom to replace the degrading solitary or my family's voices to fill my silent nights
So I won't take up any more of your time tonight god
Except to ask you to hold my loved ones in your hand
To say, hey thanks for today...and tomorrow
#335 Johnny Price Ballad of Our P.O.W.'s Single · Ballad of Our P.O.W.'s / Santa, Bring Daddy for Christmas · Priceless # PR-708 · USA
Annotation
The song "Ballad of Our P.O.W.'s" (Priceless # PR-708) by Johnny Price, a country singer based in Nashville, Tennessee, who sounded very similar to Johnny Cash, as suggested in the artist name. A familiar commercial technique, as seen with the country artist Johnny Paycheck. Johnny Price released the song "The Lieutenant's Last Salute" (Rexell # 45-106) in 1971 about the My Lai massacre. The narrator of the song showed concern for the plight of the P.O.W.s, refusing to celebrate the end of the war with marches and beating drums "until we bring back our prisoners of war" . It pointed out that many families faced uncertainty about the status of their loved ones - whether, M.I.A., P.O.W., or K.I.A. According to the The Sumter Daily, South Carolina, Price wrote the song in support of Sandy Bagley, the wife of P.O.W. Major Bobby Ray Bagley, captured in North Vietnam on 16 September 1967, and released on 14 March 1973.1. The article said that "Johnny Price...is ready to release his own recording to help her cause, The Ballad of the POW".2 She released the 1972 single "POWMIA", as well as co-writing the b-side of this single.

On the b-side of this single, the song "Santa Bring My Daddy for Christmas" dealt with the Vietnam War, Christmas, and the P.O.W. theme. A spoken-word track, it is split into two narratives. The first one, narrated by the female vocalist Marty Lizabeth, recalled seeing a boy at a shopping mall asking Santa to bring home his father from Vietnam. He explained: "my daddy is a prisoner of war" . In the second narration by Johnny Price, the boy's father (the soldier) spoke from Vietnam, saying that Santa may be too busy to get him home in time for Christmas, although "dreams do come true" . Composed by Sandy Bagley and Johnny Price.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Priceless PR-708, white-and-red label, P.O. Box 1391, Nashville, Tenn.; "Ballad of Our P.O.W.'s" (J. Price), SON 100131, time 3:07, and "Santa, Bring Daddy for Christmas" (S. Bagley - J. Price), SON 100132, time 3:07, Johnny Price with Marty Lizabeth; both Priceless Music, BMI, producer J. Price. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
No marching, no glory, no beating of the drum, no battle is over, no victory is one
But less we forget our men behind those captive doors
We'll sing until we bring back our prisoners of war
We see tears of the loved ones that they've left...
Suffering the anguish of an uncertain mind
Not knowing the answer, dead or alive
But their hope and their faith and their love still survive...
We see mothers and sister and wives by the score all pledging and praying for our prisoners of war
They watch days pass to months... turn to years
Only god can know the depths of their tears...
They say time will heal the hurt for the dead
But time cannot erase the fear and the dread we feel for the men who have given so much more
God bless and free them, our prisoners of war
Genre: ♪ Country
#336 Bud Stack Please Santa, Take My Toys to Viet Nam Single · Please Santa, Take My Toys to Viet Nam / Believe Me · Nashville # NV-5317 · USA
Annotation
In the country music song "Please Santa, Take My Toys to Viet Nam" (Nashville # NV-5317) a man, presumably narrating from the perspective of a child, requested that people in the US not forget the soldiers in Vietnam, and that "while there in a giving mood, remember Vietnam" . He wanted Santa to take all the toys and money, that he usually received, over to Vietnam - for the South Vietnamese, or for those in the North as well? Probably released in 1973 based on the label's numbers.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Nashville NV-5317 (8299), "A Product of Starday Records", Box 115, Madison, Tenn., 45 RPM, red label, Bud Stack (vocal); "Please Santa, Take My Toys to Viet Nam" (B. Stack), 3:24, Tronic / BMI; "A Tommy Hill Starday Studio Production", Starday Recording and Publishing Co., Inc. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
For many years on Christmas eve I waited hopefully
All the toys and games and such you'd be bringing me
But this year there is just one thing that could fill my heart..
Please take the toys you make for me to Vietnam this year
I've always had a lot of toys and it just don't seem right...
My mummy gives me money for the little chores I do
And many friends of mine saved there allowance too
We put it all together in a cheque you are holding here
Please drop it off in Vietnam at Christmas time this year...
We ? to do are share, just having food & shelter & the love...
So Santa please tell all your friends, especially Uncle Sam
That while there in a giving mood, remember Vietnam
#337 El Paso High School Varsity Choir Vietnam Christmas Single · Vietnam Christmas / Hallelujah Chorus · Linjo # 112 · USA
Annotation
"Vietnam Christmas" (LinJo Records # LINJO 112) - a song performed by the varsity choir of El Paso High School, Texas.1 Musically this track would fit nicely into a church service and Christmas carol rendition. The choir sent out a prayer to those fighting in the war, as well as those "who died...in Vietnam" .&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
LinJo Records LINJO 112-A; "Vietnam Christmas" (Rene Guijarro), time 3:30, Linjo Music (BMI); El Paso High School Varsity Choir, directed by Frank Odom, soloist Teresa Gonzales. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
This child of love will hear the prayers and cries
From those who fight and have been wounded in Vietnam
This child won't hesitate to bless
All those who died while fighting in Vietnam
#338 Mike Thomas Letters From Home Single · Memories of You / Letters From Home · Tin Pan Alley # TPA 50-536 · USA
Notes
- Song poem, traditional pop
- Send a letter to the soldiers over there

- Tin Pan Alley Records TPA 50-536B, light blue label; "Letters From Home" (Ruth G. Jenkins), 1:57, Juke Box Alley (ASCAP); Mike Thomas; Tin Pan Alley, Inc., Lake Grove, New York 11755. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#339 Edie Walker Don't Cry Soldier Single · Don't Cry Soldier / I Don't Need You Anymore · MEW # 102 · USA
Notes
- Soul, teen pop
- From Miami, Florida area
- Soldier boy theme, I'll be there for you
- Home front perspective

- MEW 102-A (pink label), 45 RPM; "Don't Cry Soldier" (Gary Stites), published by Iluvlori, BMI, 2:01. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#340 Kathy Dunn Oriental Moon of Vietnam Single · Oriental Moon of Vietnam / My First Orchid · Portrait # 706-0 · USA
Notes
- Traditional pop, soldier boy theme
- Potential song poem

- Portrait Records 706-0 (0476), 45 RPM; "Oriental Moon of Vietnam" (Jane Abbott and Lola Creal Abbott), time 2:34, Standley Music, ASCAP; Kathy Dunn. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#341 'Pocono Mountain-Aires' Alone at Christmas Single · Homesick Country Boy / Alone at Christmas · HalBet HAL # 112 · USA
Credited on the record as Pocono Mountain-Aires, vocal by Tommy Connor.
Notes
Traditional pop, soldier's perspective. Both sides.
Spending Christmas alone
Notes
HalBet Inc. Record Div. HAL 112 (45-112), blue label; side I "Homesick Country Boy" (Bobbi Baker), time 2:10 (AAB-481); side II "Alone at Christmas" (King-Derr), time 2:45 (AAB-482); both HalBet Music (ASCAP); Pocono Mountain-Aires, vocal by Tommy Connor. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#342 Buddy Pastuck Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nixon Single · I Love You Tenderly / Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nixon · Cowboy Junction # OV-527 · USA
Notes
I Love You Tenderly (Pastuck, Buddy)
Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nixon (Pastuck, Buddy)

A-side: Country, Nixon, anti-war, P.O.W., home front perspective
You've been gone for 10 years - bloody war in Vietnam separated us.
Hope you come back soon - I've not received letters from you.
Then - letter arrived: I've been shot, communist say I will live (P.O.W.)
Nixon has brought peace

B-side: Nixon tribute. Review of his political career under Ike, 1960 election against JFK.
As president, he opened China, visited Russia, stopped 30 year war in Vietnam.
Helped rescue the P.O.W.s, took responsibility for Watergate for good of country.
Notes
Cowboy Junction OV-527, Hwy 44 West, Lecanto, Fla. 32661, 45 RPM, white label; Side A (OV-527-1): "I Love You Tenderly" (Boris Max Pastuch), Buddy Pastuck, 3:10; Side B (OV-527-2): "Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nixon" (Boris Max Pastuch), "Recitation by Buddy Pastuck", 4:34; both Cowboy Junction Pub. Co., BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#343 Clara Nash Bring Him Home Single · Bring Him Home / This Is All I Ask · Tidelands # 1003 · USA
Notes
Bring Him Home (Nash, Clara)

Country. Home front perspective, religion.
Mother - son's off to war. She remembers birth, boyhood days.
But he is grown and fighting. The rest is up to god
Notes
Tidelands 1003, yellow and orange label with palm-tree logo; "Bring Him Home" (Wm. S. Francey – Bill Nash), Weldwood Music, Lesric Music, BMI, 3:05; produced by Nash-Matthias. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#344 Donna Sands Bring My Daddy Home Single · Bring My Daddy Home / Squattin' Little Squillit · Sanfris # SF-62 · USA
Notes
Bring My Daddy Home (Sands, Donna)

Child narration. Pop, home front perspective. Released New York.
Dear god - bring my daddy home from Vietnam
Notes
Sanfris SF-62-A, 1674 Broadway, N.Y.C.; "Bring My Daddy Home" (L. Hevia – R. Kent), Sanfris Music Co., Tithonus Music Co. (BMI), 2:40; arranged and conducted by Ron Dulka, produced by Sanfris Productions. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Pop
#345 Billy Grey Christmas in the Army Single · Christmas in the Army / Lover's Lane · Tin Pan Alley # TPA 30-459 · USA
Notes
- "Christmas in the Army"

- Label: Tin Pan Alley # TPA 30-459
- Songwriter: Franklin D. Kinman

- Song poem, Christmas, traditional pop
- Soldier's perspective
- All day long I cried
- Captain said don't be sad, you'll be home in 16 months
- Work over here will soon be done

- Tin Pan Alley Records TPA 30-459A, Tin Pan Alley, Inc., 1650 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10019; Juke Box Alley (ASCAP); "Christmas in the Army" (Franklin D. Kinman), 2:39; rubber-stamped date "Jun 3" on the label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#346 Danny O'Neil Danny Boy '68 Single · Danny Boy '68 / Love Letters · PD # PD45-1001 · USA
Notes
Danny Boy '68 (O'Neil, Danny)

Traditional pop.
Drums of war are beating again.
Why couldn't I tell my son what I thought.
Vietnam-era rendition of Danny Boy.
Notes
pd PD45-1001A (PD-327681), white label with a black "pd" panel; "Danny Boy-'68" (Fred Weatherel), Boosey & Hawkes, ASCAP, time 3:29; Danny O'Neil, arranged and conducted by Lee Norris. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#347 Sue Collins Dog Tags and a Purple Heart Single · Dog Tags and a Purple Heart / Heaven Help the Girl · Media # 45-9101 · USA
Notes
Dog Tags and a Purple Heart (Collins, Sue)

Teen pop, home front perspective
Soldier boy went to Vietnam
Have to wait for marriage
But letter came from the president - KIA
Received a Purple Heart medal and his dog tags
Notes
Media 45-9101, matrix S5KM 2372, yellow label; "Dog Tags and a Purple Heart" (Armand Gregory & Bobby Whalen), Blue Grass Music and Laddie Music, BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#348 Lillian Lopez Every Mother's Son Single · Every Mother's Son / Wish I Could Be Back There · Camco # 1972 · USA
Notes
Soul, home front perspective, PTSD, leans anti-war, religion.
Released around 1972-73.

Son home from the war for 6 months now but I don't know him.
What have they done to my son? Wakes up everynight screaming
Seen so many die. Early reference to PTSD.
Notes
Camco Enterprises #1972 A, green label, 45 RPM; "Every Mother's Son" (Lillian Lopez), time 3:03, Camco Enterprises (ASCAP); arranged and conducted by Gary Sherman; produced by Camco Enterprises, 250 West 57 St., N.Y., N.Y. 10019. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#349 Buddy Pastuck I Love You Tenderly Single · I Love You Tenderly / Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nicon · Cowboy Junction # OV-527 · USA
Notes
I Love You Tenderly (Pastuck, Buddy)
Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nixon (Pastuck, Buddy)

A-side: Country, Nixon, anti-war, P.O.W., home front perspective
You've been gone for 10 years - bloody war in Vietnam separated us.
Hope you come back soon - I've not received letters from you.
Then - letter arrived: I've been shot, communist say I will live (P.O.W.)
Nixon has brought peace

B-side: Nixon tribute. Review of his political career under Ike, 1960 election against JFK.
As president, he opened China, visited Russia, stopped 30 year war in Vietnam.
Helped rescue the P.O.W.s, took responsibility for Watergate for good of country.
Notes
Cowboy Junction OV-527, Hwy 44 West, Lecanto, Fla. 32661, 45 RPM, white label; Side A (OV-527-1): "I Love You Tenderly" (Boris Max Pastuch), Buddy Pastuck, 3:10; Side B (OV-527-2): "Brief Historical Tribute to Richard Milhous Nixon" (Boris Max Pastuch), "Recitation by Buddy Pastuck", 4:34; both Cowboy Junction Pub. Co., BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#350 Lena Hix I Want My Daddy for Christmas Single · Christmas Memories / I Want My Daddy for Christmas · Cap-Tone # CAP 0012 · USA
Notes
I Want My Daddy for Christmas (Hix, Lena)

Country, home front perspective, Christmas
Child asks Santa: please take my daddy's place overseas
Notes
Cap Tone Records, Azusa, California, CAP-0012-B, red label; "I Want My Daddy for Christmas" (Woody and Lena Hix), Maye-Raye Publishing (BMI), time 2:15; vocal by Lena Hix. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#351 Starla Parrish & the Parrish Bros. Is There a Santa Claus in Vietnam Single · Is there a Santa Claus in Vietnam / Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy · Parrish · USA
Annotation
Starla Parrish took the lead vocal on the song "Is There a Santa Claus in Vietnam" , one of the children of The Parrish Brothers, a group with a strong following in the local music scene of Rochester, Minnesota since the 1960s. The record is credited to Shirley Barrett. The very young Starla narrated a letter to Santa Clause, wondering if he visited Vietnam. She thought that her father, fighting over there "may have to die for me and you" . Thus it took a patriotic theme. In a spoken-word section, Starla told the listener that she prayed everyday for her father.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Parrish, red label, 45 RPM, no catalogue number printed; "Is There a Santa Claus in Vietnam" (Shirley Barrett), Parrish Music, BMI, time 3:05; credited to Starla Parrish and the Parrish Bros. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Dear Santa I'm writing this letter to you, I hope it gets there okay
There is something I'd like to know, I'd like to know right away
Is there a Santa Claus in Vietnam?
Does he look like you?
Does he have reindeer and a sleigh?
Can he fly through the air like you do?...
For I know that daddy would like a nice gift, he needs a Santa Claus too
I know that he fights in the jungles, he may have to die for me and you
Well Santa I'm tired and a bit sleepy too, I'll close my letter to you
I guess you are wondering why I want to know, my dad, he's over there
Oh he won't be home for Christmas, this holiday we cannot share
Oh I miss him more and more everyday and I don't forget to pray
Oh god please bring my daddy home safely, I can hardly wait for that day
Genre: ♪ Country
#352 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
Also in: ▤ Polka songs
#353 Eddie Blazonczyk Leaving for Viet Nam Single · 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
Also in: ▤ Polka songs
#354 Dick Bruce Letter From Home Single · Letter From Home / Daddy's Back Home From the Store · K-Ark # 901 · USA
Notes
Letter From Home (Bruce, Dick)

Country novelty - cover of Hank Penny
Man writes letter to friend fighting in Vietnam
Your girl has been spending your money, having parties, ruined your car
And hanging out with Clive!
Notes
K-Ark Records 901 A, green label, 45 RPM, 728 16th Ave., So., Nashville, Tenn.; "Letter From Home" (Hank Penny), time 2:15, Valley Pub. Co.–BMI; produced by John Capps. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Jody Songs
#355 Chill Wills Mama Single · Mama / Whisperin' Bill · Metromedia # MM-169 · USA
Notes
Mama (Wills, Chill)
Whisperin' Bill (Wills, Chill)

Country, home front perspective. From Texas, USA
A-side: relationship started going wrong when they lost their son (in the war?) Refer to b-side.
B-side: Son shot in the head by the Viet Cong - disabled.
He volunteered to help his country.
Notes
Metromedia Records MM-169, white label marked "Radio Station Copy Not for Sale"; "Mama" (C. Aldridge), ZTSP 222198, 2:40, Central Songs, Inc. (BMI), and "Whisperin' Bill" (C. Wills), ZTSP 222199, 2:57, Valando Music, Inc. (ASCAP); both "From the Metromedia Lp, 'Hello, Cousin'", "Produced by Tommy Allsup & Bob Hinkle", "Arranged by Tommy Allsup"; "A Metromedia Company". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#356 Atlas Grunwald Mary, Mary Single · Mary, Mary / Fly Away · Fana # 1001 · USA
Notes
Fana Records 1001 (HH-2132), 45 RPM, red label; "Mary, Mary" (Jerry Jacobson), 3:18, Lemuel, BMI; produced by Jerry Jacobson. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#357 Liz Owens A Message From Vietnam Single · A Message From Vietnam / Treadegy of the Finley Coal Mine · New Hope # S 1045 · USA
Credited on the record as Liz Owens with The Dean's.
Notes
Message From Vietnam, A (Owens, Liz)

Country, home front perspective. Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.
Many going to Vietnam - now my husband. Why? I don't know
How to raise my children without a father
Waiting for him to return
But knock on the door - your husband was KIA
Notes
New Hope Records Record No. S 1045-1, orange label; "A Message From Vietnam" (Mrs. S. H. Brackins), 2:52; Liz Owens with The Dean's; recorded at New Hope Studio, Rt. no. 3, Zip 37601, Johnson City, TN. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#358 Fr. John Kresnik MIA Single · MIA / I Believe · Croat # SR-5982 · USA
Annotation
Notes
MIA (Kresnik, Jonh)

Traditional pop, P.O.W. / M.I.A. song. Post-war, 80s.
Born in 1945, but now mother cries - bring him back, don't forget my son.
Back in 1968 he married and had two children - now they cry.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Croat Records SR-5982 A (30859), white label; "MIA" (John Kresnik), 3:05; produced and arranged by Chuck Penington, engineered by Fenton Isaacson.

The picture sleeve front shows "MIA" in pink over a photo of a smiling young airman in a flight jacket with a "Wild Weasel" patch, captioned "Mike Bosiljevac".

The back states that Captain Mike Bosiljevac, USAF, of Omaha, Nebraska, attended the Air Force Academy and was shot down over North Vietnam near the Son Tay prison compound when the F-105 he was in was struck by a SAM, that the pilot was released in 1973, and that "the Vietnamese authorities have refused to tell us what has happened to Mike".

Credits: piano Chuck Penington, drums Subby Anzaldo Jr., guitar Ron Cooley, bass Brian Sampson, voices Denise Fackler and Sara Flackjaw, engineer Fenton Isaacson, producer Chuck Penington; acknowledgements to Subby Anzaldo Entertainment Agency and Shorty Vest, Omaha Musicians Association, Local 70-558; Croat Records, PO Box 1496, Omaha, NE 68101. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#359 Danny Harrison Mommy, I Don't Want a Christmas Tree Single · Mommy, I Don't Want a Christmas Tree / This Is Christmas · Deneba # 7617 · USA
Notes
Mommy, I Don't Want a Christmas Tree (Harrison, Danny)

Country music. Christmas
Notes
Deneba Records No. 7617 (SON 98402), mono, blue label, "Just for You Mr. D.J."; "Mommy, I Don't Want a Christmas Tree" (Danny Harrison), Lonzo & Oscar Music, BMI, 2:05; produced by Joann Combs & Michael Perry; recorded at Jamboree Studios, Wheeling, W. Va.; "Dist. Nationally by Danny Harrison Enterprises—P.O. Box 227—West Logan, West Va." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Mommy I don't want a Christmas tree this year
Daddy is in Vietnam, you know he won't be here
You know he always helped us trim the Christmas tree
It won't seem like Christmas if daddy's not here with me
Genre: ♪ Country
#360 Allen Phillips Paw-Paw County Single · Paw-Paw County / The Nature of Mother · Evergreen # EG-900 · USA
Notes
Paw-Paw County (Phillips, Allen)

County, home front perspective.
Soldier marches off to war - KIA.
Mother cries. Victory is sweet - but what a price.
Notes
Evergreen Records EG-900-A, "Evergreen Is Country", white label in green print, 1105 E. St. Charles Rd., Lombard, Ill.; "Paw-Paw County" (Johnny Willis - Allen Phillips), time 2:31, Xenia, BMI; produced by Brien Fisher. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#361 The Souvenirs Sailor Boy Single · Sailor Boy / Never Camp Alone, Joe · PRO # 3 · USA
Notes
Sailor Boy (Souvenirs, The)

Generic, Vietnam-era
Notes
PRO Records PRO 3 A, yellow label; "Sailor Boy", 2:10; The Souvenirs, "Plus Productions". No writer or publisher printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#362 Diane Minor Sandee's Prayer Single · Sandee's Prayer / Storybook · LPS # R-1001-M · USA
Notes
Sandee's Prayer (Minor, Diane)

Easy listening, home front perspective. Religion.
Bellingham, Washington, USA.
Soldier boy: I'll always be here, true to you.
Please god take care of him
Notes
LPS R-1001-M, 45 RPM, Side A, "Produced and manufactured by L. P. S. Records, Inc., Bellingham, Washington", 3909 Cliffside Drive, Bellingham, Washington 98225; "Sandee's Prayer" (Irene Peterson), Heartstone Pub. Co. B.M.I., 3:38; co-produced by Jim Barkley & Bill Pursell, arranged by Bill Pursell. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#363 Cindy Allen Santa Don't Forget My Mommy Single · Santa Don't Forget My Mommy / Her Wedding, Not Mine · Town & Country # TC-1036 · USA
Notes
Christmas, Child narration, country music.
Home front perspective - Santa don't forget my mummy
She's been crying since the mailman brought a letter with medals (K.I.A.)
Notes
T/C Town & Country Recordings TC-1036-A (U4KM-4609); "Santa Don't Forget My Mommy" (Hauty Bell Eason), Star-Fire Music ASCAP, 2:25; produced by Suwanee Songs, Lenoir City, Tenn. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#364 Joycelyn Soldier in Saigon Part One Single · Soldier in Saigon Part One / Soldier in Saigon Part Two · Knite Life # 1 · USA
Notes
Soldier in Saigon (Part One) (Joycelyn)
Soldier in Saigon (Part Two)

soul.
Notes
Knite Life, blue label with silver "KLP" shield: #001 Side One "Soldier in Saigon" Part One and #002 Side Two "Soldier in Saigon" Part Two, both (George Davis), Dee Pee Music (BMI), time 1:45; Dickens Productions, Inc., 120 East 56th St., N.Y., N.Y. 10022. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Dear god, I have a special favour to ask
I've got a soldier over there, serving his country well
So dear god, please watch over him
And guide him safely home to me
#365 Joycelyn Soldier in Saigon Part Two Single · Soldier in Saigon Part One / Soldier in Saigon Part Two · Knite Life # 1 · USA
Notes
Soldier in Saigon (Part One) (Joycelyn)
Soldier in Saigon (Part Two)

soul.
Notes
Knite Life, blue label with silver "KLP" shield: #001 Side One "Soldier in Saigon" Part One and #002 Side Two "Soldier in Saigon" Part Two, both (George Davis), Dee Pee Music (BMI), time 1:45; Dickens Productions, Inc., 120 East 56th St., N.Y., N.Y. 10022. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#366 Willie Coffey Sons Last Call From Seattle Single · So Long Mom / Sons Last Call From Seattle · Nutt NS # 1 · USA
Notes
So Long Mom (Coffey, Willie)
Sons Last Call From Seattle (Coffey, Willie)

Contemporary folk, Missing in action (MIA)
A-side: soldier's perspective. I've fallen in battle.
Thinking of mum baking, saying prayers and reading the bible.
B-side: mum's perspective - misses son, MIA according to Uncle Sam.
Notes
Nutt Records NS 001, yellow label with acorn design: NS 001 A "So Long Mom" (Alma Nutt), Oleta, BMI, 3:07; NS 001 B "Sons Last Call From Seattle" (Alma Nutt), Oleta, BMI, 1:20. The B-side label carries a handwritten inscription beginning "Dear Ken – my adopted son" and signed "Love". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#367 The Laurendeau Sisters To Heaven Without Me Single · Wars Like Vietnam / To Heaven Without Me · Marquis # MS 1124 · USA
Credited on the record as The Laurendeau Sisters & The Laurel Westerners.
Notes
Marquis Records MS 1124, 45 RPM; A-side "To Heaven Without Me" (Jeanne Marquis), 2:49, Copr. 65004; B-side "Wars Like Vietnam" (Eileen Laurendeau), 2:58, Reg. 4356; both credited to The Laurendeau Sisters & The Laurel Westerners (B-side label spells "Westeners"). [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#368 Darlene Shadwick Viet Nam Widow, Almost Single · Viet Nam Widow, Almost / Once in Your Life · Pla-Me # TK4M-3211 · USA
Notes
"Viet Nam Widow, Almost" (Pla Me Records # TK4M-3211)
Label based in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

County. Impact of war: at home. Woman in US misses her sweetheart who died in Vietnam.
Notes
Pla-Me Records, 903 Louisiana, Muskogee, Okla., grey label (TK4M-3211, 666P-3211); "Viet Nam Widow, Almost" (Darlene Shadwick), time 2:42, Vilena Pub. Co., BMI; Pla-Me Records A & R by Gene Killion & Bobby McBride. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
My only love is gone, a very empty day
My sweetheart he died a thousand of miles away
His country needed him, my darling gave his life
He died in Vietnam, I'll never be his wife
I remember when he left my eyes were full of tears
A boy who had to be a man at only eighteen years
It didn't help me much to know he was so brave
I couldn't hold the tears, I stood by his grave
So now I'm dressed in black being mighty blue
Waiting until god calls me to my love so true
I know I'll see him there in that ? above
There will never be another, he was my only love
Genre: ♪ Country
#369 Iona Pool Vietnam Single · Vietnam / Lonely Like Me · Sooner # 724S-501 · USA
Notes
Sooner 724S-501 (S4KM-8426), light blue label; "Vietnam" (Iona Pool), 2:40, Sooner Music Inc. BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#370 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
#371 Pam Gilbert What Has the World Done to My Baby Single · I'm Movin' On / What Has the World Done to My Baby · Stop # ST 155 · USA
Notes
What Has the World Done to My Baby (Gilbert, Pam)

Teen pop, home front perspective, child
14 year old
You're not the same - because of war?
Notes
Stop ST 155, 45 RPM, matrix ST 5152; "What Has the World Done to My Baby" (J. Rhodes), 2:57, Window Music—BMI; Pam Gilbert (Vocal); "Pro. By C. Eastman", "Arr. Pete Drake"; "Distributed by Stop Records, 809-B 18th Ave., S. Nashville, Tenn."; white label with red stop-sign logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#372 Chill Wills Whisperin' Bill Single · Mama / Whisperin' Bill · Metromedia # MM-169 · USA
Notes
Mama (Wills, Chill)
Whisperin' Bill (Wills, Chill)

Country, home front perspective. From Texas, USA
A-side: relationship started going wrong when they lost their son (in the war?) Refer to b-side.
B-side: Son shot in the head by the Viet Cong - disabled.
He volunteered to help his country.
Notes
Metromedia Records MM-169, white label marked "Radio Station Copy Not for Sale"; "Mama" (C. Aldridge), ZTSP 222198, 2:40, Central Songs, Inc. (BMI), and "Whisperin' Bill" (C. Wills), ZTSP 222199, 2:57, Valando Music, Inc. (ASCAP); both "From the Metromedia Lp, 'Hello, Cousin'", "Produced by Tommy Allsup & Bob Hinkle", "Arranged by Tommy Allsup"; "A Metromedia Company". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#373 Ray Hildebrand Why Did He Go Away? Single · Why Did He Go Away / Bouquet of Roses · Soft # S-987 · USA
Notes
Why Did He Go Away? (Hildebrand, Ray)

Garage rock.
Fort Worth, Texas.
Notes
Purple Soft Records S-987 (LH-2142), 45 RPM; "Why Did He Go Away?" (Ray Hildebrand), 2:13, LeBill Music, Inc., BMI. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#374 Susan and the Shannons You'll Agree Single · Tomorrow Morning / You'll Agree · Shannon's # SR1949 · USA
Notes
Tomorrow Morning (Susan and the Shannons)
You'll Agree (Susan and the Shannons)

Folk rock, home front perspective. Omaha, Nebraska
A-side: sweetheart is away at war. Only have memories. Soldier shoots to kill
B-side: we are apart - I miss and love you.
Notes
Shannon's Productions SR1949A / SR1949B, pale green label; "Tomorrow Morning", Sears Pub., BMI, 2:24, and "You'll Agree", Sears Pub., BMI, 2:25; Ron Stein, producer; Sears Recording Studios, Omaha, Nebr. The A-side label carries a handwritten inscription "with Best Wishes Susan Stein". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#375 The Extentions Your Heart Belongs to Me Single · Your Heart Belongs to Me / Variations on a Theme · Nickel # N-113 · USA
Notes
Nickel N-113-A; "Your Heart Belongs to Me" (W. Robinson), 3:15, Jobete Music, BMI; arranged and produced by Richard Pegue for Pat-Ann Productions. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#376 Dave Jones Dear Mr. President Single · The Ballad of My Lai / Dear Mr. President · Waxwing # W-1002 · USA
Notes
- Ballad of My Lai, The (Jones, Dave)
- Dear Mr. President (Jones, Dave)

- A-side: country, patriotic, My Lai / Calley
- War is hell, women and children killed at My Lai
- Soldier's taught to kill - how do they know the enemy?
- Who is to blame? Is this what we stand for?
- Orders came down, sense of reason was lost
- Lets not condemn or condone.
- God stands in judgement

- B-side: six months ago I send a letter to the president - please don't take my son away
I remember him with his toy soldiers. But K.I.A. I'll gladly give my life for the flag and freedom.

- B-side of W-1002. Not a My Lai song: a father's letter to the president about his drafted son, who is then killed in action. Waxwing W-1002, 45 RPM, yellow label with red bird logo, "A Production of Waxwing Sound and Recording"; "The Ballad of My Lai" (D. Jones), 3:08, and "Dear Mr. President" (D. Jones), 2:48, Waxwing Music, BMI; produced by Barlow - Pope. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#377 Damita We Won't Say Goodbye Single · We Won't Say Goodbye / Operator · Bang Bang # FM 4103 · USA
Notes
- "We Won't Say Goodbye"

- Label: Bang Bang Records # FM 4103
- Songwriter: D. Fitzgerald

- song poem, traditional pop,
- home front perspective, patriotic
- Since you sailed away, I promised I would not cry
- In Vietnam, our boys are brave
- So we can stay free, devotion to god and country
- Washington D.C.

- Bang Bang Records FM 4103 (ZTSP 124103), Washington, D.C. 20009, purple label; "We Won't Say Goodbye" (D. Fitzgerald), 2:48, Fitzgerald's Music, BMI; produced by David Fitzgerald. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#378 Damita A Mother's Letter to Viet Nam Single · A Mother's Letter to Viet Nam / The Chase Is Over · Jay-Bee # 38903 · USA
Notes
- "A Mother's Letter to Viet Nam"

- Label: Jay-Bee # 38903
- Songwriter: L. Stanton

- Traditional pop
- Home front perspective - I see Silver Wings on his chest. A Green Beret
- God end this war today (religion, anti-war)
- A can't explain where his father's gone
- He knows you were a fighting man, but he's only 3
- Note: MP3 only

- Jay-Bee Records, yellow label, "Reg. No 38903", Side 1; "A Mother's Letter To Viet Nam" (L. Stanton), sung by Damita. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#379 Gloria Weston Missing in Action (In Viet Nam) EP · Hot Game of Dice · Tornado # T-107 · USA
Notes
- "Missing in Action (In Viet Nam)"

- Performer: Gloria Weston
- Label: Tornado Records
- Songwriter: David L. Perkins

- Traditional pop
- P.O.W., M.I.A. issue
- Letter from the War Dept, husband is missing in action in Vietnam
- Gave is for freedom and country
- Home front perspective as well
- Does not mention P.O.W.s

- Track B1 of the 4-track EP 'Hot Game of Dice' (Tornado T-107); A-side tracks by Rod Rodgers, B2 by Kenny Craft. Tornado Records, Record T-107, extended play, 45 RPM, gold label, matrix S4KB-1942; "Missing in Action" (in Viet Nam) (David L. Perkins) (Robert (Bob) Pine), featuring Gloria Weston, 3:28; "What a Fool Am I" (David L. Perkins) (Lula F. DeBoard), featuring Kenny Craft, 2:25; Cedarlane Music (BMI), Ramrod Music. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#380 Bob Storm and clear Artist [As Credited] My Love Is in Viet Nam Single · Ruling Passion / My Love Is in Viet Nam · Halmark # 22784 · USA
Credited on the record as Bob Storm.
Notes
- "My Love Is Lost in Viet Nam"

- Label: Halmark # 22784
- Songwriter: Emile Favron
- Artist: uncredited female artist
- Credited: Bob Storm, music director

- Home front perspective
- Sweetheart fighting night and day
- All I can do is pray
- Fights for me. Come home free

- "Halmark" "Sound of Excellence" 22784, 45 RPM, unbreakable, high fidelity; "My Love Is in Viet Nam" (Isabel Daigle); Bob Storm, musical director Jerry Dee. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#381 Barbara Foster A Forgotten Mother Single · Hold Me - Or Help Me / A Forgotten Mother · Preview # 1720 · USA
Notes
- "Forgotten Mother"

- Label: Preview Records # 1720
- Songwriter: Alice Anderson

- Traditional pop, home front perspective
- Song poem, mother signing about son in Vietnam
- My son left the army after two tours of Vietnam
- People told you I'm not around, but I'm still your mother

- Preview Records, 6311 Yucca, Hollywood, 1720-2; "A Forgotten Mother" (Alice Anderson), 2:25, Arthur Music, A.S.C.A.P.; Barbara Foster. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#382 Cathy Mills Come Home to Me Single · Come Home to Me / Dreamy Eyes · Tin Pan Alley # TPA 10-377 · USA
Notes
- "Come Home to Me"

- Label: Tin Pan Alley # TPA 10-377
- Songwriter: Tagliente, Dienna

- Song poem, traditional pop, home front perspective
- Will my man come back from overseas?
- Pray that peace will come soon.
- Is he in Vietnam? Will he stay? Is he well?

- Tin Pan Alley Records TPA 10-377A, 45 RPM, "Mfg. by Tin Pan Alley, Inc., 1650 Broadway, N.Y.C."; "Come Home to Me" (Tagliente, Dienna), time 2:49, Juke Box Alley (ASCAP); Cathy Mills. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#383 Gene Marshall The Lonely Soldier Single · Give Your Baby All That She Wants / The Lonely Soldier · Preview # 2901 · USA
Notes
- "The Lonely Soldier"

- Label: Preview Records # 2901
- Songwriter: Chris Washington
- Traditional pop, home front perspective - concern for the soldier. Religion referenced

- Preview Records, 6311 Yucca, Hollywood, 2901-2; "The Lonely Soldier" (Chris Washington), 2:40, Arthur Music, A.S.C.A.P.; Gene Marshall. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I received a letter from a soldier
He was only a lonely soldier
Far away from home, no place to roam
A lonely soldier
This lonely soldier that I see somehow, somewhere belongs to me
This soldier is a man among men
If he came to my door I'd let him
I received a letter from a soldier
He was only a lonely soldier
Far away from home, no place to roam
A lonely soldier
The last time that I heard from him
He said that he was in Vietnam
So lord won't you take care of him
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#384 Bob Storm The Suffering of a Serviceman's Wife EP · Unapproachable · Halmark # 8695 · USA
Notes
- "The Suffering of a Serviceman's Wife" (track A2)

- Label: Halmark # 8695
- Artist: unknown, attribute to Bob Storm, but that's incorrect. Female singer
- Songwriter: Karen Davis, Jerry Dee
- Musical director: Bob Storm

- Traditional pop, home front perspective
- They sent you away from me
- Expected to survive the jungle, I suffer too
- You've been wounded, fighting for something you think was a good cause
- You're half a man
- Memories of Vietnam are in your eyes (direct mention), PTSD
- What was it all for? (fighting for?)
- The hell of war, leans anti-war

- Halmark "Sound of Excellence", LH-8695, 45 RPM, High Fidelity; two songs on the side: "Unapproachable" (Lee Clark - Jerry Dee) and "The Suffering of a Serviceman's Wife" (Karen Davis - Jerry Dee); Bob Storm; musical director Jerry Dee. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#385 Mary Kay First My Husband, Now My Son Single · Air Mail This Letter / First My Husband, Now My Son · Air # S-1539 · USA
Notes
- Both songs
- Label: Air Records # S-1539
- Songwriter: Ethel Clevenger (both songs)
- Need songs, need images
- Miami, Florida, USA

- "First My Husband, Now My Son
- Artist: Mary Kay
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#386 Lance Hill A Soldier's Wife Single · A Soldier's Wife / The Logan County Flood · Recap # 43138 · USA
Annotation
Notes
- "A Soldier's Wife"

- Label: Recap # 43138
- Songwriter: Opal Skaggs1
- Note: need label, need song
- Probably home front perspective
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Song Poems
#387 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.
#388 Wade Bryant Birthday for a Soldier Single · Fighting Children / Birthday for a Soldier · Em-Jay # EJS 116 · USA
Notes
Em-Jay Records: 1960s-1970s label from Augusta, Georgia (Discogs label profile). Discogs note: 'Wade Bryant sings over an arpeggiated piano accompaniment in a style similar to "Unchained Melody".' Justin owns a copy (bought Dec 2021, $32). Em-Jay Records EJS 116, Martinez Studios, Augusta, Ga.; MJMJ, Inc. BMI, time 2:58; "Vocalist – Wade Bryant". [From the record label]
#389 The Parkays Another Mother's Baby Single · Another Mother's Baby / Only A Fool · Gateway # 4640 · USA
Annotation

Another Mother's Baby Soul

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
A-side. Discogs genre Funk / Soul, style Rhythm & Blues. Discogs links the label to Gateway Records (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; founded 1961 by Robert W. Schachner) – label city only, not confirmed as the group's base.
#390 Triumphant Echoes Lord, Help Viet Nam Single · I Saw The Light / Lord Help Viet Nam · Gospel Sound # 1010 · USA
Notes
- gospel, religion
- Seeing the job done in Vietnam
- But how do they sleep at night with the threat of death
- Pray that god will help these people in Vietnam
- Soldier's + home front perspective

- B-side. Discogs describes Gospel Sound (6) as a 1970s gospel label from Nashville, Tennessee – label city only, not confirmed as the group's base. Justin owns a copy (Gospel Sound 1010; his sheet titles it 'Lord, Help Viet Nam'). Gospel Sound Record No. 1010 (1010-B), pale blue label; time 3:10; written by Willie Moon. [From the record label]
#391 The Texas Girls' Choir Come Caroling With Us EP · Century # 25507 · USA
Annotation
Christmas songs - reference to Vietnam on the back of the picture sleeve.

"This modern sleigh is not only a joy to choir girls as Santa steps out but us a joy to the boys in Vietnam when help comes when peace is absent. This modern sleigh will not bring Santa to the boys in Vietnam but it will bring a gift from home and the memory of Christmas tide and carols"
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Century 25507. Back of the picture sleeve: "This modern sleigh will not bring Santa to the boys in Vietnam but it will bring a gift from home and the memory of Christmas tide and carols."

Picture sleeve: front "Come Caroling With Us", Texas Girls' Choir, Shirley Carter, founder and director, with Santa Claus and a Bell Helicopter. Back: side I — I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (Berlin), Carol of the Drum (Davis), Silent Night (Gruber), We Wish You a Merry Christmas; side II — Jingle Bells (Pierpoint), Up on the House Top (Hanby), Here We Come A Caroling, O Come All Ye Faithful (Ann Everard, TGC Piano Contest winner), Christmas Eve (Grofe). Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas (staff: Shirley Carter, Elizabeth Barney, Beverly Thompson, Beth Henry); "In co-operation with Leonards"; Century Custom Recording. [From the record sleeve]
#392 Terry Teene Wounded Buddy Single · Made in U.S.A. # 2 / Wounded Buddy · American # AC-2 · USA
Notes
Wounded Buddy (Teene, Terry)

Country. Soldier's and home front perspective. M.I.A. Patriotic
Label: Glendale, California, USA
Family only son goes M.I.A. in the war. He is found by his buddy who is severely wounded.
Soldier's family does not want to take care of his buddy

A-side: Made in the U.S.A.: anti-foreign goods from Japan, Germany etc.
Reference to fighting overseas in Asia
Genre: ♪ Country
#393 Lee Roberts My Son Single · Let's Talk About Love / My Son · Wedge # SR-1028 · USA
Notes
My Son (Roberts, Lee)

Country, patriotic, anti-protest, home front perspective, K.I.A.
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Died for you and me, at the age of 21. At 19, he answered his country's call
Glad he died fighting for freedom rather than demonstrating
Notes
Wedge Records SR-1028. [From Discogs]

Wedge Records SR-1028-B, 2:05; (Robert L. Spiller); Big Wedge Music Pub., BMI. [From the record label]
#394 Terry I Have a Little Sailor Boy Single · I Have a Little Sailor Boy / Moon-Bound With You · C.M. Elser # 834G-2510 · USA
Notes
I Have a Little Sailor Boy (Terry)

Country, home front perspective, patriotic, religion
Peoria, Illinois, USA.
Son fighting in a war, doing a job to keep us free
He'll be home soon.
Notes
C.M. Elser Records 834G-2510 (X4KM-2510), BMI, 2:47; (Metz-Elser-Tobin*); Elser Records, 3112 N. Delmar Ct., Peoria, Ill. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#395 Jesse and Nancy Jo Barton and The Road Rangers Letter to a Soldier Single · Letter to a Soldier / Forgive and Forget · Clay [Cahokia] # 21664 · USA
Notes
Letter to a Soldier (Barton, Jesse and Nancy Jo)

Country, patriotic, home front perspective, religion
So lonely since our son left.
Hope this letter finds you well
Try not to fell depressed in the war
We still care, we pray for you
Proud that you volunteered.
Notes
Clay Recording Co. 21664, 2:33; (Jesse Barton); Country Stream Pub., BMI; P.O. Box 1683, Cahokia, Ill. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#396 Fred Newton Draped in the Red, White and Blue Single · Draped in the Red, White and Blue / I'll Cry Tomorrow · Top Cat # 967 · USA
Credited on the record as The Singing Jailer Fred Newton and The Kings.
Notes
Country, patriotic, K.I.A., home front perspective.
Boy at train station watched as soldier's came home from Vietnam.
Waiting for daddy. But he returned in a casket wrapped in flag.
He died for you and me.
Notes
Title printed Draped In The Red, White & Blue. Published by Twenty Grand Music (BMI); pressed at MCA Pressing Plant, Gloversville. [From Discogs]

Top Cat Record 967-A, 2:49; (K. Fred Newton); Twenty Grand Music (BMI); produced at D'Arcy Sound Studios. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#397 Eddie Robertson Marine Single · Man on the Moon / Marine · ABC Artists # Artists 8279 · USA
Notes
"Marine", traditional pop, patriotic, home front perspective.
Missing my marine, I'm devoted to you.
Notes
ABC Artists Records 8279-B, Side 2, 3:56; (Isabelle B. Selio); arr. & prod. by Roger Wolff. [From the record label]
#398 Wendell Sellers Uncle Sam Single · Spell of the Freight Train / Uncle Sam · Clark # 6013 · USA
Notes
Country, economic protest, religion
High taxes, space race, millions of dollars spent in Vietnam
Notes
Clark Records (6013), code 5:21, 2:17; (Wendell Sellers); published by Lonzo & Oscar; produced by Fred F. Carter, Jr. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#399 Various Artists The Sounds of Basic Training - Fort Jackson, SC Single · The Sounds of Basic Training - Fort Jackson, SC · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Field recordings, military training, probably Vietnam-era [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#400 Various Artists Sounds of Basic Training: Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Single · Not On Label # SBT-4 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Field recordings of military training, probably Vietnam War-era. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#401 Various Artists Disabled American Veterans Single · Disabled American Veterans - Public Service Announcements · USA
Notes
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Public service announcement featuring famous actors and artists Mistreatment of vets, drug use, lack of jobs, reference to Vietnam [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#402 Harry Cohen Off to Vietnam Album · USA
Notes
Off to Vietnam (Harry Cohen) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] WR-4676; Vinyl 7" (33 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music]
#403 Top Secret Ollie, By Golly Single · Ollie, by Golly / Bluest Eyes · Dial # CP 179 · USA
Notes
Dial CP 179 (U-19747), 3:17; (Larry Wayne, Bill Freedle, Jimmy Carter); Tree Publishing Co., Inc., BMI and Strawberry Lane Music, BMI; producer Larry Wayne, exec. producer Bill Freedle; Compleat Entertainment Corporation, 21 Music Circle East, Nashville, TN 37203. [From the record label]

Ollie, By Gollie (Top Secret) Country novelty about Oliver North. American hero (Vietnam not mentioned) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#404 Oldies But Goodies Band Ballad of the Subic Bay Single · Ballad of the Subic Bay / Shame and Scandal in Subic Bay · Data · USA
Notes
Data Records, Side A, stereo; adaptation of Ballad of the Green Beret; recorded "Live"; produced by Eddie Tallada. [From the record label]

Ballad of the Subic Bay (Oldies But Goodies Band) Novelty, fanfare - to the tune of Sadler's "Ballad of the Green Berets". Narrator joined the navy. Subic Bay - naval base in Philippines very active during Vietnam War, for the 7th fleet to repair and replenishment. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#405 Ned Gail Davis The Tragedy of Mary Single · The Tragedy of Mary / Our Hearts Are Holding Hands · Jeree # 68-57 / 68-58 · USA
Notes
Tragedy of Mary, The Soldier killed in action. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Jeree 68-57 / 68-58; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music] Jeree Records, 1469 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, Pennsylvania. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#406 Stan & Joe A Soldier Boy (A Brave & Lonely Boy) Single · This Old World / A Soldier Boy (A Brave & Lonely Boy) · Thunder # T122 · USA
Notes
Soldier's perspective, combat. Country. Soldier off to war, so young yet a man Family misses him High mortality in battle [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#407 Bud Chambers News from Vietnam Album · Exactly What I Need · Sunshine # LP-695 · USA
Notes
News From Vietnam Country gospel [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#408 James Lindsey Why Me Single · Why Me / The Younger Man · USA
Notes
Why Me (Lindsey, James) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] 585; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music]
Genre: ♪ Country
#409 Madalyn Lott Here's My Boy for You Uncle Sam Single · When the Moon Comes Over the Hilltop / Here's My Boy for You Uncle Sam · USA
Notes
Here's My Boy for You Uncle Sam (Lott, Madalyn) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] HE 111013/4; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music]
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#410 The Sandhill Five Brother Killed in Vietnam Single · Brother Killed in Vietnam / No Other Woman · USA
Notes
Brother Killed in Vietnam (Sandhill Five, The) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Auto 1001; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music]
Genre: ♪ Country
#411 Holmes Brothers It's a Big, Big World Single · Searching Eyes / It's a Big, Big World · USA
Notes
It's a Big, Big World (Holmes Brothers) Country. Norfolk, Virginia. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] SI 644; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music]
Genre: ♪ Country
#412 Sam Porter Vietnam Album · Earth # ELPS-1003 · USA
Notes
Vietnam (Porter, Sam) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Rock
#413 Lil' Lennix Soul Searchers Orphan Child (Vietnam Song) Single · Women of Today / Orphan Child (Vietnam Song) · Clique # CLA 1004 · USA
Notes
Orphan Child (Vietnam Song) (Lil' Lennix Soul Singers) Soul / gospel [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Clique CLA 1004; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music] Clique Records, Las Vegas, Nevada. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
#414 Uncle John Patterson The Muddy Roads of Viet Nam Single · First Lady Waltz / The Muddy Roads of Viet Nam · Perfection Sound Studios # 45-598 · USA
Notes
Muddy Roads of Viet Nam, The (Patterson, Uncle John) Bluegrass instrumental [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Perfection Sound Studios 45-598; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music] Perfection Sound Studios, 109 North Atlanta Street, Smyrna, GA, United States, The label noted the genre in the free space in the logo, such as "County", "Rock", and "Gospel".. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
#415 Sal Rainone My One and Only Son Single · My One and Only Son / To Love · Harpel # HP-1970 · USA
Notes
Pop. New York. Maybe Vietnam? Need to confirm [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Harpel Records, 423 Fourth Avenue, Pelham, New York. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
#416 Various Artists P.O.W. Wife's Searchin' Single · P.O.W. Plea / P.O.W. Wife's Searchin' · Dominion # 30101 · USA
Notes
"I could hardly wait to see you" "I've been searching everyday / Tried my best to find a way / With the lonely thing down inside / But I just can't take the time to cry / I've been up and down this place / Trying my best to find a friendly face" [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Dominion 30101; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music] Dominion Records, Salem, Virginia. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#417 Max Culler L-B-J Single · L-B-J / Kentucky · Big Mac # 1 · USA
Notes
- country, LBJ, demonstrations - Looking grey since elected 4 years ago - Stick to your guns - Marchers night and day [probably Vietnam] [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] 45rpm single, Big Mac 1; side A "L - B - J" (Larry McCloskey). [From 45cat]
Genre: ♪ Country
#418 J.P. Dunn Lonely Soldier's Sweetheart Single · Lonely Soldier's Sweetheart / Blue Yodel Blue's · Dixie # 1140 · USA
Notes
- Country, Nashville [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Dixie 1140; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your Music] Dixie Records, P.O. Box 115, Madison, Tennessee. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#419 Ed Frazier Soldier Boy in Vietnam Single · Stop and Think a While / Soldier Boy in Vietnam · Utility # 45-4243 · USA
Credited on the record as Troy Frazier and The Country Five.
Notes
Soldier Boy in Vietnam (Troy Frazier and The Country Five) Stop and Think a While (Frazier, Ed) Country - boy in Vietnam, sweetheart at home Write letters, He was lonely, cheated on her. Love is broken A-side: Why must our boys be sent to die? [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#420 Ludvick Ballad of Vietnam Single · Ballad of Vietnam / Like You Baby · Great World of Sound # NR2936 · USA
Notes
Folk rock [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
#421 Libby Singer With Love to My Soldier Single · With Love to My Soldier / Irresistible One · Chant # 507 · USA
Notes
Teen pop, soldier boy theme Starts with "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" tune I kiss your picture, I love you so Read your letters over and over Pray to god to send you home [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Teen Pop
#422 Bing Bang A Repeated Life Single · A Repeated Life / A Forgotten Friend · Tag # 7501 · USA
Notes
Country, home front perspective, KIA Kid playing with toys, dad died in Vietnam War Impact on the family [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#423 Various Artists P.O.W. Plea Single · P.O.W. Plea / P.O.W. Wife's Searchin' · Dominion # 30101 · USA
Credited on the record as Unknown Artist.
Notes
A-side of the Dominion 30101 single (Dominion Records, Salem, Virginia); B-side "P.O.W. Wife's Searchin'". Artists not named on Rate Your Music. [From Rate Your Music]
Genre: ♪ Country
#424 Jeanie Ward What's It Like in Viet Nam Single · What's It Like in Viet Nam / It Was Such a Lovely Day · Melbourne # WG 3287 · Canada
Notes
What's It Like in Vietnam (Ward, Jeanie)
Notes
Melbourne WG 3287, RO 36, Made in Canada; "What's It Like in Viet Nam" (Buzz Whittaker & Buck Carney), 2:31, Banff Music (BMI); Jeanie Ward; "Produced by Taylor & Trineer"; black and silver label. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#425 Ed Frazier Stop and Think a While Single · Stop and Think a While / Soldier Boy in Vietnam · Utility # 45-4242 · USA
Credited on the record as Ed. Frazier, Troy Frazier and The Country Five.
Notes
Utility 45-4242, "Stop and Think Awhile" (Leonard Frederick Little), Ed. Frazier, Troy Frazier and The Country Five; Glenex Pub., BBM; Utility Record Company, 42 West Hatcher Rd., Phoenix, Ariz. Flip side "Soldier Boy in Vietnam" (VWSP6376). [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country

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 32 themes ▾

Key stats

420 songs · 405 releases · 379 artists · 315 labels · 1956–1975 · 5 more list entries have no record page yet and are not counted here

Time period
Artists
  • 379 artists for 420 songs — almost every act appears exactly once. The most represented is Various Artists, with twelve.
  • 180 of the artists are still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
  • Twelve are credited to various artists — compilations and cast recordings.
Songwriters
  • Songwriter gender is recorded for 214 of the 420 songs: 166 by men, 36 by women and twelve by mixed teams — women wrote 17% of those.
  • By performer: 225 men, 145 women, 33 not identified and 16 mixed groups (recorded for 419).
  • 440 named songwriters. The most often credited is Hank Penny, with five.
Labels
  • 262 of the 315 labels appear exactly once; Decca has the most, with eleven.
  • 88 sit on a major or well-known imprint — Decca, Columbia, Scepter, Capitol, Dot, MGM, Reprise, Atlantic. The other 332 are on independent, regional or private labels.
  • Six are private pressings with no label at all.
  • Eleven 45s put both of their sides into this list.
Locations
  • 408 of the 420 are American. New York leads with 49, then California 27 and Tennessee 26.
  • New York City accounts for 48 records, more than any other city; Nashville has 18, Chicago 16.
  • Twelve come from outside the US: four Canadian, three Puerto Rican, two British, one Belgian, one French, one Japanese.
Themes
  • By perspective: 378 home front or soldier's perspective; 23 patriotic, pro-government or anti-protest; 17 peace, protest and anti-war; two post-war.
  • 104 distinct sub-themes across 420 songs.
  • Home Front Perspective is the single biggest subject — 244 songs, more than half.
  • Next come Soldier's Perspective (101), K.I.A. (57), Religion (56) and Soldier Boy (52).
  • Three are answer records, most of them to “Ruby”.