Collections › US Military & Veteran Songs

US Military & Veteran Songs

444 songs · chronological · A–Z by artist
Annotations and notes by Justin A. Brummer
Exhibition Songs from the Ranks: a gallery tour of this collection →
Entries are numbered (#1, #2 …) for reference on this page; the numbers shift when entries are added or split.
American Red Cross Donut Dollies with a guitar, with GIs at a base camp in South Vietnam, late 1960s. From Emily Strange's photographs, used with her permission.
A collection of Vietnam War songs by US military personnel and veterans
This forms part of the larger Vietnam War Song Project, an interpretive examination of over 6,500 Vietnam War songs identified, revealing how the war's significance is represented through music. The project also collects spoken-word recordings about the conflict. This unique collection of voices advances scholarship by providing insights into people’s views about the war over time as represented in music, looking at diverse communities and vibrant music scenes. It is crucial in developing our knowledge of the war and the humanities, through the use of a digital research platform.
Note: The VWSP has identified, to date, 500+ songs by US servicemen, servicewomen and veterans.
YouTube playlist: US Military / Veteran Songs
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — US Military & Veteran Songs, vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/us-military-veteran-songs, accessed 12 November 2026

Introduction

Changes in technology led to the recording of hundreds of songs on tape from US soldiers in Vietnam ("In Country"), as well as back home during the war years, on a level never seen in previous conflicts. Most songs dealt with army life, furloughs, missions, and visiting the Saigon bars, while a few contained political content.
Beyond Military, the songs in this collection most often also deal with: Vet, Soldier's Perspective, Patriotic, Anti-War.
1 of 4
Of Bill Ellis, rifleman, A Company, 1st Battalion, First Cavalry Division, on assignment to Special Services, playing on a fire support base, 1969. Ellis was taken out of service to play for soldiers on remote bases, considered too dangerous for other singers and entertainers. Ellis featured on the album In Country: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War below.
Hershel Gober, who served two terms in Vietnam (1965 and 1969), took part in a project run by US Major General Edward Lansdale, which produced many songs to win the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese. One of the rare songs of a woman’s experience in Vietnam was "Incoming", recorded on a personal tape by the performers Emily Strange (American Red Cross Donut Dolly) and Barbara Hager (US Army Special Services). It recalled an attack on the base: "standing in the shower stall…the siren blasts, the MP yells, it's another damned attack" (1969). Vietnam veteran Barry Sadler’s "Ballad of the Green Berets" (1966), which took the #1 spot in the Billboard Hot 100 for an incredible five weeks, had the tone of an army recruitment record, and took a patriotic stance. But most veteran songs in the war years were about army life, such as those from Bull Durham, Dick Jonas, Bill Ellis, and Ed Raney.

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

War Years: 1960-1972

  • Pre-Gulf of Tonkin: 1960-1964
    While many of these early US 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 combat, the US draft, weapons such as 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 combat, the US draft, weapons such as napalm, prisoners of war, demonstrations, references to soldiers and veterans, war & peace, and expressions of patriotism.

1964

#1–9 Bull Durham Songs of SAC 1964 · Album · SM # 1001 · USA
All 8 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#1 Bull Durham The Crew That Never Returned 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Notes
Sargent Major SM 1001 (labels SM 1001-1 and SM 1001-2, blue and silver with a sergeant-major chevron emblem; front cover "SGT MAJ 1001", back "SGT MAJOR 1001"), titled "Bull Durham's Songs of SACk" on the cover and labels.

The front cover reads "Air Force Sergeant's Association presents" with the AFSA winged logo and a cartoon of a riveted fist (the B-52 "bull") hauling a "Genuine Bull" tobacco pouch and a guitar-playing cowboy riding a bomber; "Cover by G. L. Martinez".

Side 1: Introduction & Liberty (:52), 18 Hours (3:13), Sad SAC (4:20, Edwin H. Morris Co., Inc.), Happy SAC Warrior (2:30, Sam Fox), Hang Down Your Boom Ross Cooley (3:30);
Side 2: Wreck of the Old 97 (2:05), SAC Lament (1:54), No SAC Crew Members Down in Hell (2:10), Home on the Pad (4:50), The Crew That Never Returned (3:25, Atlantic Music); all other titles Dur-Don Music BMI.

The back-cover note explains that the Air Force Sergeants Association, chartered in May 1961 and based in San Antonio, Texas, aims to promote esprit de corps and public understanding of the United States Air Force, and that Strategic Air Command was chosen as the first command in a planned series of AFSA recordings. It describes SAC crews, from "old pro's" of the B-17s, B-24s and B-29s of World War II and Korea to younger airmen, flying twenty-four-hour missions and standing ground and airborne alert as "a tough and competent breed of men who have dedicated their lives to 'Peace Through Air Power'", and says "Bull" Durham "needs no introduction to SAC men" and "knows the life of the crews who fly the 'Big Ones'".

Sales agent William D. Holford, 5418 Grape Road, Houston, Texas 77035; "Sponsored by Air Force Sergeants Association P.O. Box 908, San Antonio, Texas 78206". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#2 Bull Durham Hang Down Your Boom Ross Cooley 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#3 Bull Durham Happy SAC Warrior 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#4 Bull Durham Home on the Pad 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#6 Bull Durham No SAC Crew Members Down in Hell 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#7 Bull Durham SAC Lament 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#8 Bull Durham Sad SAC 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#9 Bull Durham Wreck of the Old 97 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · SM # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country
#5 Bull Durham Introduction and Eighteen Hours 1964 · Album · Songs of SAC · Sargent Major # 1001 · USA
Annotation: see “The Crew That Never Returned” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Country

1965

#10 Jerry Dayton Who's Wrong 1965 · Single · Who's Wrong / Loving You · Ascot # AS 2200 · USA
Notes
"Who's Wrong" (Drayton, Jerry)

Garage rock.

1966

#11–20 Barry Sadler Ballads of the Green Berets 1966 · Album · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
All 9 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
The song "Ballad of the Green Berets" , released as a single (RCA Victor # 47-8739), one of the most well-known and key releases of the Vietnam War era, represented the patriotic song, as well as being an important "in country" track. The original recording apparently took place in Saigon in December 1964, written by Barry Sadler - born in New Mexico (November 1940), he joined the US Air Force in 1957, and served in Vietnam with the 7th Special Force Group (the "Green Berets"), as a medic. Wounded in the Central Highlands southeast of Pleiku, he returned to the US. With the assistance of the writer Robin Moore, Sadler recorded a new version on 18 December 1965, releasing the song on RCA Victor on 12 January 1966. Produced by Andy Wiswell and arranged by Sid Bass.123

It entered the chart on 5 February 1966, at # 87. In the second week it reached # 51, moving up to # 10 in week three. The single took the # 1 spot in the US Billboard Hot 100 on 5 March 1966, staying there for an incredible 5 weeks.4 It also held the # 1 place on Billboard's Easy Listening chart, and No. 2 on Billboard's Country chart. The single, combined with the album Ballads of the Green Berets (directly below), sold 9 million! Both album and single were certified for a gold record on 17 February 1966. It ended the decade as # 21 on the Billboard songs of the 60s. It was a top-seller in all cities, from Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago to New Orleans and New York.5

Its first mention in Billboard came on 22 January 1966, which reported in its Top 60 Spotlight: "an unusual left fielder by a sergeant in the US Army's Special Forces that could prove a giant on the charts. Outstanding material with a lyric message that must be heard in its entirety. Well worth watching".6 In the same edition, an article appeared explaining the investment that RCA Victor had put into the record: "The 'Green Berets', a top-selling book by Robin Moore of the Vietnam War, is serving as the inspiration for one of the most extensive record campaigns in RCA Victor's history".7 The label then ran a full-page advert in the green colours of the special forces, saying "here is the glory and heroism of the men who make up the US Army Special Forces".8 Another advert appeared on 5 March 1966, when it hit # 1, with the headline: "The Ballads of the Green Beret have turned Gold: Over 2,000,000 singles shipped! Over 1,000,000 albums shipped!"9 The song is focused on the bravery and dedication of the soldiers - it is both patriotic and concerned with the plight of the soldier. However, the story told ends on a sad note, with the soldier's death.
Notes
For the full history of this song, see Marc Leepson's Ballad of the Green Beret: The Life and Wars of Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler from the Vietnam War and Pop Stardom to Murder and an Unsolved, Violent Death (2017)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#11 Barry Sadler The Ballad of the Green Berets 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt Barry Sadler.
Annotation
The song "Ballad of the Green Berets" , released as a single (RCA Victor # 47-8739), one of the most well-known and key releases of the Vietnam War era, represented the patriotic song, as well as being an important "in country" track. The original recording apparently took place in Saigon in December 1964, written by Barry Sadler - born in New Mexico (November 1940), he joined the US Air Force in 1957, and served in Vietnam with the 7th Special Force Group (the "Green Berets"), as a medic. Wounded in the Central Highlands southeast of Pleiku, he returned to the US. With the assistance of the writer Robin Moore, Sadler recorded a new version on 18 December 1965, releasing the song on RCA Victor on 12 January 1966. Produced by Andy Wiswell and arranged by Sid Bass.123

It entered the chart on 5 February 1966, at # 87. In the second week it reached # 51, moving up to # 10 in week three. The single took the # 1 spot in the US Billboard Hot 100 on 5 March 1966, staying there for an incredible 5 weeks.4 It also held the # 1 place on Billboard's Easy Listening chart, and No. 2 on Billboard's Country chart. The single, combined with the album Ballads of the Green Berets (directly below), sold 9 million! Both album and single were certified for a gold record on 17 February 1966. It ended the decade as # 21 on the Billboard songs of the 60s. It was a top-seller in all cities, from Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago to New Orleans and New York.5

Its first mention in Billboard came on 22 January 1966, which reported in its Top 60 Spotlight: "an unusual left fielder by a sergeant in the US Army's Special Forces that could prove a giant on the charts. Outstanding material with a lyric message that must be heard in its entirety. Well worth watching".6 In the same edition, an article appeared explaining the investment that RCA Victor had put into the record: "The 'Green Berets', a top-selling book by Robin Moore of the Vietnam War, is serving as the inspiration for one of the most extensive record campaigns in RCA Victor's history".7 The label then ran a full-page advert in the green colours of the special forces, saying "here is the glory and heroism of the men who make up the US Army Special Forces".8 Another advert appeared on 5 March 1966, when it hit # 1, with the headline: "The Ballads of the Green Beret have turned Gold: Over 2,000,000 singles shipped! Over 1,000,000 albums shipped!"9 The song is focused on the bravery and dedication of the soldiers - it is both patriotic and concerned with the plight of the soldier. However, the story told ends on a sad note, with the soldier's death.
Notes
For the full history of this song, see Marc Leepson's Ballad of the Green Beret: The Life and Wars of Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler from the Vietnam War and Pop Stardom to Murder and an Unsolved, Violent Death (2017)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
The US RCA Victor singles credit SSgt Barry Sadler, U. S. Army Special Forces, "Arranged and conducted by Sid Bass", producer Andy Wiswell, publisher Music, Music, Music, Inc., ASCAP. RCA Victor 47-8739 (45 RPM) couples "The Ballad of the Green Berets" (SSgt Barry Sadler–Robin Moore), 2:27, matrix SPKM-6175, with "Letter From Vietnam" (SSgt Barry Sadler), 2:30, SPKM-6172, each "from the RCA Victor album LPM-3547 'Ballads of the Green Berets'"; its picture sleeve shows Sadler in his green beret with the Special Forces flash, and its back, like that of the single "The 'A' Team" / "An Empty Glass" (47-8804; Whitcup–Fairbanks–Sadler, 2:05, TPKM-2852; sleeve headed "SSGT Barry Sadler of The Green Berets"), reproduces the album cover under "Ask for This New L.P.

LPM/LSP-3547" (an RCA Victor Dynagroove recording) with its twelve tracks: The Ballad of the Green Berets / Letter from Vietnam / I'm a Lucky One / Garet Trooper / The Soldier Has Come Home / Salute to the Nurses / I'm Watching the Raindrops Fall / Badge of Courage / Trooper's Lament / Bamiba / Saigon / Lullaby. In Japan, Victor SS-1671 (Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.) issued the coupling as "悲しき戦場〜グリーン・ベレーのバラード" [Sad Battlefield – The Ballad of the Green Berets] / "ベトナムからの手紙" [Letter from Vietnam], sleeve headed "話題の焦点!! 全米ヒット・パレードにも急上昇!!" [The talk of the town!!

Shooting up the US hit parade!!]; its gatefold prints Japanese notes saying the song sold 400,000 copies in its first two weeks and that Sadler, a 25-year-old New Mexican with seven years in the Air Force and Special Forces, served in Vietnam from spring 1965 and lives at Fort Bragg with his wife Lavenia and son Thor, together with the English lyrics of both songs (price ¥370).

A later SS-1671 pressing subtitles the song as the theme of the Warner Bros.-Seven Arts film "グリーンベレー" (The Green Berets) and comes in a film tie-in sleeve with John Wayne and David Janssen, film credits (directed by John Wayne, produced by Michael Wayne, from the novel by Robin Moore, music by Miklós Rózsa), a synopsis, and notes stating that Sadler joined the Air Force in 1958, went to Vietnam with the Green Berets in 1964, was wounded in the leg by a poisoned bamboo-stake trap on patrol in spring 1965, that the record, released in January 1966, reached No. 1, and that its proceeds went to war-orphan homes (price ¥400); its company sleeve is Reprise-branded, "Manufactured by Victor Record Company Ltd., Japan by agreement with Cosdel Inc."

The German RCA Victor 47-9688 sleeve couples the song with "Badge of Courage" under "Original-Aufnahme Nr.1 in Amerikas Hot 100", credited to Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler. The Spanish RCA Victor 3-10152 (RCA Española, S.A., Torre de Madrid; Depósito Legal M. 3702-1966) pairs "The Ballad of the Green Berets (Balada de los boinas verdes)" (Sargento Barry Sadler–Robin Moore), 2:26, 3F6ZW-0001, with "Saigon" (Sargento Barry Sadler), 2:27, 3F6ZW-0002, credited to Sargento Barry Sadler, "Arr. y Dirección: Sid Bass", the back printing a "traducción literal al español" of the lyrics. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Fighting Soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret
Silver Wings upon their chest
These are men America's best
100 men will test today
But only 3 win the Green Beret
Trained to live of nature's land
Trained in combat hand to hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage take from the Green Beret
Silver Wings upon their chest
These are men America's best
100 men will test today
But only 3 win the Green Beret
Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her his last request
Put Silver Wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man he'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret
Show full lyrics (25 lines) ▾
#12 Barry Sadler Saigon 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt Barry Sadler.
Annotation
The follow-up album (RCA Victor # LSP-3547) to the hugely successful single The Ballad of the Green Berets / Letter From Vietnam, contained twelve Vietnam War songs. The songs made a stronger attempt to present the real lives, experiences, and feelings of GIs out in Vietnam, although it also continued to defend government policy, and focus on the bravery / glory of the soldiers.1 An especially interesting track was "Saigon" which told the story of GIs visiting the Saigon bars, getting drunk and meeting prostitutes. Sadler referenced the famous "Tu Do Street", where they were located - Tu Do translated as "Liberty", called that between 1955 and 1975. It was formerly known as Catinat street (pre-1955), and was re-named Dông Khoï (General Insurrection) after the fall of Saigon.1 Other songs that referenced this were Saigon Strut by The Soul Patrol and Saigon Warrior by Hershel Gober.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
The US RCA Victor singles credit SSgt Barry Sadler, U. S. Army Special Forces, "Arranged and conducted by Sid Bass", producer Andy Wiswell, publisher Music, Music, Music, Inc., ASCAP. RCA Victor 47-8739 (45 RPM) couples "The Ballad of the Green Berets" (SSgt Barry Sadler–Robin Moore), 2:27, matrix SPKM-6175, with "Letter From Vietnam" (SSgt Barry Sadler), 2:30, SPKM-6172, each "from the RCA Victor album LPM-3547 'Ballads of the Green Berets'"; its picture sleeve shows Sadler in his green beret with the Special Forces flash, and its back, like that of the single "The 'A' Team" / "An Empty Glass" (47-8804; Whitcup–Fairbanks–Sadler, 2:05, TPKM-2852; sleeve headed "SSGT Barry Sadler of The Green Berets"), reproduces the album cover under "Ask for This New L.P.

LPM/LSP-3547" (an RCA Victor Dynagroove recording) with its twelve tracks: The Ballad of the Green Berets / Letter from Vietnam / I'm a Lucky One / Garet Trooper / The Soldier Has Come Home / Salute to the Nurses / I'm Watching the Raindrops Fall / Badge of Courage / Trooper's Lament / Bamiba / Saigon / Lullaby. In Japan, Victor SS-1671 (Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.) issued the coupling as "悲しき戦場〜グリーン・ベレーのバラード" [Sad Battlefield – The Ballad of the Green Berets] / "ベトナムからの手紙" [Letter from Vietnam], sleeve headed "話題の焦点!! 全米ヒット・パレードにも急上昇!!" [The talk of the town!!

Shooting up the US hit parade!!]; its gatefold prints Japanese notes saying the song sold 400,000 copies in its first two weeks and that Sadler, a 25-year-old New Mexican with seven years in the Air Force and Special Forces, served in Vietnam from spring 1965 and lives at Fort Bragg with his wife Lavenia and son Thor, together with the English lyrics of both songs (price ¥370).

A later SS-1671 pressing subtitles the song as the theme of the Warner Bros.-Seven Arts film "グリーンベレー" (The Green Berets) and comes in a film tie-in sleeve with John Wayne and David Janssen, film credits (directed by John Wayne, produced by Michael Wayne, from the novel by Robin Moore, music by Miklós Rózsa), a synopsis, and notes stating that Sadler joined the Air Force in 1958, went to Vietnam with the Green Berets in 1964, was wounded in the leg by a poisoned bamboo-stake trap on patrol in spring 1965, that the record, released in January 1966, reached No. 1, and that its proceeds went to war-orphan homes (price ¥400); its company sleeve is Reprise-branded, "Manufactured by Victor Record Company Ltd., Japan by agreement with Cosdel Inc."

The German RCA Victor 47-9688 sleeve couples the song with "Badge of Courage" under "Original-Aufnahme Nr.1 in Amerikas Hot 100", credited to Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler. The Spanish RCA Victor 3-10152 (RCA Española, S.A., Torre de Madrid; Depósito Legal M. 3702-1966) pairs "The Ballad of the Green Berets (Balada de los boinas verdes)" (Sargento Barry Sadler–Robin Moore), 2:26, 3F6ZW-0001, with "Saigon" (Sargento Barry Sadler), 2:27, 3F6ZW-0002, credited to Sargento Barry Sadler, "Arr. y Dirección: Sid Bass", the back printing a "traducción literal al español" of the lyrics. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
A young soldier far from home will sit down for a drink
And a black haired girl with almond eyes will help him not to think
She'll play five hundred rummy for a drink or for love
And you'll swear that she's an angel that's come from up above
Yes, she's so lovely sitting there you know she is the one
Eating a bowl of Chinese soup at a cafe in Cho-Lun
She'll smile at you with ruby lips that look so very sweet
Then take you for a little stroll down good ol' Tudo street
#13 Barry Sadler Garet Trooper 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Annotation
Another especially interesting track was "Garet Trooper" , in which Sadler used sarcasm to tell the listener about soldiers who showed-off their bravery, and who exaggerated their role in the battlefield: "He’s fought from Saigon to Ninh Thuan...runnin’ fire against the Cong" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Now in the war torn jungles of Vietnam you’ll find a certain kind of man
You’ll see him everywhere, he's a trooper, a garet trooper
Yeah, he's five foot four, 220 pounds of blubber
Got him a nickel plated 45 tied down low
Quick draw holster, two bandoliers of brass-sold ammo
Yeah he’s a trooper, a garet trooper
He's fought from Saigon to Ninh Thuan
And every bar that is and then with only the girls...
Said he just this minute come back from fifteen days
Runnin’ fire against the Cong, said he captured a lot of loot
#14 Barry Sadler Letter From Vietnam 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt Barry Sadler.
Annotation: see “Garet Trooper” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
A young soldier far from home will sit down for a drink
And a black haired girl with almond eyes will help him not to think
She'll play five hundred rummy for a drink or for love
And you'll swear that she's an angel that's come from up above
Yes, she's so lovely sitting there you know she is the one
Eating a bowl of Chinese soup at a cafe in Cho-Lun
She'll smile at you with ruby lips that look so very sweet
Then take you for a little stroll down good ol' Tudo street
#15 Barry Sadler Salute to the Nurses 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Annotation
In the track "Salute to the Nurses" Sadler chose to focus on the role of medical staff in Vietnam. The lyrics described how the nurses understood the impact of war, easing the pain of the wounded with their smiles, and writing letters for soldiers whose hands are "too burned to write" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
After the battle, after the fight
Many owe their lives to the ladies and men in white
And all of the men in this war torn land
Salute the nurses of Vietnam
They know the awful toll of war each day...
A soldier his hands too burned to write
A nurse takes down his words through the lonely night...
Many a wounded soldier, pain is eased for a while
By opening his eyes to see a nurses smile
#17 Barry Sadler Bamiba 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Annotation: see “Salute to the Nurses” above (same release).
#18 Barry Sadler I'm a Lucky One 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Annotation: see “Salute to the Nurses” above (same release).
#19 Barry Sadler I'm Watching the Raindrops Fall 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Annotation: see “Salute to the Nurses” above (same release).
#20 Barry Sadler The Soldier Has Come Home 1966 · Album · Ballads of the Green Berets · RCA Victor # LSP 3547RE2 · USA
Annotation: see “Salute to the Nurses” above (same release).
#16 Barry Sadler The "A" Team 1966 · Single · The "A" Team / An Empty Glass · RCA Victor # 47-8804 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt Barry Sadler.
Annotation: see “Salute to the Nurses” above (same release).
#21 Barry Sadler Little Bird of Vietnam 1966 · Album · SSgt Barry Sadler of the Green Berets Sings The "A" Team · RCA Victor # LPM-3605 · USA
Annotation
Shortly after the successful "Ballad of the Green Beret" album and single discussed above, that sold more than two million copies, Sadler released another collection of songs (RCA Victor # LSP-3605). Musically more interesting, lyrically it dealt with the same issues and took a similar political position to his first effort. In the song "Little Bird of Vietnam" Sadler sought to drum up support for the war, which he presented as being a positive and moral conflict.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Tell the folks they must be brave
Cheer them up with your little song
We our proud we are strong
We are here to right a wrong
And we will send the VC back to where they belong
But if I should not return I will find eternal rest...
I would have died like a man...
Little bird of Vietnam
#22 Hershel Gober Here Am I 1966 · Single · Picture of a Man / Here Am I · Tee Pee # 834T-4533 · USA
Credited on the record as Capt. Hershel Gober.
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed in the footsteps of Barry Sadler, producing songs while serving in the US army. They were mainly positive, patriotic tracks, but also dealing with the plight of the soldier. He did two terms in Vietnam between 1965 and 1969 - firstly as an Infantry Adviser to the South Vietnamese Army (1965-1966), and secondly as an Infantry Company Commander (1969). He received the Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Parachutist Badge. He later served as US Deputy of Veteran Affairs during the Clinton Administration (1993-2000).1 Interestingly, he actually started his career in the late 1950s as a rockabilly singer called Hershel Almond. While in Vietnam he took part in a project run by Major General Edward Lansdale of the US Army, which produced songs to win the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people.23 Lansdale recorded many folk songs of Americans in Vietnam, which are stored at the American Folklife Center (Library of Congress).45

The song "Here I Am" looked at a lonely soldier away from home, missing his sweetheart. The track started with a spoken-word introduction: "a feeling that all soldiers have shared since the beginning of time is the feeling of being alone and far from home. In Vietnam I had this feeling, so I wrote this song" . Thus, a fairly typical soldier boy song of the 1960s period. Of greater interest, he narrated the song "Picture of a Man" (Tee Pee Records # 834T-4533) from the perspective of an American soldier who became friendly with a South Vietnamese man. The US soldier described how the Viet Cong attacked the man's son at an outpost. The US soldier found the body: "I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...his head was blown off...I never shed so many tears" . The man "attacked by over 300 Viet Cong" , attempted to "keep his country free" . While it is interesting for an American folk song to focus on the loss of a Vietnamese life, it sought to defended the existence of South Vietnam against the communist Viet Cong forces, and hence justifying the role of the US soldier. Therefore, this can be viewed as military propaganda. Re-issued in 1970 (Picture of a Man - Buddah Records # BDA 152), his title on the record went from "Capt." to "Major".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Tee Pee Records 834T-4533, red label, "A Subsidiary of Target Records, Appleton, Wis.", produced by Target Productions, ALPO Music; "Here Am I" (H. Gober), T45-34, 2:27, matrix UK4M-2906, backed with "Picture of a Man" (H. Gober), T45-33, 3:20, matrix UK4M-2905; credited to Capt. Hershel Gober.

The LP The Proud American, Patriot Records 91140, Dermott, Ark., blue labels, 33 1/3 RPM: side one "Proud American" 2:45, "Six Klicks" 2:50, "Look Over My Shoulder" 3:46, "Here Am I" 4:00, "Forgotten Man" 2:45; side two "Saigon Warrior" 5:56, "Tropic Rain" 3:54, "Picture of a Man" 3:28, "Birth of a Nation" 3:10, "An American's Dream" 5:02, "Closing"; "All songs written and recorded by Hershel Gober", with Pamco Music credited for "The Proud American", "Here Am I" and "Forgotten Man".

The front cover shows Gober in Army uniform playing guitar at a microphone before a waving American flag; the back has a photograph captioned "Hershel singing for two friends at Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam" and notes saying the songs were written in Vietnam, where he served twice as a combat soldier, that he performed there for the President of the United States, General Westmoreland and Premier Ky, and that he appeared on "The Mike Douglas Show" and in an ABC-TV Scope programme entitled "The Singing Soldier"; Patriot Records, 324 South Main Street, Dermott, Arkansas 71638.

Also pictured is the ABC-Paramount single 45-10810 (AMP 45-13233), promotion copy not for sale: "Proud American" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), 2:35, Pamco Music BMI, produced by Bob Thiele, arranged and conducted by Peter DeAngelis, in an ABC Records 10810 picture sleeve titled "I Need You So / Proud American — Lieutenant Hershel Gober" showing him seated in fatigues with an electric guitar, the back printed as an ABC-Paramount press release describing him as a singing, songwriting GI and adviser to Vietnamese militia forces in the Delta whose songs were taped in Saigon. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I'll sing you a song of a little brave man
Who defends his home time and time again
A man not so different from you or from me
A man who will fight to keep his country free
This is the story of a son of a South Vietnamese soldier
A little fellow that I became attached to and learned a lot...
One night...I got a report on the radio that they were being attacked
By over 300 Vietcong, then the radio went silent...
I didn't sleep any more that night...
The next morning we got there, all that was left was torn tin, crumbled bricks...
I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...
His head was blown off...
I never shed so many tears...
He has fought this war for so many, many years
Lived more than a lifetime of sorrow and tears
He longs for the day when there is peace in his land
This is a picture of a man
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#23 Hershel Gober Picture of a Man 1966 · Single · Picture of a Man / Here Am I · Tee Pee # 834T-4533 · USA
Credited on the record as Capt. Hershel Gober.
Annotation: see “Here Am I” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
I'll sing you a song of a little brave man
Who defends his home time and time again
A man not so different from you or from me
A man who will fight to keep his country free
This is the story of a son of a South Vietnamese soldier
A little fellow that I became attached to and learned a lot...
One night...I got a report on the radio that they were being attacked
By over 300 Vietcong, then the radio went silent...
I didn't sleep any more that night...
The next morning we got there, all that was left was torn tin, crumbled bricks...
I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...
His head was blown off...
I never shed so many tears...
He has fought this war for so many, many years
Lived more than a lifetime of sorrow and tears
He longs for the day when there is peace in his land
This is a picture of a man
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#24 Hershel Gober Proud American 1966 · Single · I Need You So / Proud American · ABC-Paramount # 45-10810 · USA
Credited on the record as 1st Lt. Hershel Gober.
Annotation
Shortly after the above, Gober signed a recording contract with ABC-Paramount. The back of the record introduced Gober, describing him as a "singing, songwriting GI in Vietnam...serving as advisor to Vietnamese militia forces in the Delta...The songs were written by Lt. Gober and taped in Saigon" - thus, this fitted into the "In Country" category. It also said that having been initially stationed in Germany, Gober requested a transfer to Vietnam, arriving there in 1965.1 On this record he goes by the title "1st Lieutenant". The contemporary folk song "Proud American" (ABC-Paramount # 45-10810) took a patriotic perspective, supporting the war and the fight for freedom: the "soldier, sailor, airman or marine...keeps America free" . He also criticised the demonstrators back home, making a reference to previous wars (presumably World War Two): "now if you carry a placard...remember...someone died to give you that right" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
ABC-Paramount 45-10810, white label marked "Promotion Copy – Not for Sale"; "I Need You So" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), Pamco Music, BMI, 2:59, side AMP 45-13234, and "Proud American" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), Pamco Music, BMI, 2:35, side AMP 45-13233; both credited to 1st Lt. Hershel Gober, arranged and conducted by Peter DeAngelis, produced by Bob Thiele.

The picture sleeve (ABC Records 10810) shows "Lieutenant Hershel Gober" in fatigues sitting on the grass playing an electric guitar, with a rifle beside him. The reverse is printed as an ABC-Paramount "Press Release – For Immediate Release": Gober, "a singing, songwriting G I in Viet Nam" serving as advisor to Vietnamese militia forces in the Delta, came to the attention of ABC-TV newsmen; the songs were written by him and taped in Saigon.

It adds that he is a native of Monticello, Arkansas, joined the U.S. Marines in 1956 and the U.S. Army in 1961, arrived in Viet Nam in December 1965, and was the subject of a segment of the ABC-TV news programme "Scope". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
He may be a soldier, sailor, airman or marine
Doesn't matter what uniform he wears
He keeps America free and he's proud to be an American
A part of the USA, ready to fight, ready to die, to keep America free
Most of us didn't volunteer to fight this battle over here
Ten thousand miles away from our home sometimes
We feel all alone, I see my comrades fall, killed by the enemy
It brings tears to my eyes, I know must fight to be free...
Now if you carry a placard, and you believe your cause is right
Remember when you were only a child, someone died to give you that right
Genre: ♪ Pop
#25 Hershel Gober I Need You So 1966 · Single · I Need You So / Proud American · ABC-Paramount # 45-10810 · USA
Credited on the record as 1st Lt. Hershel Gober.
Annotation
In the song "I Need You So" , Gober narrated from the perspective of a soldier who missed his sweetheart. It described, in the first person, looking at the sunset in Vietnam, looking out at the sea, wishing that he could fly home to see his sweetheart. He expressed loneliness, and some of the views typically found in 1060s soldier boy songs.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
ABC-Paramount 45-10810, white label marked "Promotion Copy – Not for Sale"; "I Need You So" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), Pamco Music, BMI, 2:59, side AMP 45-13234, and "Proud American" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), Pamco Music, BMI, 2:35, side AMP 45-13233; both credited to 1st Lt. Hershel Gober, arranged and conducted by Peter DeAngelis, produced by Bob Thiele.

The picture sleeve (ABC Records 10810) shows "Lieutenant Hershel Gober" in fatigues sitting on the grass playing an electric guitar, with a rifle beside him. The reverse is printed as an ABC-Paramount "Press Release – For Immediate Release": Gober, "a singing, songwriting G I in Viet Nam" serving as advisor to Vietnamese militia forces in the Delta, came to the attention of ABC-TV newsmen; the songs were written by him and taped in Saigon.

It adds that he is a native of Monticello, Arkansas, joined the U.S. Marines in 1956 and the U.S. Army in 1961, arrived in Viet Nam in December 1965, and was the subject of a segment of the ABC-TV news programme "Scope". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
When I see the sun slowly sinking away
How lonesome, how blue am I?
I need you so...
And when I see the ripples on a stormy sea
Each ripple tells a story that's only known to me
There lost, there lonesome, and there wondering always
And when I hear the ripple...I wish that I had wings
So that I could fly, I'd fly to you my love, and we'd never part...
When I return we'll be together and we won't ever have to part
Genre: ♪ Pop
#26 Barry Sadler I Won't Be Home This Christmas 1966 · Single · I Won't Be Home This Christmas / A Woman Is a Weepin' Willow Tree · RCA Victor # 47-9008 · USA
Annotation
Barry Sadler - born in New Mexico (November 1940), he joined the US Air Force in 1957, and served in Vietnam with the 7th Special Force Group (the "Green Berets"), as a medic. Wounded in the Central Highlands southeast of Pleiku, he returned to the US. In 1966 he released the famous single The Ballad of the Green Berets (RCA Victor # 47-8739) which reached # 1 in the Billboard charts and stayed there for 5 weeks. The single, together with the album, sold over 9 million copies. He offered a military take on the Christmas song, in the track "I Won't Be Home This Christmas" (RCA Victor # 47-9008). The soldier told the listener that with "the jungle all around...I sit here in my foxhole" . He missed his loved one, and sent her a message: "merry Christmas from Vietnam" . He described how the soldiers made a Christmas tree and decorated it, with the sounds of war in the background.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
RCA Victor 47-9008, 45 RPM, matrix TPKM-6672, 2:14; "I Won't Be Home This Christmas" (Leonard Whitcup–Barry Sadler), Music, Music, Music, Inc., ASCAP; arranged and conducted by Sid Bass, producer Andy Wiswell. The white promotional label is marked "Plug Side" and "Not for Sale" (made in U.S.A.); the red stock label is "Made in Canada by RCA Victor Company, Ltd."

The picture sleeve front shows a photograph of "S/Sgt. Barry Sadler" in Special Forces beret and uniform under the RCA Victor "His Master's Voice" logo.

The back, headed Christmas "Special", lists 47-9008 "I Won't Be Home This Christmas" (2:14) and "A Woman Is a Weepin' Willow Tree" (2:28), with notes in English and French describing the A-side as the ballad of a soldier writing a letter to his family, sung by Sadler "who has lived the experience", and the backer as folksy. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I won't be home this Christmas, I'll be so far away but
With this load I'm sending you my love on Christmas day
Yes Christmas here is different
The jungle all around
I sit here in my foxhole and hear the war sounds
We made a little Christmas tree and decorated it with bits of spring...
And tiny silver bells
Just remember me this season and all my love is true
And if god is good next Christmas I will be home with you
Your picture I put next to my heart and with it I'll never part
So across the sea a stretch my hand
Merry Christmas, merry Christmas from Vietnam
#27 Gene Wyles Follow Me 1966 · Single · Follow Me / The Reporter of Wars · Columbia # 4-43880 · USA
Annotation
The song "Follow Me"
The song "The Reporter of Wars"

In country, military

Billboard, 7 January 1967: "The Army's Special Forces has contributed a second 'Green Beret' to the ranks of the music industry. Columbia Records has recorded and released two sides penned and performed by Gene Wyles, currently a captain in the elite army unit. Wyles Columbia recording, produced by Don Law and Frank Jones, was released last month without reference to Wyles occupation and outstanding war record. Jones feels that Wyles musical talents are solid enough to stand on their own merits, without exploiting the singer's full-time career and heroic background. Wyles sings 'Follow Me', a controversial song challenging U.S. draft dodgers to join him in Vietnam, b/w 'The Reporter of Wars' for his record debut. The singing soldier found the theme for his country music style song as an officer candidate at OCS in Fort Benning, GA. Wyles was chosen to model for the fort's now-famous 'Follow Me' statue depicting a soldier leading his men into combat. The flip side is a tribute to the courageous journalist and photogs covering the Vietnam war".1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Columbia 4-43880, white "Not for Resale — Radio Station Copy" label, 45 RPM; produced by Don Law and Frank Jones; publisher Seashell Music Pub. Co. (BMI). "Follow Me" (G. Wyles), JZSP 116447, 2:20; flip side "The Reporter of Wars" (G. Wyles), JZSP 116448, 2:51. Printed in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#28 Gene Wyles The Reporter of Wars 1966 · Single · Follow Me / The Reporter of War · Columbia # 4-43880 · USA
Annotation: see “Follow Me” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#29 Barry Sadler The "A" Team 1966 · Single · The "A" Team / An Empty Glass · RCA Victor # 47-8804 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt Barry Sadler.
Notes
The US RCA Victor singles credit SSgt Barry Sadler, U. S. Army Special Forces, "Arranged and conducted by Sid Bass", producer Andy Wiswell, publisher Music, Music, Music, Inc., ASCAP. RCA Victor 47-8739 (45 RPM) couples "The Ballad of the Green Berets" (SSgt Barry Sadler–Robin Moore), 2:27, matrix SPKM-6175, with "Letter From Vietnam" (SSgt Barry Sadler), 2:30, SPKM-6172, each "from the RCA Victor album LPM-3547 'Ballads of the Green Berets'"; its picture sleeve shows Sadler in his green beret with the Special Forces flash, and its back, like that of the single "The 'A' Team" / "An Empty Glass" (47-8804; Whitcup–Fairbanks–Sadler, 2:05, TPKM-2852; sleeve headed "SSGT Barry Sadler of The Green Berets"), reproduces the album cover under "Ask for This New L.P.

LPM/LSP-3547" (an RCA Victor Dynagroove recording) with its twelve tracks: The Ballad of the Green Berets / Letter from Vietnam / I'm a Lucky One / Garet Trooper / The Soldier Has Come Home / Salute to the Nurses / I'm Watching the Raindrops Fall / Badge of Courage / Trooper's Lament / Bamiba / Saigon / Lullaby. In Japan, Victor SS-1671 (Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.) issued the coupling as "悲しき戦場〜グリーン・ベレーのバラード" [Sad Battlefield – The Ballad of the Green Berets] / "ベトナムからの手紙" [Letter from Vietnam], sleeve headed "話題の焦点!! 全米ヒット・パレードにも急上昇!!" [The talk of the town!!

Shooting up the US hit parade!!]; its gatefold prints Japanese notes saying the song sold 400,000 copies in its first two weeks and that Sadler, a 25-year-old New Mexican with seven years in the Air Force and Special Forces, served in Vietnam from spring 1965 and lives at Fort Bragg with his wife Lavenia and son Thor, together with the English lyrics of both songs (price ¥370).

A later SS-1671 pressing subtitles the song as the theme of the Warner Bros.-Seven Arts film "グリーンベレー" (The Green Berets) and comes in a film tie-in sleeve with John Wayne and David Janssen, film credits (directed by John Wayne, produced by Michael Wayne, from the novel by Robin Moore, music by Miklós Rózsa), a synopsis, and notes stating that Sadler joined the Air Force in 1958, went to Vietnam with the Green Berets in 1964, was wounded in the leg by a poisoned bamboo-stake trap on patrol in spring 1965, that the record, released in January 1966, reached No. 1, and that its proceeds went to war-orphan homes (price ¥400); its company sleeve is Reprise-branded, "Manufactured by Victor Record Company Ltd., Japan by agreement with Cosdel Inc."

The German RCA Victor 47-9688 sleeve couples the song with "Badge of Courage" under "Original-Aufnahme Nr.1 in Amerikas Hot 100", credited to Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler. The Spanish RCA Victor 3-10152 (RCA Española, S.A., Torre de Madrid; Depósito Legal M. 3702-1966) pairs "The Ballad of the Green Berets (Balada de los boinas verdes)" (Sargento Barry Sadler–Robin Moore), 2:26, 3F6ZW-0001, with "Saigon" (Sargento Barry Sadler), 2:27, 3F6ZW-0002, credited to Sargento Barry Sadler, "Arr. y Dirección: Sid Bass", the back printing a "traducción literal al español" of the lyrics. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#30 Barry Sadler One Day Nearer Home 1966 · Single · One Day Nearer Home / Not Just Lonely · RCA Victor # 47-8966 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt. Barry Sadler – U.S. Army Special Forces.
Notes
RCA Victor 47-8966, white-label promotional pressing marked "Not for sale"; credited to "SSgt. Barry Sadler – U.S. Army Special Forces", arranged and conducted by Sid Bass, producer Andy Wiswell; "One Day Nearer Home" (Teddy Bart – Lucy Stokes), TPKM-6680, 2:09, marked "Plug side"; flip "Not Just Lonely" (Leonard Whitcup – Phyllis Fairbanks), TPKM-6673, 2:25; both Music, Music, Music, Inc. (ASCAP). [From the record sleeve and labels]
#31 U.S. Marine Corps Band March of the Citizen Marines - Salute to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on It's 50th Anniversary 1916-1966 1966 · Single · Marine Music: A Salute to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on Its 50th Anniversary 1916-1966 · Not On Label (United States Marine Band) # GZS 108957 / GZS 108958 · USA
Credited on the record as The United States Marine Band.
Notes
Two 33 1/3 RPM 7" discs in a sleeve "Marine Music": GZS 108957 March of the Citizen Marines (concert band) 3:34 + Marines' Hymn 0:47; GZS 108958 March of the Citizen Marines (field march) 2:19 + Star Spangled Banner 1:21. First recording of the march by William C. Jolly, written for the 50th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve (1916-1966). Radio-station copy (WTAQ, LaGrange, Illinois). [From the record labels and sleeve; Discogs]
#32 The Cheques A Thousand Miles Away 1966 · Single · A Thousand Miles Away / Go on Girl · Sur-Speed # 214 · USA
Notes
Sur-Speed Records 214 (SO: 3284), "Compatible 45 RPM"; "A Thousand Miles Away" (J. Sheppard-W. H. Millet), 2:30, Nom Music, BMI; produced by Robert Riley, Sr.; 618 Exchange Bldg., Nashville, Tenn. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#33 SFC Bill Haney Call to Colors 1966 · Single · Call to Colors / On the Loose · db # RCR-65-22 · USA
Notes
Call to Colors (Haney, Bill)

Fanfare / country, patriotic, soldier's perspective. South Carolina.
Story about the fighting GIs. I'm serving in Vietnam. Fighting spirit is there.
Paytime - night on the town (R&R)
Next day back to work. Medics, truck driver, green berets, marines, navy, airforce - one big team
Notes
Pressed by Sound Of Nashville (SoN 35041/35042), distributed by Richland Custom Recording. [From Discogs]

db Records RCR-65-22 (SoN 35041), 2:55; (B. Haney); Clay Music, BMI; distribution by Richland custom recording, Columbia, South Carolina. [From the record label]

Also issued on Cherry Records 4503 as by Sgt. Bill Haney, 2:47, (William J. Haney), McCloud Music BMI, 1705 Church St., Nashville, Tenn., with a different B-side. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country
#34 Private Charles Bowens Christmas in Vietnam 1966 · Single · Rojac # Ra-111 · USA
Credited on the record as Private Charles Bowens & The Gentlemen From Tigerland.
Annotation
Another track with the name "Christmas in Vietnam" , but it is a different song to the Johnny & Jon single "Christmas in Vietnam" . It is credited to a "Private Charles Bowens", accompanied by the Gentlemen From Tigerland, and released on the New York based label Rojac (# RA-111). The song began with a military trumpet, and then a dark soul groove kicked in. In the chorus, the singer sadly moaned that "it's gonna be a dark, dark Christmas for me" . The soldier described his situation "in some foxhole, fighting the Vietcong" , and missing his sweetheart. He read her letter a "thousand times" . Even though the soldier missed home, he expressed support, or acceptance, of the official, government objective of the war: "I got to keep on fighting for liberty so that this world can stay free" . Composed by Jack Taylor.& Vietnam War: Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Rojac RA-111 (1225), green label, "Printed in U.S.A.", Rojac Records, Inc., 417 West 126th Street, New York, N.Y. 10027; "Christmas in Vietnam" (Jack Taylor), 2:59, Streetcar Music, BMI; "A Gallo-Taylor Production", vocal; credited to Private Charles Bowens & The Gentlemen From Tigerland. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I have to spend my Christmas here in Vietnam
Out in some foxhole, fighting the Vietcong
It's a war, it just won't end, looks like I won't see my friends again
It's going to be a dark, dark Christmas for me
God knows I hate to kill
But I have to do it to survive
Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if I'm I alive
I got to keep on fighting for liberty, so that this world can stay free
And I wish you a merry, merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
I'm sorry darling, but I can't be there
Even though we are many miles apart I can still feel your touch...
I received your letter baby, I've read it a thousand times
#35 The Midnight Sons Draft Time Blues 1966 · Single · Draft Time Blues / I'm Telling You · KG # 100 · USA
Annotation
The garage rock band the Midnight Sons, who also went under the name The Jackasses, was as short lived band from Vancouver, Washington (US) - 1963-1967. Their bass player, Dan Lowther, served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. In the track "Draft Time Blues" (KG Records # KG 100) a young man worried about being drafted to Vietnam. He tried to enroll in school to avoid the draft, but having failed he appealed to his Congressman who ignored him because he was "too young to vote" . The lyrics were sung to the famous rock & roll tune Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochran.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
KG Records KG 100, matrix MS 22; "Draft Time Blues" (Midnight Sons), 2:25, Lamplighter, B.M.I.; vocal C. Effinger and T. Anderson; produced by Jeff Gordon. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Well Uncle Sam told me you got to be soldier
Well told my girl, she cried on my soldier
I'd like to leave the country and never come back
But I'm going to get you with a pack on your back
Sometimes I wonder what I'm going to do
There ain't no cure for the draft time blues
I tried to get into school before last September
But the register said I forget to ? /I wrote to my Congressman but that was a joke
'I like you son but you are too young to vote'...
No use crying when I'm gone
I'm doing the ? when I'm in Vietnam
I don't like rifles and I don't like mud
But going to be there with the mosquitoes and the mud

1967

#36 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker Memorial Service for 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker 1967 · Album · I Found the Answer · Not On Label · USA
Credited on the record as Dr. Paul Tassell.
Annotation
There is no label, number, location, or date - it was probably released in 1968, the year of his memorial service, in Ames, Iowa. It featured spoken-word and church music. Larry Bleeker was killed in action, in Quảng Trị province on 26 October 1967, after only six weeks of duty.12 Only two track titles, the a-side "A Small Excerpt From the Life of 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker, a Young Man Who Found the Answer" , and the b-side, "Memorial Service for 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker" .

The a-side consists of two "homemade" recordings, the first by Bleeker in the US speaking about religion, he then sings a song which references Vietnam, and talks about heading out to war. The second recording Bleeker made in Vietnam, addressed to his parents, describing his experiences in Saigon etc. The b-side is a recording from his family's church memorial service. The minister comments on Vietnam, criticising the anti-war movement.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Private LP with plain white labels, 33 1/3 RPM, both headed "Lt. Larry Bleeker / "I Found the Answer""; Side 1 reads "A Small Excerpt From the Life of 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker, a Young Man Who Found the Answer" and Side 2 "Memorial Service for 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker".

The front cover carries a studio portrait of Bleeker in Marine Corps dress uniform, signed "2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker". A typed insert headed "2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker Testimonial Record" offers the record at $4.00 each c/o Walter Sutherland, 301 N. Franklin, Ames, Iowa 50010, and lists Side 1 as "2nd Lt. Bleeker testimony: University Freshman, University Senior, After Commissioned, From combat zone - Viet Nam" and Side 2 as "Memorial Service, Dr. Paul Tassell".

The insert reprints an Ames Daily Tribune clipping dated 10-30-67, "Ames Marine was killed in Vietnam", reporting that Marine Corps Second Lt. Larry Bleeker, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram W. Bleeker, was killed by sniper fire in a defensive position, that he was a 1961 graduate of Ames High School and a 1966 graduate of Iowa State University, active in the Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ and Intervarsity, and that he had made tape recordings for friends and family, quoting one sent to his parents: "Mom, Dad, I want you to know I'm ready to go...

I'm ready to live, die or to do either for the glory of Jesus Christ." It also reprints a letter to the editor by David H. MacIntrye from The Antelope, Kearney State College, Kearney, Nebraska, describing "II Lt. Lawrence D. Bleeker, 24, known to his buddies as 'Bleek'", killed in Vietnam on October 26 "downed by a sniper's bullet", who "went to Vietnam as a Marine because he believed with all his heart that God wanted him to take the gospel of Peace to Marines." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#37 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker A Small Excerpt From the Life of 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker 1967 · Album · I Found the Answer · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “Memorial Service for 2nd Lt. Larry Bleeker” above (same release).
#38–47 Bill Ellis Impressions of a Skytrooper 1967 · EP · First Team # S-0077 · Japan
All 4 songs from this ep in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#38 Bill Ellis First Cav 1967 · EP · Impressions of a Skytrooper · First Team # S-0077 · Japan
Notes
First Team Productions, stereo, 33⅓ RPM, orange labels with the First Cavalry Division winged-shield emblem; "Copyright: De Gar Music Publishing Company, ASCAP"; Made in Japan. Side 1 (S-0077): "First Cav" (Ellis), 2:53; "Firefight" (Ellis), 2:38. Side 2 (S-0078): "Freedom Bird" (Ellis), 3:10; "Grunt" (Ellis), 2:43. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#45 Bill Ellis Firefight 1967 · EP · Impressions of a Skytrooper · First Team # S-0077 · Japan
#46 Bill Ellis Freedom Bird 1967 · EP · Impressions of a Skytrooper · First Team # S-0077 · Japan
#47 Bill Ellis Grunt 1967 · EP · Impressions of a Skytrooper · First Team # S-0077 · Japan
#39 Elvis Carden Viet Nam Blues 1967 · Single · Viet Nam Blues / Loving a Soldier · Trendsetter # 100 · USA
Notes
The song "Viet Nam Blues"
Notes
Trend-Setter Record 100, green label; "Viet Nam Blues" (Elvis Carden), 2:04, matrix U4KM-8430, and "Loving a Soldier" (Elvis Carden), 3:45, matrix U4KM-8431, both Crisp Music, BMI, with 662T-8430 also printed on each side; "Produced and Directed by 'Little' Jimmy Dempsey". The "Viet Nam Blues" label is signed in ink by Elvis Carden. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#40 Elvis Carden Loving a Soldier 1967 · Single · Viet Nam Blues / Loving a Soldier · Trendsetter # 100 · USA
Annotation
"Loving a Soldier"

Veteran, served in Vietnam 1965-66. Probably released 1966-67
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Trend-Setter Record 100, green label; "Viet Nam Blues" (Elvis Carden), 2:04, matrix U4KM-8430, and "Loving a Soldier" (Elvis Carden), 3:45, matrix U4KM-8431, both Crisp Music, BMI, with 662T-8430 also printed on each side; "Produced and Directed by 'Little' Jimmy Dempsey". The "Viet Nam Blues" label is signed in ink by Elvis Carden. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#41 Lefty Pritchett and Patricia Nix What Price Freedom 1967 · Single · What Price Freedom / Window of Your Heart · Dee Lark # 6791 · USA
Notes
What Price Freedom (Pritchett, Lefty & Patricia Nix)

Country. Narrated by a soldier in the army - just returned home from Vietnam.
Discovered that his best friend died out there - the price of freedom.
Religious references.
Notes
Dee Lark 6791-A (ZAFX-6708191), "Sounds of the Times", D. J. Copy, Not for Sale; "What Price Freedom" (Lefty Pritchett), 2:24, Hillsboro Music Inc.—BMI; Lefty Pritchett and Patricia Nix, credited as "S.F.C. Lefty Pritchett The Singing Army Recruiter with Instrumental Accompaniment"; "Dist. by Sound of Nashville, Inc., 160 2nd Ave. S., Nashville, Tennessee"; pink, white, turquoise and yellow label with hourglass logo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#42 Barry Sadler Back Home 1967 · Album · RCA Victor # LSP-3691 · USA
Credited on the record as SSgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
RCA Victor LSP-3691 (stereo; mono LPM-3691), LP, January 1967; track B1 of 12 (A1 "One Day Nearer Home", A3 "Not Just Lonely"). Also issued in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Germany. [From Discogs]
#43 Kass Kanui The Huey Song 1967 · Single · The Huey Song / Alicia · Action # 45-1215 · USA
Notes
Huey Song, The (Kanui, Kass)

Artist from Pennsylvania, USA. Hawaiian descent
Served in Air Force as an Airman 1st Class in Guam
Song released when he was 23
Notes
Action 45-1215 (MJ 45-023), released 16 February 1967; "A Gilmore Production"; (Frank Burkett), Green Door Music (BMI), 2:06; P.O. Box 9035, Ft. Worth, Texas. Picture sleeve "The Huey Song (A Different Kind of War)", combat cover picture by Bell Helicopter Company. The song celebrates the Bell UH-1 "Huey" helicopter. B-side "Alicia" not war-related. [From the record label and sleeve; Discogs]
#44 Jim Tukey A Place Called Viet Nam 1967 · Single · A Place Called Viet Nam / Morning Light · Area # 7 8 · USA
Notes
Place Called Viet Nam, A (Tukey, Jim)

Country, soldier's perspective.
Orders to go - what's it like in Vietnam?
Not a war to end all wars.
Different sides
Honor the fallen soldiers

Interview
Notes
Area Records, P.O. Box 35, Nashville, Tenn., Side #7, yellow label with globe logo; "A Place Called Viet Nam" (J. Tukey), 2:32, Blazon Music BMI; Jim Deans, recording engineer. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#48 Ric King Hymn to a Returning Soldier 1967 · Single · The Return of a Soldier / Hymn to a Returning Soldier · Capitol # P 5845 · USA
Notes
Return of a Soldier, The (King, Ric)
Hymn to a Returning Soldier (King, Ric)

A-side:
Fanfare, soldier's perspective.
Glad to be home from Vietnam - drive through the town, recalls old time, hang-outs, old friends, his girlfriend, his dog, his football coach, the banker etc. But it is in fact his funeral that the town has gathered for - KIA.
Some early descriptions of PTSD (even though the narrator is dead) - cannot forget the jungle, nightmares about Vietnam.
B-side: instrumental.
Notes
Capitol P 5845, yellow-green "Promotion Record — Not for Sale" label; "The Return of a Soldier" (Eddie White-Lex de Azevedo), 2:40, Bear Music, Inc., ASCAP, Ric King, matrix 45-57051; "Hymn to a Returning Soldier" (Lex de Azevedo), 2:20, Beechwood Music Corporation, BMI, with no vocalist named, matrix 45-57052; both sides arranged, conducted and produced by Lex de Azevedo. In a Capitol Records company sleeve. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#49 Capt. Jesse Fountain I'm Marchin' 1967 · Single · I'm Marchin' / When It Rains Love (It Pours Love) · Cameo # C-457 · USA
Notes
I'm Marchin' (Fountain, Jesse)

Soul, funk
Soldier's perspective - can't wait to see my sweetheart
I'm coming home, that's why I keep on marching
Notes
Cameo C-457-A, white label marked "D. J. Copy — Not for Sale", "A Product of Cameo Parkway Records, Inc."; "I'm Marchin'" (Leon Mitchell), Sharsnock Music Co., Inc.–Tan-Win Pub. Co.–Merlin Music, Inc., BMI, time 2:34; Capt. Jesse Fountain, produced by Two Djinni Productions for Tan-Win Productions. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#50 Archie Bell & The Drells A Soldier's Prayer 1967 1967 · Single · A Soldier's Prayer 1967 / On in One · Ovide # 226 · USA
Credited on the record as Archie Bell & The Drells with Sunliners Band.
Annotation
The song "A Soldier's Prayer 1967" (Ovide Records # 226) looked at a soldier being drafted to Vietnam but not wanting to go - released on the 1968 album Tighten Up. It was recorded by the Houston, Texas soul / R&B group Archie Bell & The Drells, formed in 1966. In the late 60s and early 70s they recorded with Atlantic, before becoming a major band for the label Philadelphia International Records. But first they started on the small label Ovide Records from their hometown Houston, founded by Skipper Lee Frazier. The leader of this group, Archie Bell, was actually drafted to fight in Vietnam on 12 May 1967. When he received his draft card, his band mate Billy Butler tried to cheer him up with an impromptu version of a demo they recorded in 1964 called "Tighten Up". The next day they recorded the song in a studio. While recovering from a leg wound sustained in Vietnam, in a Veteran's Administration hospital in Germany, the song Tighten Up was released and hit # 1 in the Billboard charts (13 April 1968). 12 The song started with the soldier receiving the draft card "to go to Vietnam" . The soldier cries out "please Uncle Sam I really don't want to go" because he is going to miss his loved one. But the soldier also notes the reality that he "might not come back home at all" . At the end of the song the soldier is slightly taken aback with having to wake up at 4 a.m in the army.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ovide Records 226, side A, 45 RPM, matrix LH-3740, grey label, "Vocal"; "A Soldier's Prayer 1967" (Archie Bell), 2:54, Orellia Pub., BMI; Archie Bell & The Drells with Sunliners Band; "L.J.F. Production, 4406 Reed Road, Houston, Texas 77051." [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The time has finally come for me to go to Vietnam
Even though I don't really want to go, my heart is pounding strong
I don't want to leave you alone
I'm gonna miss you so
The captain says we all might not come back home at all
Oh when this cruel, cruel war is over, whatever the outcome may be
Remember my love for you will always be
Oh no, please Uncle Sam I really don't want to go...
When this bitter war is over, you can bet that I'll be coming home to you...
What do you mean I have to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning
Wait a minute Uncle Sam, I'm not supposed to fight on Sunday
#51 Sgt. Frank Carter Straight-Leg-Soldier 1967 · Single · Straight-Leg-Soldier / War Is Hell · Dixie # C-1114 · USA
Notes
Straight-Leg-Soldier (Carter, Frank)
War Is Hell (Carter, Frank)

Country. Charlotte, North Carolina.
Combat, soldier's perspective. Both sides.
A-side: received draft card. Went to training, shipped to Vietnam.
Viet Cong all around, bad place to play the guitar!
B-side: leans towards anti-war.
Notes
Dixie C-1114, black and cream label, Dixie Record Company, Charlotte, manufactured in U.S.A.; "Straight-Leg-Soldier" (Carter), Hypo Music, BMI, time 3:00; flip "War Is Hell" (Carter), Hypo Music, BMI, time 2:35. The "Straight-Leg-Soldier" label carries an ink autograph. [From the record sleeve and labels] Dixie Records, P.O. Box 115, Madison, Tennessee. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#52 Ric King The Return of a Soldier 1967 · Single · The Return of a Soldier / Hymn to a Returning Soldier · Capitol # P 5845 · USA
Notes
Return of a Soldier, The (King, Ric)
Hymn to a Returning Soldier (King, Ric)

A-side:
Fanfare, soldier's perspective.
Glad to be home from Vietnam - drive through the town, recalls old time, hang-outs, old friends, his girlfriend, his dog, his football coach, the banker etc. But it is in fact his funeral that the town has gathered for - KIA.
Some early descriptions of PTSD (even though the narrator is dead) - cannot forget the jungle, nightmares about Vietnam.
B-side: instrumental.
Notes
Capitol P 5845, yellow-green "Promotion Record — Not for Sale" label; "The Return of a Soldier" (Eddie White-Lex de Azevedo), 2:40, Bear Music, Inc., ASCAP, Ric King, matrix 45-57051; "Hymn to a Returning Soldier" (Lex de Azevedo), 2:20, Beechwood Music Corporation, BMI, with no vocalist named, matrix 45-57052; both sides arranged, conducted and produced by Lex de Azevedo. In a Capitol Records company sleeve. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#53 Hardy Brendle Vietnam Blues 1967 · Single · Vietnam Blues / Careless Love · B.R.W. # 20133 · USA
Credited on the record as Hardy Brendle and His Virginia Pardners.
Annotation
A US soldier had a different sort of "Vietnam Blues" (B.R.W. Records # 20133) to the track above. In this song the soldier felt down about being in Vietnam, suffering from loneliness and fear: "I'm so alone, I'm so blue" . He also did not like the climate: "Vietnam it's so hot" . Yet, the soldier continued to do his job - as he "saw the Vietcong coming" , the GIs got out their M14s and chased them away. This was released under the artist name Hardy Brendle and His Virginia Pardners - which could suggest the location of the recording. However, the label was from North Carolina. Furthermore, there is a Hardy Brendle (1933-2003) who served in Vietnam as a Sargent, and died in NC, so probably the same person.1 He may have also played with the bluegrass group the Tidwell Brothers.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
B.R.W. 20133, Side 1, 45 RPM; "Vietnam Blues" (H. Brendle), time 2:33, Billy Wagner Music (BMI), Rt. 5 Box 512, Durham, N.C.; credited "Hardy Brendle and His Virginia Pardners". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I've been over in Vietnam for almost a year
Wish you could tell me how to brush aware the fear
I'm so alone, I'm so blue, boy I'm here to tell you
I sure have those damn Vietnam blues...
Boys I'm here to tell you in Vietnam it's so hot
The GIs over there, they just don't know...
We looked over the river, we saw the Vietcong coming
We took our M14s and got them on the run
#54 Sgt. Frank Carter War Is Hell 1967 · Single · Straight-Leg-Soldier / War Is Hell · Dixie # C-1114 · USA
Notes
Straight-Leg-Soldier (Carter, Frank)
War Is Hell (Carter, Frank)

Country. Charlotte, North Carolina.
Combat, soldier's perspective. Both sides.
A-side: received draft card. Went to training, shipped to Vietnam.
Viet Cong all around, bad place to play the guitar!
B-side: leans towards anti-war.
Notes
Dixie C-1114, black and cream label, Dixie Record Company, Charlotte, manufactured in U.S.A.; "Straight-Leg-Soldier" (Carter), Hypo Music, BMI, time 3:00; flip "War Is Hell" (Carter), Hypo Music, BMI, time 2:35. The "Straight-Leg-Soldier" label carries an ink autograph. [From the record sleeve and labels] Dixie Records, P.O. Box 115, Madison, Tennessee. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Country
#55 Sgt. Gayle Parker Soldiers Prayer 1967 · Single · Waitin' for the V.C. to Come / Soldiers Prayer · Trump # 358 · USA
Genre: ♪ Country

1968

#56 Lefty Pritchett Our Little Children (Dedicated to All Fathers in Viet Nam) 1968 · Single · Vietnam Rotation Blues / Our Children · Dee Lark # 6951 · USA
Credited on the record as S.F.C. Lefty Pritchett.
Notes
B-side of "Vietnam Rotation Blues" on Dee Lark 6951 (VWSP3200), credited to Marion Thomas. First issued in 1966 on Stickbuddy 66-0001 by S.F.C. Lefty Pritchett and The Country Rhythm Boys (3:30, written by Mrs. M. Thomas; B-side "Life Can Be Beautiful"), recorded by The Country Music Stickbuddy Club; published by Hillsboro Music (BMI). [From Discogs]
Genre: ♪ Country
#57 Ty Herrington When the Green Berets Come Home 1968 · Single · When the Green Berets Come Home / A Gun Don't Make a Man · Monument # 1115 · USA
Credited on the record as Capt. Ty Herrington, U.S. Special Forces—Green Berets.
Annotation
Captain Ty Herrington returned from Vietnam in 1968 and released the plight of the soldier / patriotic track "When the Green Berets Come Home" (Monument Records # 1115). Wounded three time in 18 months in Vietnam, Herrington killed himself just a year after the release of the record, during the 1969 Christmas season, possibly suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the track the narrator asked for understanding for the soldiers, returning home from Vietnam, because of the bloody battles and the loss of friends from the army who had died defending America's honour:

Herrington married Chris Noel, a Hollywood actress and radio show host, as reported in her home town paper, the Palm Beach Daily News (4 January 1969).1 Noel became a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Network in 1965, with a show called "A Date with Chris", recorded in the US on 33rpm LPs, and then sent onto US Vietnam radio stations. Some people viewed the show as America's answer to Hanoi Hannah, the North Vietnamese radio DJ (of which there are several songs about, including on the 1973 album Roger McGuinn).2 North Vietnam actually put a $10,000 bounty on her head. In December 1966 she joined Bob Hope on his tour in Vietnam (see the album On the Road to Vietnam), and performed there on several other occasions. It was at Camp Goodman, in South Vietnam (near Saigon) that Noel met Herrington: "then a lieutenant who was there, Ty Herrington, said, 'Miss Noel, would you like to see our camp?' Shortly after that day he became my escort officer. After a couple of more tours we were in love and we got married".3 However, the marriage ended badly:
Quote
"things started happening right before we got married, things that scared me....He used to put a gun to my head, and a knife to my throat, and he used to strangle me until I passed out....We moved to Nash­ville because he had a contract with Monument Records. They recorded him singing "When the Green Berets Come Home" and "A Gun Don't Make a Man"—isn't that something? I was able to get him to go see a psychiatrist once. The psychiatrist told me that he was a paranoid-schizophrenic manic-depressive, and that he was very dangerous. Then one day he put a gun to his head and he was gone". (4)
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Monument Mn45-1115 (G9W-2400); "When the Green Berets Come Home" (Boudleaux Bryant), 2:42, House of Bryant (BMI); Capt. Ty Herrington, "U.S. Special Forces—Green Berets"; "Prod. by Fred Foster & Steve Poncio"; "Monument Record Corp., Nashville, Tenn. and Hollywood, Calif."; The picture sleeve (45-1115) shows a photograph of Captain Ty Herrington in Green Beret and dress uniform with ribbons, titled "When the Green Berets Come Home" b/w "A Gun Don't Make a Man". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Bless the day when all this bloody battle shall cease...
When there will be no more dreaded jungle trail...
When the green berets come home to stay
There will be sons and dads and brothers flying in
There will be lovers joining lovers once again
There will be songs to sing and prayers to pray
When the green berets come home to stay
Let your heart stand at attention to these men
Who have fought to save your honour and your skin
They won't ask for thanks for thank them anyway
Help these boys forget the bloody days they've seen
Help remind them that your love is ever green
And when they think of friends who only fought to die
Leave them quietly while they cry
Things started happening right before we got married, things that scared me....He used to put a gun to my head, and a knife to my throat, and he used to strangle me until I passed out....We moved to Nash­ville because he had a contract with Monument Records. They recorded him singing "When the Green Berets Come Home" and "A Gun Don't Make a Man"—isn't that something? I was able to get him to go see a psychiatrist once. The psychiatrist told me that he was a paranoid-schizophrenic manic-depressive, and that he was very dangerous. Then one day he put a gun to his head and he was gone".
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
#58–68 Hershel Gober The Proud American 1968 · Album · Patriot # 91140 · USA
All 11 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed in the footsteps of Barry Sadler, producing songs while serving in the US army. They were mainly positive, patriotic tracks, but also dealing with the plight of the soldier. He did two terms in Vietnam between 1965 and 1969 - firstly as an Infantry Adviser to the South Vietnamese Army (1965-1966), and secondly as an Infantry Company Commander (1969). He received the Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Parachutist Badge. He later served as US Deputy of Veteran Affairs during the Clinton Administration (1993-2000).1 Interestingly, he actually started his career in the late 1950s as a rockabilly singer called Hershel Almond. While in Vietnam he took part in a project run by Major General Edward Lansdale of the US Army, which produced songs to win the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people.23 Lansdale recorded many folk songs of Americans in Vietnam, which are stored at the American Folklife Center (Library of Congress).45

The song "Here I Am" looked at a lonely soldier away from home, missing his sweetheart. The track started with a spoken-word introduction: "a feeling that all soldiers have shared since the beginning of time is the feeling of being alone and far from home. In Vietnam I had this feeling, so I wrote this song" . Thus, a fairly typical soldier boy song of the 1960s period. Of greater interest, he narrated the song "Picture of a Man" (Tee Pee Records # 834T-4533) from the perspective of an American soldier who became friendly with a South Vietnamese man. The US soldier described how the Viet Cong attacked the man's son at an outpost. The US soldier found the body: "I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...his head was blown off...I never shed so many tears" . The man "attacked by over 300 Viet Cong" , attempted to "keep his country free" . While it is interesting for an American folk song to focus on the loss of a Vietnamese life, it sought to defended the existence of South Vietnam against the communist Viet Cong forces, and hence justifying the role of the US soldier. Therefore, this can be viewed as military propaganda. Re-issued in 1970 (Picture of a Man - Buddah Records # BDA 152), his title on the record went from "Capt." to "Major".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#58 Hershel Gober Saigon Warrior 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed up his 1966 Vietnam-related singles with a full-length album. The title The Proud American (Patriot Records # 91140) stated its patriotic stance. The back of the record said that: "These songs were written in Vietnam, where Hershel has served twice as a combat soldier. This is a soldiers' look at Vietnam". It then showed a picture of Gober performing to his "friends" at the Cam Ranh Air Base - President Johnson, General Westmoreland, and the South Vietnamese President Nguyen Cao Ky. The back of the record also attacked the protest movement who were "trying to sell America short and speak only of its weaknesses and what is wrong with it". It then praised Gober who "sings of its strength".1

The song "Saigon Warrior" is a comedy addressed to American GIs, which Gober wrote while touring around the hospitals in Vietnam. The lyrics criticised those who spent a lot of time in Saigon: "helping fight a war, pushing a pencil my finger is getting sore" . It also focused on GIs visiting prostitutes in the Saigon bars, referencing the famous "Tu Do Street" , the main location of these establishments. Tu Do translated as "Liberty", called that between 1955 and 1975. Formerly known as Catinat street (pre-1955), Hanoi re-named it Dông Khoï ("General Insurrection") after the fall of Saigon.2

This may be some sort of variation on another song, with the same name, but similar theme: "Saigon Warrior" performed by Maggie, an unknown Australian artist, recorded in-country during the war - one of the rare female performances from the Vietnam War. According to the article "Songs of the Vietnam War: An Occupational Folklore Tradition", by Dr. Les Cleveland (1986)1:

According to the 1991 compilation In Country: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War, compiled Lydia Fish, which featured a version by US veteran Saul Broudy:
Booklet notes
A song called "Saigon Warrior" (Broudy 1969) sung to the tune of "Sweet Betsy From Pike" is a variant of a World War 2 composition which could be used to complain about base camps, training establishments, or headquarters anywhere in the world. For instance, a version sung in the New Zealand Army during World War 2 (and still in circulation in 1986) was entitled "Waiouru's a Wonderful Place"... The "Saigon Warrior" variant of this song collected in Vietnam by Broudy... Broudy states that the text was transcribed from a tape-recorded performance by Maggie, an Australian woman. This suggests that it may either have been part of some Australian-inspired entertainment, or it may have originated with the ANZAC forces in Vietnam. Dinky dau is a corruption of the Vietnamese die cai dau, literally sick the head, hence, meaning crazy. This makes no sense unless it is related to a traditional Australian folk ballad, current in World War 1 and 2, entitled "The Lousy Lance-Corporal" (Cleveland 1959, 1961, 1975, 1982; Tate 1982) which makes repetitive use of the expression "dinky die" as a chorus. This is a slang term meaning truly, emphatically, indisputably
Booklet notes
There are many military folksongs about rear echelon personnel. This one is descended from a British Army World War I song entitled "The Lousy Lance-Corporal." It circulated widely in Southeast Asia in both Army and Air Force tradition. It was sung by an Australian woman named Maggie as part of a song competition which provided the entertainment at a commanders' conference held at the Nha Trang headquarters of the 17th Aviation Group, in April, 1967. A tape of the concert was given to Saul Broudy by helicopter pilot and singer Gene Easley, who was later killed in action. (2)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Excuse me General Westy, I hate to bother you
But I got me a couple of problems, I don't know what to do
My air conditioner is broke, my sedan is out of gas...
I can't get no three day pass
Well now, since I've been in-country...
I've learned to speak the Vietnamese language fluently...
I can say these words without a trace of an Arkansas drawl...
'Tu Do Street', 'Saigon tea', 'Hey: where you go now?', 'I know see you here before', 'You buy me one drink for lucky'... 'No money, no honey'... 'I no like Ho Chi Minh', 'How long you stay in Vietnam', 'You are number ten'..., 'I loves you too much'...
I'm a Saigon warrior helping fight a war
Pushing a pencil my finger is getting sore
I'd like to go to the field and get on some real action...
Now I hear that there is a war in this place, I read about it in the paper
In the part that's not blank, cut out, or misspelled
But the only fights I see are in the hair spray line...
Now Saigon warriors don't get Silver Stars
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#59 Hershel Gober Proud American 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Saigon Warrior” above (same release).
#60 Hershel Gober An American Dream 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Saigon Warrior” above (same release).
#61 Hershel Gober Birth of a Nation 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Saigon Warrior” above (same release).
#62 Hershel Gober Closing 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Saigon Warrior” above (same release).
#63 Hershel Gober Forgotten Man 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Saigon Warrior” above (same release).
#64 Hershel Gober Here I Am 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed in the footsteps of Barry Sadler, producing songs while serving in the US army. They were mainly positive, patriotic tracks, but also dealing with the plight of the soldier. He did two terms in Vietnam between 1965 and 1969 - firstly as an Infantry Adviser to the South Vietnamese Army (1965-1966), and secondly as an Infantry Company Commander (1969). He received the Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Parachutist Badge. He later served as US Deputy of Veteran Affairs during the Clinton Administration (1993-2000).1 Interestingly, he actually started his career in the late 1950s as a rockabilly singer called Hershel Almond. While in Vietnam he took part in a project run by Major General Edward Lansdale of the US Army, which produced songs to win the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people.23 Lansdale recorded many folk songs of Americans in Vietnam, which are stored at the American Folklife Center (Library of Congress).45

The song "Here I Am" looked at a lonely soldier away from home, missing his sweetheart. The track started with a spoken-word introduction: "a feeling that all soldiers have shared since the beginning of time is the feeling of being alone and far from home. In Vietnam I had this feeling, so I wrote this song" . Thus, a fairly typical soldier boy song of the 1960s period. Of greater interest, he narrated the song "Picture of a Man" (Tee Pee Records # 834T-4533) from the perspective of an American soldier who became friendly with a South Vietnamese man. The US soldier described how the Viet Cong attacked the man's son at an outpost. The US soldier found the body: "I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...his head was blown off...I never shed so many tears" . The man "attacked by over 300 Viet Cong" , attempted to "keep his country free" . While it is interesting for an American folk song to focus on the loss of a Vietnamese life, it sought to defended the existence of South Vietnam against the communist Viet Cong forces, and hence justifying the role of the US soldier. Therefore, this can be viewed as military propaganda. Re-issued in 1970 (Picture of a Man - Buddah Records # BDA 152), his title on the record went from "Capt." to "Major".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
I'll sing you a song of a little brave man
Who defends his home time and time again
A man not so different from you or from me
A man who will fight to keep his country free
This is the story of a son of a South Vietnamese soldier
A little fellow that I became attached to and learned a lot...
One night...I got a report on the radio that they were being attacked
By over 300 Vietcong, then the radio went silent...
I didn't sleep any more that night...
The next morning we got there, all that was left was torn tin, crumbled bricks...
I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...
His head was blown off...
I never shed so many tears...
He has fought this war for so many, many years
Lived more than a lifetime of sorrow and tears
He longs for the day when there is peace in his land
This is a picture of a man
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#65 Hershel Gober Look Over My Shoulder 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Here I Am” above (same release).
#66 Hershel Gober Picture of a Man 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed in the footsteps of Barry Sadler, producing songs while serving in the US army. They were mainly positive, patriotic tracks, but also dealing with the plight of the soldier. He did two terms in Vietnam between 1965 and 1969 - firstly as an Infantry Adviser to the South Vietnamese Army (1965-1966), and secondly as an Infantry Company Commander (1969). He received the Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Parachutist Badge. He later served as US Deputy of Veteran Affairs during the Clinton Administration (1993-2000).1 Interestingly, he actually started his career in the late 1950s as a rockabilly singer called Hershel Almond. While in Vietnam he took part in a project run by Major General Edward Lansdale of the US Army, which produced songs to win the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people.23 Lansdale recorded many folk songs of Americans in Vietnam, which are stored at the American Folklife Center (Library of Congress).45

The song "Here I Am" looked at a lonely soldier away from home, missing his sweetheart. The track started with a spoken-word introduction: "a feeling that all soldiers have shared since the beginning of time is the feeling of being alone and far from home. In Vietnam I had this feeling, so I wrote this song" . Thus, a fairly typical soldier boy song of the 1960s period. Of greater interest, he narrated the song "Picture of a Man" (Tee Pee Records # 834T-4533) from the perspective of an American soldier who became friendly with a South Vietnamese man. The US soldier described how the Viet Cong attacked the man's son at an outpost. The US soldier found the body: "I saw him hanging on a barbed wire fence...his head was blown off...I never shed so many tears" . The man "attacked by over 300 Viet Cong" , attempted to "keep his country free" . While it is interesting for an American folk song to focus on the loss of a Vietnamese life, it sought to defended the existence of South Vietnam against the communist Viet Cong forces, and hence justifying the role of the US soldier. Therefore, this can be viewed as military propaganda. Re-issued in 1970 (Picture of a Man - Buddah Records # BDA 152), his title on the record went from "Capt." to "Major".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Tee Pee Records 834T-4533, red label, "A Subsidiary of Target Records, Appleton, Wis.", produced by Target Productions, ALPO Music; "Here Am I" (H. Gober), T45-34, 2:27, matrix UK4M-2906, backed with "Picture of a Man" (H. Gober), T45-33, 3:20, matrix UK4M-2905; credited to Capt. Hershel Gober.

The LP The Proud American, Patriot Records 91140, Dermott, Ark., blue labels, 33 1/3 RPM: side one "Proud American" 2:45, "Six Klicks" 2:50, "Look Over My Shoulder" 3:46, "Here Am I" 4:00, "Forgotten Man" 2:45; side two "Saigon Warrior" 5:56, "Tropic Rain" 3:54, "Picture of a Man" 3:28, "Birth of a Nation" 3:10, "An American's Dream" 5:02, "Closing"; "All songs written and recorded by Hershel Gober", with Pamco Music credited for "The Proud American", "Here Am I" and "Forgotten Man".

The front cover shows Gober in Army uniform playing guitar at a microphone before a waving American flag; the back has a photograph captioned "Hershel singing for two friends at Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam" and notes saying the songs were written in Vietnam, where he served twice as a combat soldier, that he performed there for the President of the United States, General Westmoreland and Premier Ky, and that he appeared on "The Mike Douglas Show" and in an ABC-TV Scope programme entitled "The Singing Soldier"; Patriot Records, 324 South Main Street, Dermott, Arkansas 71638.

Also pictured is the ABC-Paramount single 45-10810 (AMP 45-13233), promotion copy not for sale: "Proud American" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), 2:35, Pamco Music BMI, produced by Bob Thiele, arranged and conducted by Peter DeAngelis, in an ABC Records 10810 picture sleeve titled "I Need You So / Proud American — Lieutenant Hershel Gober" showing him seated in fatigues with an electric guitar, the back printed as an ABC-Paramount press release describing him as a singing, songwriting GI and adviser to Vietnamese militia forces in the Delta whose songs were taped in Saigon. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#67 Hershel Gober Six Klicks 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Picture of a Man” above (same release).
#68 Hershel Gober Tropic Rain 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation: see “Picture of a Man” above (same release).
#69 Lefty Pritchett Vietnam Rotation Blues 1968 · Single · Vietnam Rotation Blues / Our Children · Dee Lark # 6951 · USA
Annotation
Born Claude E. Pritchett in 1931 in Alabama, he served in the US Army during the Korean War, where he "got too close to a Chinese mortar and got a brain concussion". He toured there with Tex Ritter, entertaining troops. He also served in Vietnam. He said that "if I wasn't on duty I'd start playing and singing and all the troops would come around. We'd have a big jam session". When he returned to the US he became an army recruiter, and released the country song "Vietnam Rotation Blues" (Dee Lark Records # 6951), inspired by his tour in Vietnam: "over there they wanted to hear something about coming home, so that's why I wrote the song".1 The typed notes on the company sleeve said the following promotional blurb: "May God bless you for playing Lefty Pritchett's songs: He is a veteran of over 19 years in the army. Two conflicts, Korea and Vietnam. Holds two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, plus others, and has played over 400 shows for the sick and wounded in Vietnam, Korea, and the USA". Note the impressive yodeling. Released in Oak Grove, Kentucky. Distributed by Sounds of Nashville Inc., Tennessee.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Dee Lark Records 6951-A (SoN 73611), "Sounds of the Times"; "Vietnam Rotation Blues" (Lefty Pritchett), 2:32, Yonah Music, BMI; "Instrumental Accompaniment"; "Dist. by Sound of Nashville, Inc., 160 2nd Ave. S., Nashville, Tennessee". Gold label, signed in ink by Lefty Pritchett. The Dee Lark company sleeve (on a copy sold on eBay) is printed in red: "May God bless you for playing Lefty Pritchett's songs.

He is a Veteran of over 19 years in the Army. Two conflicts, Korea and Vietnam. Holds two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, plus others, and has played over 400 shows for the sick and wounded in Vietnam, Korea, and the USA. Dee Lark Records"; and below the label: "D.J.'s: If this record is not available locally, $1.00 to Dee Lark Records, Box 134, Oak Grove, Ky.

42262 brings record postage paid. Thanks". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Well I'm a lonely soldier sitting in Vietnam
The rotation coming, lord I ain't got no fears...
Back in the states...I got the rotation blues
Genre: ♪ Country
#70 Staff Sgt. Bob Lay The Marine's Ballad 1968 · Single · The Marine's Ballad / Make a Marine · BGL # 1200 · USA
Credited on the record as GySgt Bob Lay USMC.
Notes
"Marine's Ballad" by Staff Sergeant Robert G. "Bob" Lay

US military, war years, in country voices
Notes
BGL Records BGL-1200, red, white and blue stars label; Side 1 "The Marine's Ballad" (GySgt Bob Lay USMC), time 2:22, Cajun Publishing Co. (BMI); Side 2 "Make a Marine" (GySgt Bob Lay USMC), time 2:12, Hillart Music Co. (BMI); "Produced by John Taylor"; "Dist. by: BGL Records - 1004 West Park Dr. - Knoxville, Tenn. 37921".

The picture sleeve front, "The Marine's Ballad by GySgt. Bob Lay USMC", shows a red and blue drawing of a helmeted Marine with rifle above a map of the United States filled with photographs of Marines in action, landing craft and a parachutist; designed by Laura Wooten.

The back shows a portrait of Lay in dress uniform and notes that he has entertained since high school, was among the first Marines in Viet Nam (April 1964), returned for a second tour in February 1968, and wrote these two songs to render credit to the Marines serving there; the record is dedicated "to all Marines". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
In March of 1965, in the land of Vietnam
Things were going badly, and the enemy wouldn't run
Then, from the halls of the Pentagon, there came a cry for more
The president sent those mighty men of the US marine corps
From their landing craft that early morn, they stared into the dark
Soon the sun would rise, and the time to disembark
Their rifles at the ready, their bayonets held high
On that hostile enemy shore, a many marine would die
The story spread for miles around, the marines had come ashore
They hit the beach a running, as they did in wars before
Those mighty gallant men with their riffles and packs
They will charge right through the enemy, and never will turn back
Through the rice fields and the jungle, the enemy fled that day
They left their riffles, they left their food, they left their dead to lay
The marines had won the battle, and they never did turn back...
On the shores of many foreign lands, a far across the sea
The marines have always won their fame, against the enemy
They have always one their battles and they never have turned back
Show full lyrics (19 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#71 Staff Sgt. Bob Lay Make a Marine 1968 · Single · The Marine's Ballad / Make a Marine · BGL # 1200 · USA
Credited on the record as GySgt Bob Lay USMC.
Annotation: see “The Marine's Ballad” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Take a little dirt
Take a little mud
Take a little sweat
Take a little blood
#72 Ricky Dean Flowers 1968 · Single · Flowers / I'll Never Love Another · Original Sound # OS-84 · USA
Annotation
The song "Flowers" (Original Sound # OS-84) is a teen / psychedelic pop song which looked at the impact of the war on soldiers. The narrator is about to return home, his tour is finished: "I'm coming home, my time is done" . However, he is killed in action before returning. This single was released in Hollywood, California, USA. Ricky Dean is a Mexican-American, born Rick Martinez.1 Composed by Paul Buff and Ricky Dean. Allison Buff is the female vocalist.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Original Sound OS-84 (or-171), 7120 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 46, Calif., white "Promo Copy — Not for Sale" label marked "Plug Side", compatible mono/stereo; "Flowers" (P. Buff, R. Martinez), Drive-In Music (BMI), 2:31; produced by Paul Buff. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The sun will warm her flowers
The April sky will bring them showers
In the darkness they will sleep, until the morning they will keep
While their sleeping she will weep
But not for long, I'm coming home, my time is done
I'll soon be leaving, this land so full of tears and grieving
In the morning I'll be gone
Someone else can carry on
I'll be coming home tomorrow, the lights are low, everyone, is sleeping
All the guns are quiet, everyone is sleeping
My sun will warm his flowers
The April sky will bring him showers
In the darkness he will sleep, till the morning I will weep

1969

#73 Emily & Barb Incoming 1969 · Archival · Not On Label · Vietnam
Annotation
1969 Vietnam War song "Incoming" , recorded on personal tape in Vietnam, performed and written by Emily Strange, an American Red Cross Donut Dolly with the 9th Infantry Division and Mobile Riverine Force in Vietnam (1968-69) and Barbara Hager of the US Army Special Services - Dong Tam, Vietnam (1969).1 Emily Strange passed away in 2016, and Barabara Hagar in 2017.

This rare and unique recording of active service females performing a song in Vietnam, was given from Emily Strange to the editor of the Vietnam War Song Project, Justin Brummer, to post the song on YouTube, and to Hugo Kessing, for use in his book chapter "Understanding the Vietnam Era Through Music" (2013). Emily Strange wrote on 11 November 2011, "I never care about making money with my writings or songs. The people most interested are those who served in Nam and students writing reports for school. Nam Vets long ago paid the price for my songs and students need to understand the war".

The VWSP passed the song onto Erin R. McCoy, Associate Professor of English at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, for her book "A War Tour of Viet Nam: A Cultural History" (McFarland & Company, 2021). McCoy notes on p.102-03: "the duo recorded the song on tape, and Emily... had sent Dr. Brummer a copy. 'Incoming'" "features acoustic guitar and vocals and is hauntingly pretty... The particulars of 'Incoming' confirm that this is a war song created in the midst of war... Strange and Hagar... bemoan their decision to go to Viet Nam, using wit to describe their good-hearted motivations... They simultaneously convey lightness (via gallows humor) and weariness at the constant sirens and mortar shelling.... Their song offers us a momentary glimpse into the life of an American woman's role in a combat zone in Vietnam".2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Incoming, Incoming
Can't you hear those sirens, don't you see those flares
Ol' Charlie's playing games again
Incoming, Incoming
Grab your poncho liner and cigarettes and bring a friend
I applied for Vietnam, a weak moment understand
Came over here to build morale in this never - never land
They briefed us on the monsoon rains and the Mekong Delta dust
But they didn't mention one damn word
About the mortars fired at us
Standing in the shower stall, the water's trickling slow
The dogs are staring at your bod and the bugs put on a show
You're all soaped up and getting clean
You're scrubbing down your back
Then the siren blasts, the MP yells, it's another damned attack
To be awakened in the dark of night is really quite a strain
Those funny sounds like thunder from an early morning rain
The sudden realization and both feet hit the floor
I`m headin' up and I'm movin' out, but I can't unlock the door
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
#74–83 Dick Jonas FSH Volume 1 1969 · Album · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
All 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Dick Jonas, from Florida, US, served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, taking part in 125 missions, and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with 12 clusters.1 While in Vietnam, Jonas wrote songs and played guitar for the US troops there and as part of pacification programs. Some of these recordings were captured in the General Edwin Lansdale Collection of Vietnam War Songs - 6 ten inch tapes of one-hundred-sixty songs by American military personnel in Vietnam - stored at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.23

Jonas returned from Vietnam in 1969 and recorded the album FSH Volume I (Goldust Records # LPS156), a collection of contemporary folk songs, influenced by US folksong revival of the 1960s.4 He also recorded during the Vietnam War years the 1971 album FSH Volume II - "YGBSM" (Goldust Records # LPS157) and the 1973 album Two Sides of Dick Jonas (Goldust Records # LPS-162). Included on this 1969 album was the song "Fighter Pilot's Christmas" in which the narrating soldier sent a Christmas message home to his family. A re-recorded version appeared on the 1991 compilation In Country: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War (Flying Fish Records # # FF 70552), part of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project.5 Also note that on his 1971 album FSH Volume II - "YGBSM", discussed below, he wrote the song "Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats" which referenced P.O.W.s.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#74 Dick Jonas A Fighter Pilot's Christmas 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation
Dick Jonas, from Florida, US, served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, taking part in 125 missions, and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with 12 clusters.1 While in Vietnam, Jonas wrote songs and played guitar for the US troops there and as part of pacification programs. Some of these recordings were captured in the General Edwin Lansdale Collection of Vietnam War Songs - 6 ten inch tapes of one-hundred-sixty songs by American military personnel in Vietnam - stored at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.23

Jonas returned from Vietnam in 1969 and recorded the album FSH Volume I (Goldust Records # LPS156), a collection of contemporary folk songs, influenced by US folksong revival of the 1960s.4 He also recorded during the Vietnam War years the 1971 album FSH Volume II - "YGBSM" (Goldust Records # LPS157) and the 1973 album Two Sides of Dick Jonas (Goldust Records # LPS-162). Included on this 1969 album was the song "Fighter Pilot's Christmas" in which the narrating soldier sent a Christmas message home to his family. A re-recorded version appeared on the 1991 compilation In Country: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War (Flying Fish Records # # FF 70552), part of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project.5 Also note that on his 1971 album FSH Volume II - "YGBSM", discussed below, he wrote the song "Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats" which referenced P.O.W.s.&
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Goldust LPS156 (labels: LPS-156, Side 1 / Side 2), stereo, 33⅓ RPM; Goldust Records, P.O. Box 998, Mesilla Park, New Mexico 88047.

The front cover shows an engraved eagle over a Stars-and-Stripes shield on a blue panel beside the title "FSH Volume I", with a Liberty Bell device. All selections written by Richard E. Jonas and published by Enchantment Music Co., BMI; musicians Jake Brooks (drums), Jim Bob Sedgwick (guitar) and Emmit Brooks (bass); recorded at Emmit Brooks Recording Studio, Mesilla Park, New Mexico, engineer Emmit Brooks.

The back carries a photograph of "Capt. Richard Jonas" in flight suit playing guitar beside an aircraft, with a note that he has flown the Phantom II over three continents and flew one hundred combat missions over North Vietnam. A signed dedication by Dick Jonas "To the 433D Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, United States Air Force" speaks of flying "one hundred times into the enemy's homeland", of being one of Satan's Angels and of the Wolf Pack, and ends "I salute you, brave comrades, and I bid you God Speed."

Side 1: Tales That I Can Tell, The Ballad of Robin Olds, Little Town Up North, Son of Satan's Angels, Thud Pilot;
Side 2: Yankee Air Pirate, Will There Be a Tomorrow, Banana Valley, The MiG-21, A Fighter Pilot's Christmas. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Merry Christmas Mom, Merry Christmas Dad
Merry Christmas to my love, merry Christmas to the sweetest little girls that ever came
From God above, wish I could be home with the ones I love
It's a long time since I've gone
Santa take this heart of mine and tie it up...
And take it to the folks back home
#75 Dick Jonas The Ballad of Robin Olds 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#76 Dick Jonas Banana Valley 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#77 Dick Jonas Little Town Up North 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#78 Dick Jonas The Mig-21 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#79 Dick Jonas Son of Satan's Angels 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#80 Dick Jonas Tales That I Can Tell 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#81 Dick Jonas Thud Pilot 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#82 Dick Jonas Will There Be a Tomorrow 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#83 Dick Jonas Yankee Air Pirate 1969 · Album · FSH Volume 1 · Goldust # LPS156 · USA
Annotation: see “A Fighter Pilot's Christmas” above (same release).
#84–94 Ed Raney Songs of the Sky Soldier 1969 · Album · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
All 11 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#84 Ed Raney Ballad of the 173d 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Notes
Storm Records LSP 2702, stereo; produced by Jjeld Music, 2702 E. Wellesley, Spokane, Wash.; public performance clearance BMI; manufactured by Rite Record Productions, Inc. The front cover is a colour portrait of a helmeted paratrooper in camouflage with the 173d Airborne shoulder patch, and credits "Ballad of the 173d Airborne Brigade" written by SSG James R. Raney and "Ol' Lead Bottom" written by PFC William R. Raney USMC, "Sung by Ed Raney"; the back shows a parachutist under an open canopy.

The sleeve notes say the songs were written in part by Staff Sergeant James R. Raney, pictured on the cover, with his older brother Ed (honourably discharged from the U.S. Air Force) and younger brother Bill (serving in the U.S. Marine Corps) also contributing, and that they give "an honest look at our fighting men in Vietnam". They describe "The Jump" as a factual narration of the first combat jump of the Vietnam conflict, "Prayer for Dust Off" as a thank-you to the helicopter crews, and "Trooper's Green" as an imaginary place where all 173d troopers go when they die, and close by noting that James R. Raney was on his way back to Vietnam for his third tour, "All three times he volunteered to go."

Side 1: Ballad of the 173d, Prayer for Dust Off, Johnson's Gone to Hell, The Trooper's Green, Bugles at Twilight, Great Jumpmaster in the Sky;
Side 2: The Jump, The Immortal Sgt. Hanks, Corporal Barnes, Ol' Lead Bottom, Brother, Oh Dear Brother. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#85 Ed Raney Brother, Oh Dear Brother 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#86 Ed Raney Bugles at Twilight 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#87 Ed Raney Corporal Barnes 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#88 Ed Raney Great Jumpmaster in the Sky 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#89 Ed Raney The Immortal Sgt. Hanks 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#90 Ed Raney Johnson's Gone to Hell 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#91 Ed Raney The Jump 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#92 Ed Raney Ol' Lead Bottom 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#93 Ed Raney Prayer for Dust Off 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#94 Ed Raney The Trooper's Green 1969 · Album · Songs of the Sky Soldier · Storm # LSP 2702 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of the 173d” above (same release).
#95 The USAF Academy Concert Band and Cadet Chorale Bring Me Men 1969 · Album · United States Air Force Academy # AFA 69 · USA
Notes
Vietnam-era air force songs, patriotic fanfare, propaganda message (recruitment)
Notes
USAF Academy AFA 69, stereo LP, 1969, with guest artists Hugo Montenegro and Carol Channing. Title track: music Hugo Montenegro, words Major John Colbrunn, commissioned by the Falcon Foundation of Dallas in 1967; the line "Bring me men to match my mountains" is from Sam Walter Foss's poem "The Coming American" (1894), adopted by the cadet wing in 1964 and placed on the Battle Ramp arch (cover photo); premiered 3 November 1967, presented to the Cadet Wing 4 May 1968. Band directed by Major Herman Vincent, Cadet Chorale by James R. Boyd. [From the album sleeve; Discogs]
#96 Kurrt Watkins and Soul Sister 7 I Ain't Buying No Saigon Tea 1969 · Single · I Ain't Buyin No Saigon Tea / Theme For Billy · Not On Label · Thailand
Annotation
Unknown biographical details about this artists. The record was released in Thailand, copy-righted 23 July 1969 - Kuurt Watkins may have been an active service G.I., or recent veteran, and if so, likely serving in the Vietnam War due to the theme found in the lyrics of the song, "I Ain't Buying No Saigon Tea" , about prostitution in Saigon, South Vietnam. It's also possible that he was a US artist, who played for US soldiers in Bangkok, while not necessarily serving in military himself. As mentioned, the song looked at Saigon nightlife, with US G.I.s visiting bars, and possibly engaging prostitutes: "well I took a trip to Saigon... tried to kiss a girl, she yelled 'GI, please be nice'".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Thai pressing, no label name or catalogue number.

Matrix (etched): A ATP 5502-1 / B ATP 5503-1. Kurrt Watkins credited Written-By, Performer, and saxophone (uncredited). Discogs notes: 'Copy righted 23 July 1969'. Discogs genre Funk / Soul; styles Rhythm & Blues, Soul. Justin owns a copy (bought 2022-10-01, spreadsheet spells 'Kuurt').

Picture sleeve (front: photo of Kurrt Watkins with tenor saxophone); back: "Written and played by Kurrt Watkins – All rights reserved – Copy righted 23 July 1969"; red Side 1 label, 45 R.P.M. Kurrt Watkins was a US serviceman; released in Thailand (source: a book – reference to follow from Justin). [From the record sleeve and label]
Lyrics
English
Rum here, pretty baby, sit down on your daddy's knee
Yes I'll give you all my money
Buy you hairspray baby
But ain't buying no Saigon tea
When I first arrived in Vietnam they put me in Ch Chi
And all I heard from dawn to dusk was 'buy me Saigon tea'
Well I took a trip to Saigon and bought some shrimps and rice
Tried to kiss a girl, she yelled 'GI, please be nice'
Well the girls they say we're butterfly and call us boo-koo sao
And if you try to hug a girl she call you dinky dao
I was sitting donw in Bung Tao feeling sad and blue
Tried to touch a girl one night
She yelled 'GI what you do'
Genres: ♪ BluesR&B
Also in: ▤ Blues songs

1970

#97 John Canty M.I.A. / P.O.W. (Prisoner Of War Song) 1970 · Single · M.I.A. / P.O.W. / Blow Ye Winds · MGM # K14192 · USA
Annotation
The song "M.I.A. / P.O.W. (Prisoner of War Song)" (MGM Records # K14192) by Captain John R. Canty, of the US air force, who served in Vietnam 1964-1965 - and therefore a military perspective, sometimes referred to as "In Country", although the recording of this single took place in the US. The song centred on the issues of those Missing in Action (M.I.A.) and Prisoners of War (P.O.W.), as stated in the title. Billboard reported on the song on 5 December 1970, displaying a photo, with the caption: "Hugh Downs, left, host of the "Today" show, listens to Capt. John R. Canty, U.S.A.F., as he sign his "M.I.A./P.O.W. (Prisoner of War Song)", on the show. The record has just been released in the MGM label".1 The first part told the story of Captain Richard Hall whose plane had been shot down over North Vietnam. "Rescue pilots search the jungle floor" , but they found nothing, and thus "upon a list his name has got to stay" , as an M..I.A. The narrator then looked at the impact of that on the soldier's wife, who wondered if her husband had been captured or killed in action. It is revealed in a letter postmarked Hanoi, that the soldier "is a prisoner of war" . Then the vocalist narrated a letter from the P.O.W., who said that he hoped to return home soon. Note the reference to the "Hanoi Hilton" - the nickname given to the Hỏa Lò Prison used by North Vietnam for US P.O.W.s2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
In November 1965 through North Vietnam skies
Rescue pilots search the jungle floor, Captain Richard Hall was down...
No parachute was seen...
Missing in action, prisoner of war
Upon a list his name has got to stay
And if he's killed in action, his wife will surely say
Please keep him on that list as M.I.A.
M.I.A., P.O.W., which will it be
Please don't make it K.I.A...
Then one day a letter came, the postmark said Hanoi
But the writing she'd seen many times before, excitement froze her mind
And so she trembled as she cried, he's alive
But he's a prisoner of war...
She opened up the letter and then began to read
It appears his health and everything is fine
He speaks about the simple things he seems to have no need
Then she begins to read in between the lines
Tell Johnny, Kay, and Patty to study extra hard...
'My sweet Ann, I love you more than I can tell
You should know how much I really care
Someday I shall come home'...
He's in the Hanoi Hilton, she prays that he's alright
Show full lyrics (23 lines) ▾
#98–107 Barbara Dane FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance 1970 · Album · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
All 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
FTA!: Songs of the GI Resistance (Paredon Records (# P-1003), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".1 Dane was born on 12 May 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This record label released several albums either about the Vietnam War or that contained a Vietnam War song, which are discussed on this list. See the note below. Also note that in 1969 Dane and Sliber published the book "The Vietnam Song Book" which included the notation and lyrics of one hundred anti-war songs collected from around the world.

This album focused on the anti-war movement, in particular those who were members of the US armed forces - recorded at Fort Hood (Texas), Fort Benning (Georgia), and Fort Bragg (North Carolina). The album started out with a recruitment song, "Join the GI movement" , written by Barbara Dane: "I am a GI rebel as brave as I can be....come and join the GI movement" . The song "Ballad of Richard Campos" , written by Daniel Valdez, paid tribute to a man killed in Vietnam: "in a terminal in Oakland lies the brown body of a man, dead at 27, dead and gone to heaven, killed far away in Vietnam" . The song "Last Drink With Don" (lyrics written by Fred Gardner, and music by Barbara Dane) took a poetic approach: "here's to the butterfly in the tropics of Tonkin...and here's to the sky that is not filled with planes" . The album also covered "Just Another Day" by Bill Frederick (on the 1967 album Hey, Hey, LBJ), while the song "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum" made references to the Kent State killings, Richard Nixon, and the imprisonment of Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton of the Black Panthers (see that section).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#98 Barbara Dane Join the GI Movement 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation
FTA!: Songs of the GI Resistance (Paredon Records (# P-1003), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".1 Dane was born on 12 May 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This record label released several albums either about the Vietnam War or that contained a Vietnam War song, which are discussed on this list. See the note below. Also note that in 1969 Dane and Sliber published the book "The Vietnam Song Book" which included the notation and lyrics of one hundred anti-war songs collected from around the world.

This album focused on the anti-war movement, in particular those who were members of the US armed forces - recorded at Fort Hood (Texas), Fort Benning (Georgia), and Fort Bragg (North Carolina). The album started out with a recruitment song, "Join the GI movement" , written by Barbara Dane: "I am a GI rebel as brave as I can be....come and join the GI movement" . The song "Ballad of Richard Campos" , written by Daniel Valdez, paid tribute to a man killed in Vietnam: "in a terminal in Oakland lies the brown body of a man, dead at 27, dead and gone to heaven, killed far away in Vietnam" . The song "Last Drink With Don" (lyrics written by Fred Gardner, and music by Barbara Dane) took a poetic approach: "here's to the butterfly in the tropics of Tonkin...and here's to the sky that is not filled with planes" . The album also covered "Just Another Day" by Bill Frederick (on the 1967 album Hey, Hey, LBJ), while the song "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum" made references to the Kent State killings, Richard Nixon, and the imprisonment of Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton of the Black Panthers (see that section).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P1003, © 1970 Paredon Records, PO Box 889, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11202; "Sung by Barbara Dane with active-duty GIs", "Recorded at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina"; edited by Irwin Silber.

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

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

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

Side II: The Resistance Hymn (tune Patriot Game, words adapted by B. Dane from "The Hello People"); Insubordination; Last Drink with Don (words Fred Gardner, music Barbara Dane); Bring 'Em Home (music and tag line Pete Seeger, new words by B. Dane and GIs from Ft. Hood, 11/9/69), with a footnote glossing "FTA" as the Army's "Fun, Travel and Adventure" and the GIs' "Fuck the Army!". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
They say I was born in the land of the free
But the home of the briefcase is all I can see
With our houses and highways we've covered the land
But our freedom's a fable, if our conscience is banned
So I'm going to prison so I can be free
I'm going to prison for what I believe
I've got something I'll die for, what else can they do?
I've got something to live for, and how about you?...
Some call me a coward, some call me a fool
The Daily News call me a communist tool
But I know you're my buddy, so you'll understand
I'll be true to myself or I can't be a man
English
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (32 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#99 Barbara Dane Ballad of Richard Campos 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Join the GI Movement” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
They say I was born in the land of the free
But the home of the briefcase is all I can see
With our houses and highways we've covered the land
But our freedom's a fable, if our conscience is banned
So I'm going to prison so I can be free
I'm going to prison for what I believe
I've got something I'll die for, what else can they do?
I've got something to live for, and how about you?...
Some call me a coward, some call me a fool
The Daily News call me a communist tool
But I know you're my buddy, so you'll understand
I'll be true to myself or I can't be a man
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA"]
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (47 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#100 Barbara Dane Bring 'Em Home 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Join the GI Movement” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#101 Barbara Dane Hallelujah, I'm a Bum 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Join the GI Movement” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
#102 Barbara Dane Just Another Day 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Join the GI Movement” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (18 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#103 Barbara Dane Last Drink with Don 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Join the GI Movement” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
They say I was born in the land of the free
But the home of the briefcase is all I can see
With our houses and highways we've covered the land
But our freedom's a fable, if our conscience is banned
So I'm going to prison so I can be free
I'm going to prison for what I believe
I've got something I'll die for, what else can they do?
I've got something to live for, and how about you?...
Some call me a coward, some call me a fool
The Daily News call me a communist tool
But I know you're my buddy, so you'll understand
I'll be true to myself or I can't be a man
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA"]
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (47 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#104 Barbara Dane Resistance Hymn 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation
Of particular interest, the tune "The Resistance Hymn" dealt with the draft part of the anti-war movement, in which the narrator went to prison as a conscientious objector. Some people called the narrator a coward for not fighting, and suggested that the protesters provided support to the communists, thus calling them traitors.

Also of interest, the album included a re-worked version of the song "Bring Them Home" , composed by Pete Seeger, which argued that the war was unjust, and that it was patriotic to bring home the soldiers and end the war. It contained the line "in Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be the man" - which may be a reference to the Chicago 1968 demonstrations.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P1003, © 1970 Paredon Records, PO Box 889, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11202; "Sung by Barbara Dane with active-duty GIs", "Recorded at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina"; edited by Irwin Silber.

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

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

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

Side II: The Resistance Hymn (tune Patriot Game, words adapted by B. Dane from "The Hello People"); Insubordination; Last Drink with Don (words Fred Gardner, music Barbara Dane); Bring 'Em Home (music and tag line Pete Seeger, new words by B. Dane and GIs from Ft. Hood, 11/9/69), with a footnote glossing "FTA" as the Army's "Fun, Travel and Adventure" and the GIs' "Fuck the Army!". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
They say I was born in the land of the free
But the home of the briefcase is all I can see
With our houses and highways we've covered the land
But our freedom's a fable, if our conscience is banned
So I'm going to prison so I can be free
I'm going to prison for what I believe
I've got something I'll die for, what else can they do?
I've got something to live for, and how about you?...
Some call me a coward, some call me a fool
The Daily News call me a communist tool
But I know you're my buddy, so you'll understand
I'll be true to myself or I can't be a man
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA"]
If you love your Uncle Sam, bring 'em home....
Stop the war in Vietnam, bring 'em home...
45 thousand dead and gone and Uncle Sam is in the wrong
We want to end this war right now
Don't take a genius to figure out how
Let 'em fly, or let 'em float, peck 'em up in a bi-ass boat
They said it was a freedom fight, well now that's just about half right!
There’s just one big fallacy, it's our own GIs that wanna be free
GIs fight, and GIs die
Some get rich while Nixon lies
In Chicago or Vietnam, they're tryin' to get us to be 'the man'
Well buddy, I've got news for you
I got better things to do
We're goin' down to Houston town, turn this murderin' system 'round
The gen'rals would like us all to pray
But it looks like marchin's the only way
If they say that's not the way, we'll give 'em one big FTA
Show full lyrics (47 lines) ▾
Theme: Anti-War
#105 Barbara Dane Go Tell it on the Mountain 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Resistance Hymn” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Who's that, children, dressed in black?
Must be the Brothers fighting back!
Theme: Anti-War
#106 Barbara Dane Insubordination 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Resistance Hymn” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Well I don't want nobody over me,
And I don't want nobody under me,
Subordination is a drag,
And liberation is my bag!
Theme: Anti-War
#107 Barbara Dane We Shall Not Be Moved 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation: see “Resistance Hymn” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
We shall not, we shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the water,
We shall not be moved!
Theme: Anti-War
#108 David Peel & The Lower East Side Hey, Mr. Draft Board 1970 · Album · American Revolution · Elektra # EKS 74069 · USA
Annotation
Psychedelic folk rock group formed in New York City, USA, featuring David Peel, Harold Black, Billy Jo White, Larry Adams. Led by David Peel, born as Angel Perez, to Puerto Rican parents on 1 August 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and died 6 April 2017 in Manhattan, New York, USA, was said to have started out in the 1960s playing on the streets of New York with songs about drugs and dodgy cops. He served in the US military for two years, stationed in Alaska. He released the song "Chicago Conspiracy" on the 1972 album The Pope Smokes Dope about the demonstrations outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the "Chicago Seven / Eight" - a reference to the high-profile activist arrested and put on trial.

This album featured the song "Hey, Mr. Draft Board" (Elektra Records # EKS 74069), which took an anti-war perspective, with the narrator stating that "I don't want to go" and calling it a "dirty war" . The narrator complained about being drafted, but not being able to vote. The narrator also suggested that those who started the war, the politicians, did not fight it, and thus it was not fair. The lyrics were backed by a military marching drum beat. At the end of the track, it included a spoken-word clip of a Vietnam veteran, being asked what he thought about the war: "I just come back from there, I think it stinks" . Another man said that: "I'm damn fed up with the damn war over in Vietnam, I lost two brothers in the damn thing" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Hey Mr. Daft Board, I don't want to go
I had a dream last night about the commie fight...
There's war in another lands, we've got to fight for Uncle Sam...
We don't know the difference between right and wrong...
I love your pearly white teeth
But I hate your dirty war
You make me go into the service when I'm 18 years old
Yet I can't vote
You never fought a war in your life but you make me go
You make the laws and...the wars
If you're going to start a war, why don't you finish it
Listen draftboard, I can't stand you anymore
I don't want any more wars...
I'm from Washington Square with my dirty feet and long hair /I don't give a damn or really care
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#109 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

1971

#110–121 Dick Jonas FSH Volume II - YGBSM 1971 · Album · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
All 12 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
The second of three album released by Dick Jonas during the Vietnam War era - from Florida, USA, he served in the US Air Force during the war, taking part in 125 missions.1 While in Vietnam, Jonas wrote songs and played guitar for the US troops there and as part of pacification programs. Some of these recordings were captured in the General Edwin Lansdale Collection of Vietnam War Songs - 6 ten inch tapes of one-hundred-sixty songs by American military personnel in Vietnam - stored at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.23

This album FSH Volume II - "YGBSM" (Goldust Records # LPS157) was recorded in 1971, shortly after his first album FSH Volume I (Goldust Records # LPS156), recorded in 1969 - a collection of contemporary folk songs, influenced by the US folk revival of the 1960s, as well as including some country music influences.4 He also recorded during the Vietnam War years the 1973 album Two Sides of Dick Jonas (Goldust Records # LPS-162). He featured on the 1991 compilation In Country: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War (Flying Fish Records # # FF 70552), part of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project.5 The song "Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats" , featured on the 1971 album, paid tribute to the US pilots in Vietnam. This included a line about the prisoners of war (P.O.W.s): "look around, there are a few empty chairs...some fight on from a cell" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#110 Dick Jonas Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation
The second of three album released by Dick Jonas during the Vietnam War era - from Florida, USA, he served in the US Air Force during the war, taking part in 125 missions.1 While in Vietnam, Jonas wrote songs and played guitar for the US troops there and as part of pacification programs. Some of these recordings were captured in the General Edwin Lansdale Collection of Vietnam War Songs - 6 ten inch tapes of one-hundred-sixty songs by American military personnel in Vietnam - stored at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.23

This album FSH Volume II - "YGBSM" (Goldust Records # LPS157) was recorded in 1971, shortly after his first album FSH Volume I (Goldust Records # LPS156), recorded in 1969 - a collection of contemporary folk songs, influenced by the US folk revival of the 1960s, as well as including some country music influences.4 He also recorded during the Vietnam War years the 1973 album Two Sides of Dick Jonas (Goldust Records # LPS-162). He featured on the 1991 compilation In Country: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War (Flying Fish Records # # FF 70552), part of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project.5 The song "Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats" , featured on the 1971 album, paid tribute to the US pilots in Vietnam. This included a line about the prisoners of war (P.O.W.s): "look around, there are a few empty chairs...some fight on from a cell" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Goldust LPS-157 (LPS157 on the sleeve), stereo, 33⅓ RPM; front cover titled "FSH Volume II 'YGBSM'" with an engraved eagle clutching a stars-and-stripes shield against a blue panel and a Liberty Bell device. All selections written by Richard E. Jonas and published by Enchantment Music Company, BMI; each song is credited (Jonas) BMI on the labels. Musicians: Dick Jonas, guitar; Calvin Turbeville, steel guitar and banjo; Vic Gomez, drums; Emmit Brooks, bass; recorded at Emmit Brooks Recording Studio, Mesilla Park, New Mexico, engineer Emmit Brooks; Goldust Records Company, P.O. Box 998, Mesilla Park, New Mexico 88047.

The back carries a photograph captioned "Dick Jonas, Fighter Pilot", showing him in flight suit in front of an F-4 Phantom nose, and a sleeve essay that opens "A fighter pilot is a lot like a little boy" and explains the pilot's motivation through his faith in America, his oath to defend the Constitution, his presidential commission and the code of the American fighting man ("I am prepared to give my life in their defense").

"Sea Island R & R" is marked as a duet by Dick Jonas and his wife, Charlotte.

Side 1: Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats 2:47, Wolf Pack's Houseboy 3:02, Blue Four 2:33, Pine Cones and Oak Leaves 2:00, Normandy's Sand 2:28, Homeward Bound 2:01;
Side 2: Sea Island R & R 1:56, Old Weird Harold 3:10, Uncle's Nephews 2:04, I 'Druther Be an F-4 Jock 1:24, Short-Timing Sailor Boy 2:07, Love Angel 3:33. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
The red river rats meet again, telling tales
Remembering when battles joined in the sky, shed our blood, gave our lives...
War is never a beautiful thing, but we fought for the right on the wind
Dropping bombs, dodging flack flying MiGs
We're be back shout the rats battle cry
Let it ring, say the red river rats paddle in
Hold your head high, stand tall, you're men, never run from a fight
Be prepared day and night, say the red river rats battle again
Look around, there are a few empty chairs
Honored comrades should be sitting there
Some are dead were they fell
Some fight on from a cell, charge your glass...drink to them
#111 Dick Jonas Blue Four 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#112 Dick Jonas Homeward Bound 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#113 Dick Jonas I 'Druther Be an F-4 Jock 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#114 Dick Jonas Love Angel 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#115 Dick Jonas Normandy's Sand 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#116 Dick Jonas Old Weird Harold 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#117 Dick Jonas Pine Cones and Oak Leaves 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#118 Dick Jonas Sea Island R & R 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Credited on the record as Dick Jonas and Charlotte.
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#119 Dick Jonas Short-Timing Sailor Boy 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#120 Dick Jonas Uncle's Nephews 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#121 Dick Jonas Wolf Pack's Houseboy 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation: see “Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats” above (same release).
#122–133 Bull Durham Songs of S.E.A. 1971 · Album · Donham # UP 105 · USA
All 12 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Notes
catalogue songs

Military, in-country.
Recorded 1970
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#122 Bull Durham Crack Went the Rifle 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Notes
catalogue songs

Military, in-country.
Recorded 1970
Notes
Donham Records UP-105 (labels UP-105A / UP-105B), stereo, yellow labels, "Produced by U.P.C. Recording", "All selections BMI".

Side One: The Inventory 4:23, Jolly Green 2:44, Mighty Dust Off 1:57, Dear Ma'am 2:07, I Fly the Line 2:40, Crack Went the Rifle 3:57; Side Two: Da Nang Lullaby 2:52, Saigon Girls 2:17, Puff 3:26, Tchepone 4:04, Republics Ultra Hog 2:27, The Devil Clapped His Hands 3:05.

The front cover, "Bull Durham's Songs of S.E.A. – Twelve of the best songs to come out of South East Asia", has a bamboo frame, a colour photograph of Durham in a patched flight suit with an acoustic guitar, and a cartoon bull playing a guitar under palm trees; this copy is signed "Bull Durham" in marker. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#123 Bull Durham DaNang Lullaby 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#124 Bull Durham Dear Ma'am 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#125 Bull Durham The Devil Clapped His Hands 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
Theme: Military
#126 Bull Durham I Fly the Line 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#127 Bull Durham The Inventory 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#128 Bull Durham Jolly Green 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#129 Bull Durham Mighty Dustoff 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#130 Bull Durham Puff 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#131 Bull Durham Republics Ultra-Hog 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#132 Bull Durham Saigon Girls 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#133 Bull Durham Tchepone 1971 · Album · Songs of S.E.A. · Donham # UP 105 · USA
Annotation: see “Crack Went the Rifle” above (same release).
#134 Gene Powless The American Story 1971 · Single · The American Story / The Blackhorse · Golden # 105 · USA
Credited on the record as Capt. Gene Powless.
Notes
American Story, The (Powless, Gene)

Fanfare, patriotic. Veteran.
WW1 - grandfather spoke to son, need war to stay free. Fighting for liberty.
WW2 - dad told us about the war in Europe, it has to be won.
Now - he is off to Vietnam, hopefully the last father to speak to son about going to war.
Let people protest the war if they want, it's their right to.
Notes
Golden Records of La., P.O. Box 2544, B.R., La., GRL-#105, gold label headed "A Memorial Record"; "The American Story" (Gene Powless), Danrite Music, BMI, time 2:57, (SoN 66252); credited to Capt. Gene Powless; producers Jack Lanstrom, Ebb-Tide, Charles Wright; arranger Marvin Gaye; "Nationally Distributed", "Another Golden Production". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#135–138 Don Daly Matilda 1971 · Album · Matilda's Child # 710820 · USA
All 4 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#135 Don Daly Ho Chi 1971 · Album · Matilda · Matilda's Child # 710820 · USA
Credited on the record as Matilda.
Notes
Matilda's Child Records 710820, LP, 1971, by the band Matilda (Don Daly guitar and vocals, Joel Binger percussion); this is track A5; the LP's other war songs are A1 "Bombs Away", B3 "Red Light", B5 "Grass Will Cover All", also in the archive; recorded at Texas Sound Studios. [From Discogs] Back sleeve: Don Daly guitars and vocals, Joel Binger percussion; engineer and mix Jeff Smith; photography Max Downing; album design and text Virginia Smith; "Matilda's hat & strap created by Martin Vandiver"; all material by Don Daly, Tex-Sound Music (BMI); Texas Sound Studios, 506 W. Hildebrand Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212. Side A: Bombs Away 4:11, Mellow 5:25, Those Rainy Mornings 3:31, She's Always There 3:20, Ho Chi 2:46; side B: The Wolf Pup 3:08, Sodomy With a Carrot 2:12, Red Light 1:38, Browneyed Woman 2:48, Grass Will Cover All 2:55, Matilda 4:08. [From the sleeve and label (Discogs)]
#136 Don Daly Bombs Away 1971 · Album · Matilda · Matilda's Child # 710820 · USA
Credited on the record as Matilda.
Notes
Track A1 of the LP Matilda (Matilda's Child 710820, 1971); the LP's other war songs are A5 "Ho Chi", B3 "Red Light", B5 "Grass Will Cover All", also in the archive. [From the label (Discogs)]
Theme: Anti-War
#137 Don Daly Red Light 1971 · Album · Matilda · Matilda's Child # 710820 · USA
Credited on the record as Matilda.
Notes
Track B3 of the LP Matilda (Matilda's Child 710820, 1971); the LP's other war songs are A1 "Bombs Away", A5 "Ho Chi", B5 "Grass Will Cover All", also in the archive. [From the label (Discogs)]
Theme: Anti-War
#138 Don Daly Grass Will Cover All 1971 · Album · Matilda · Matilda's Child # 710820 · USA
Credited on the record as Matilda.
Notes
Track B5 of the LP Matilda (Matilda's Child 710820, 1971); the LP's other war songs are A1 "Bombs Away", A5 "Ho Chi", B3 "Red Light", also in the archive. [From the label (Discogs)]

1972

#139–151 The Covered Wagon Musicians We Say No to Your War! 1972 · Album · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
All 13 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Another GI movement anti-war record (Paredon Records # P-1015), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber - all the songs were written and sung by active-duty GIs at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The group, formed in the spring of 1971, started their own publication called "Helping Hand".1

The most memorable and startling track is "Napalm Sticks to Kids" , a vivid account of US forces indiscriminately dropping bombs on Vietnam, hitting pregnant women, children, and other civilians. The focus of the song is chemical weapon Napalm B - a jellied gasoline mixture, with polystyrene, benzene, and gasoline. Declared a war-crime since 1980, the US government extensively used this weapon during the Vietnam conflict, dropping 388,000 tons on Indochina between 1963 and 1973.

The record booklet credited the song to "Air Force and Army GIs attached to the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam. Recited by Sgt. John Boychuk....a group of GIs sat down one night in a hootch in Vietnam to write these words. Each person made a verse about an incident in which he had taken part and the poem expresses their collective bitterness toward the military that had turned them into murderers". Some have questioned the booklet's claim regarding the origins of this song - in terms of who wrote it and the nature in which it was composed. Several Vietnam veterans have claimed that this song was commonly heard 'in-Country', and used in a "humorous" way. However, this particular record and version of the song were used to present an anti-war perspective about the war in Vietnam, and express opposition to the use of napalm, as seen on the LP cover and in the booklet that came with the record.

The song made a special reference to the company Dow Chemical, which produced napalm and agent orange under a 1965 government contract. Several other suppliers stopped production of these weapons because of protests and bad publicity. But Dow Chemical continued as the sole provider of napalm and agent orange because of its commitment to the government.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#139 The Covered Wagon Musicians Napalm Sticks to Kids 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. John Boychuk.
Annotation
Another GI movement anti-war record (Paredon Records # P-1015), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber - all the songs were written and sung by active-duty GIs at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The group, formed in the spring of 1971, started their own publication called "Helping Hand".1

The most memorable and startling track is "Napalm Sticks to Kids" , a vivid account of US forces indiscriminately dropping bombs on Vietnam, hitting pregnant women, children, and other civilians. The focus of the song is chemical weapon Napalm B - a jellied gasoline mixture, with polystyrene, benzene, and gasoline. Declared a war-crime since 1980, the US government extensively used this weapon during the Vietnam conflict, dropping 388,000 tons on Indochina between 1963 and 1973.

The record booklet credited the song to "Air Force and Army GIs attached to the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam. Recited by Sgt. John Boychuk....a group of GIs sat down one night in a hootch in Vietnam to write these words. Each person made a verse about an incident in which he had taken part and the poem expresses their collective bitterness toward the military that had turned them into murderers". Some have questioned the booklet's claim regarding the origins of this song - in terms of who wrote it and the nature in which it was composed. Several Vietnam veterans have claimed that this song was commonly heard 'in-Country', and used in a "humorous" way. However, this particular record and version of the song were used to present an anti-war perspective about the war in Vietnam, and express opposition to the use of napalm, as seen on the LP cover and in the booklet that came with the record.

The song made a special reference to the company Dow Chemical, which produced napalm and agent orange under a 1965 government contract. Several other suppliers stopped production of these weapons because of protests and bad publicity. But Dow Chemical continued as the sole provider of napalm and agent orange because of its commitment to the government.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P-1015; the front cover reads "Songs written and sung by the Covered Wagon Musicians, active-duty Air Force people, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho" over a photograph of marchers in the desert carrying banners reading "We are taking the GI out of genocide" and "Bring 'em home" (the booklet states the cover photo was taken during the forty-mile march from Mountain Home AFB to Boise in August 1971, on the anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).

The 16-page booklet lists the members alphabetically (A1C John Carson, A1C Dave Davis, Sgt. Tom Derreck, Sgt. Patrick Henry, A1C George Herkert, A1C Al Kramer, A1C Joe Massaro, Carolyn Mugar, Vic Pacania, Airman Penny Rand, A1C Jim Schaffer, A1C Tom Spaulding) and opens with an introduction calling it the first GI anti-war project to produce its own record, urging listeners to write to the group and subscribe to its paper, The Helping Hand, Box 729, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647.

"The Covered Wagon: Finding the Power to Affect Our Destinies", notes by Mark Lane, recounts the founding of the Covered Wagon GI project and coffeehouse in spring 1971, the burning of the first coffeehouse in November 1971, the arrest of nine members outside the Rodeway Inn in Boise at a dinner honouring General William Westmoreland in August 1971, the group's conscientious-objector counselling (68 honourable C.O. discharges in a year), and profiles of members including Tom Spalding, Steve Hawkins, Tom Mason, Jim Schaffer, Steve Miller, Gary Aker, Tom Tierney, Penny Rand and John O'Connor.

Each song is printed with full lyrics, credits, time and a short introduction; photographs show the Helping Hand committee, the "March Against Genocide", Moratorium Day banners at the 391st TAC Fighter Wing barracks on October 13, 1971, and the original Covered Wagon coffeehouse with a GI-painted copy of Picasso's "Guernica".

Recorded at the Covered Wagon; mixing and re-engineering by Jonathan Thayer, A-1 Sound Studio; booklet edited by Barbara Dane; photographs by Carolyn Mugar and Covered Wagon; booklet production by Collective Graphics Workshop; printing by Faculty Press; production supervised by Barbara Dane. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
We shoot the sick, the young, the lame
We do our best to kill and maim
Because the kills all count the same
Napalm sticks to kids
Flying low across the trees
Pilots doing what they please
Dropping frags on refugees...
A group of gooks in the grass
But all the fighting 's long since past
Crispy youngsters in a mass...
Drop some napalm on the barn
It won't do too much harm
Just burn of a leg or an arm...
Children cowering in a pit
Dow Chemical doesn't give a shit
Napalm sticks to kids
They're all VC when the bombs explode...
Killing gooks is macho fun
If one's pregnant it's two for one...
What the hell, let's drop the bomb
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾
#140 The Covered Wagon Musicians Bring Our Brothers Home 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation
The song "Bring Our Brothers Home" , which pleaded with President Richard Nixon to end the conflict, and it criticised the government's claim that the war protected people's freedom. Words and music by George Herkert.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P-1015; the front cover reads "Songs written and sung by the Covered Wagon Musicians, active-duty Air Force people, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho" over a photograph of marchers in the desert carrying banners reading "We are taking the GI out of genocide" and "Bring 'em home" (the booklet states the cover photo was taken during the forty-mile march from Mountain Home AFB to Boise in August 1971, on the anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).

The 16-page booklet lists the members alphabetically (A1C John Carson, A1C Dave Davis, Sgt. Tom Derreck, Sgt. Patrick Henry, A1C George Herkert, A1C Al Kramer, A1C Joe Massaro, Carolyn Mugar, Vic Pacania, Airman Penny Rand, A1C Jim Schaffer, A1C Tom Spaulding) and opens with an introduction calling it the first GI anti-war project to produce its own record, urging listeners to write to the group and subscribe to its paper, The Helping Hand, Box 729, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647.

"The Covered Wagon: Finding the Power to Affect Our Destinies", notes by Mark Lane, recounts the founding of the Covered Wagon GI project and coffeehouse in spring 1971, the burning of the first coffeehouse in November 1971, the arrest of nine members outside the Rodeway Inn in Boise at a dinner honouring General William Westmoreland in August 1971, the group's conscientious-objector counselling (68 honourable C.O. discharges in a year), and profiles of members including Tom Spalding, Steve Hawkins, Tom Mason, Jim Schaffer, Steve Miller, Gary Aker, Tom Tierney, Penny Rand and John O'Connor.

Each song is printed with full lyrics, credits, time and a short introduction; photographs show the Helping Hand committee, the "March Against Genocide", Moratorium Day banners at the 391st TAC Fighter Wing barracks on October 13, 1971, and the original Covered Wagon coffeehouse with a GI-painted copy of Picasso's "Guernica".

Recorded at the Covered Wagon; mixing and re-engineering by Jonathan Thayer, A-1 Sound Studio; booklet edited by Barbara Dane; photographs by Carolyn Mugar and Covered Wagon; booklet production by Collective Graphics Workshop; printing by Faculty Press; production supervised by Barbara Dane. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
You sent us off to fight this war
Bring our brothers home
Now we don't want to fight no more
Bring our brother home
Nixon you're a bloody man to make us fight in foreign lands
You say we're fighing to be free
That ain't what it looks like to me
Theme: Anti-War
#141 The Covered Wagon Musicians We Say No to Your War 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation
The song "We Say No to Your War" recalled the group marching from Mountain Home AFB to Boise, Idaho, in August 1971 to mark the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As suggested by the title, it stated its opposition to Vietnam. Note the reference to napalm and Nixon.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P-1015; the front cover reads "Songs written and sung by the Covered Wagon Musicians, active-duty Air Force people, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho" over a photograph of marchers in the desert carrying banners reading "We are taking the GI out of genocide" and "Bring 'em home" (the booklet states the cover photo was taken during the forty-mile march from Mountain Home AFB to Boise in August 1971, on the anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).

The 16-page booklet lists the members alphabetically (A1C John Carson, A1C Dave Davis, Sgt. Tom Derreck, Sgt. Patrick Henry, A1C George Herkert, A1C Al Kramer, A1C Joe Massaro, Carolyn Mugar, Vic Pacania, Airman Penny Rand, A1C Jim Schaffer, A1C Tom Spaulding) and opens with an introduction calling it the first GI anti-war project to produce its own record, urging listeners to write to the group and subscribe to its paper, The Helping Hand, Box 729, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647.

"The Covered Wagon: Finding the Power to Affect Our Destinies", notes by Mark Lane, recounts the founding of the Covered Wagon GI project and coffeehouse in spring 1971, the burning of the first coffeehouse in November 1971, the arrest of nine members outside the Rodeway Inn in Boise at a dinner honouring General William Westmoreland in August 1971, the group's conscientious-objector counselling (68 honourable C.O. discharges in a year), and profiles of members including Tom Spalding, Steve Hawkins, Tom Mason, Jim Schaffer, Steve Miller, Gary Aker, Tom Tierney, Penny Rand and John O'Connor.

Each song is printed with full lyrics, credits, time and a short introduction; photographs show the Helping Hand committee, the "March Against Genocide", Moratorium Day banners at the 391st TAC Fighter Wing barracks on October 13, 1971, and the original Covered Wagon coffeehouse with a GI-painted copy of Picasso's "Guernica".

Recorded at the Covered Wagon; mixing and re-engineering by Jonathan Thayer, A-1 Sound Studio; booklet edited by Barbara Dane; photographs by Carolyn Mugar and Covered Wagon; booklet production by Collective Graphics Workshop; printing by Faculty Press; production supervised by Barbara Dane. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
We marched a million miles, a million or more...
We were marching for the air force when we marched before
But now we've charted our own course
We say no to your war...
And it's hotter in Vietnam
Here come the F-4s and they're splattered with napalm
As they hear the engines roar, Nixon, we say no to your war
#142 The Covered Wagon Musicians The Rodeway Nine 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation
The song "The Rodeway Nine" referenced the My Lai Massacre, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), and General Westmoreland. Composed by Mark Lane and Jim Shaffer, the record booklet said the following about this song: "outside the Rodeway Inn where the Boise Chamber of Commerce were honoring General Westmoreland in August in 1971. Nine Covered Wagon members were arrested for 'disturbing the peace' and three others with 'interfering with the police'. This song played an important part in the state-wide campaign to win an acquittal for them. After the charges were finally dropped, some of the defendants filed charges against the policy on behalf of the Covered Wagon". So in the lyrics a group of Vietnam veterans confront Westmoreland - commander of US forces in Vietnam, 1964-1968 - holding him responsible for the massacre: "we pointed to the general, take him before others die, he was in charge of Johnson's My Lai".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paredon P-1015; the front cover reads "Songs written and sung by the Covered Wagon Musicians, active-duty Air Force people, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho" over a photograph of marchers in the desert carrying banners reading "We are taking the GI out of genocide" and "Bring 'em home" (the booklet states the cover photo was taken during the forty-mile march from Mountain Home AFB to Boise in August 1971, on the anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).

The 16-page booklet lists the members alphabetically (A1C John Carson, A1C Dave Davis, Sgt. Tom Derreck, Sgt. Patrick Henry, A1C George Herkert, A1C Al Kramer, A1C Joe Massaro, Carolyn Mugar, Vic Pacania, Airman Penny Rand, A1C Jim Schaffer, A1C Tom Spaulding) and opens with an introduction calling it the first GI anti-war project to produce its own record, urging listeners to write to the group and subscribe to its paper, The Helping Hand, Box 729, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647.

"The Covered Wagon: Finding the Power to Affect Our Destinies", notes by Mark Lane, recounts the founding of the Covered Wagon GI project and coffeehouse in spring 1971, the burning of the first coffeehouse in November 1971, the arrest of nine members outside the Rodeway Inn in Boise at a dinner honouring General William Westmoreland in August 1971, the group's conscientious-objector counselling (68 honourable C.O. discharges in a year), and profiles of members including Tom Spalding, Steve Hawkins, Tom Mason, Jim Schaffer, Steve Miller, Gary Aker, Tom Tierney, Penny Rand and John O'Connor.

Each song is printed with full lyrics, credits, time and a short introduction; photographs show the Helping Hand committee, the "March Against Genocide", Moratorium Day banners at the 391st TAC Fighter Wing barracks on October 13, 1971, and the original Covered Wagon coffeehouse with a GI-painted copy of Picasso's "Guernica".

Recorded at the Covered Wagon; mixing and re-engineering by Jonathan Thayer, A-1 Sound Studio; booklet edited by Barbara Dane; photographs by Carolyn Mugar and Covered Wagon; booklet production by Collective Graphics Workshop; printing by Faculty Press; production supervised by Barbara Dane. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
What do we want? Peace, when do we want it?
Now...Boise's biggest, Boise's best, the place to dine, the place to rest...
One day in August in '71, businessmen met, businessmen fun, Westmoreland was their honored guest...
The wine they sipped, the general's brand turned into blood on foreign lands...
From mountain home, 40 miles or more, said we don't want your fucking war
The guest were simply horrified with the chants - not genocide...
They came to seize the criminal, we pointed to the general, take him before others die
He was in charge of Johnson's My Lai
They came with chains to end the song
But chains could never right the wrong
Nor jail cells, change their stand, while children die in other lands
#143 The Covered Wagon Musicians Children of the Delta 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Lovely child of the delta
Settle back and rest a while . . .
Let me touch your golden cheek
And let me touch your blinded eyes
Theme: Anti-War
#144 The Covered Wagon Musicians Mathematics (spoken) 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Credited on the record as Jim Schaffer.
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Theme: Anti-War
#145 The Covered Wagon Musicians Mathematics (sung) 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Credited on the record as Jim Schaffer.
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Fifty stars sway with the wind
And several stripes are falling, falling
Oh, cloth and thread . . .
This young man fights for
Theme: Anti-War
#146 The Covered Wagon Musicians My Pledge, My Vow 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Sometimes I wonder,
Why, when and how,
Then I remember
My pledge, my vow.
Theme: Anti-War
#147 The Covered Wagon Musicians Phantom Jets are Coming 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Well, the Phantom Jets are coming
The land has turned to ash
Creatures whisper
Silver, all that's left
Theme: Anti-War
#148 The Covered Wagon Musicians Rattlesnake Junction 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Credited on the record as Jim Schaffer.
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Theme: Anti-War
#149 The Covered Wagon Musicians Silver Bird 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Silver bird go fly alone
Silver bird go die alone
Silver bird my work is done
I wish to god I'd never begun
Theme: Anti-War
#150 The Covered Wagon Musicians Spring Conscience 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Then we're overseas
And we learned how to kill
It's not a thing you know
When you're small
Theme: Anti-War
#151 The Covered Wagon Musicians The People's Thank You 1972 · Album · We Say No to Your War! · Paredon # P-1015 · USA
Annotation: see “The Rodeway Nine” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
We'd like to thank you,
Thank you, Richard Nixon,
Thank you for the job you've done.
#152 David Peel & The Lower East Side The Chicago Conspiracy 1972 · Album · The Pope Smokes Dope · Apple # SW 3391 · USA
Annotation
Psychedelic folk rock group formed in New York City, USA, featuring David Peel, Harold Black, Billy Jo White, Larry Adams. Led by David Peel, born as Angel Perez, to Puerto Rican parents on 1 August 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and died 6 April 2017 in Manhattan, New York, USA, was said to have started out in the 1960s playing on the streets on New York with songs about drugs and dodgy cops. He served in the US military for two years, stationed in Alaska. He released many political protest songs, including "Hey, Mr. Draft Board" on the 1970 album The American Revolution, which opposed the draft and the war in Vietnam.

On this 1972 album featured the song "The Chicago Conspiracy" (Apple Records # SW 3391) which addressed both the 1968 Chicago demonstrations and the "Chicago Eight" - the narrator listed all eight of the high-profile protesters arrested and charged, including Bobby Seale, which many other songs excluded in favour of the "seven". The song placed blame on the Chicago mayor: "Daley made this place a city of disgrace" . The narrator said that the arrests and trial revealed that "we're not free in this society" . It encouraged the listener to "kill..fight...never run" and to keep "marching against the great injustice" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Chicago
The Democrats convention was society's invention
To change our generation was one of their intentions
Chicago was the place for the Democratic race
Mayor Daley made this place a city of disgrace...
They busted Jerry Rubin
They busted Abbie Hoffman
They busted David Dellinger
They busted Rennie Davis
They busted Lee Weiner
They busted John Froines
They busted Tom Hayden
They busted Bobby Seale
The great conspiracy was meant for you and me
To show is we're not free in this society, Chicago...
You got to kill, kill, kill
You got to fight, fight, fight
Never run, run, run
When you're right, right, right
The whole world is watching
The whole world is marching against the great injustice for the people who were busted
In Chicago, in Chicago, in Chicago
Power to the people, power to the people, power to...
Show full lyrics (24 lines) ▾

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

Dick Jonas performing in 2012 1
Key EventsThe Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam was signed at the International Conference Centre in Paris on 27 January 1973. The final US troops left Vietnam, and the draft was official ended. American Prisoners of War (POWs) also started to return to the US under Operation Homecoming. The Congress passed further legislation to prevent the use of US military forces in Southeast Asia, even if North Vietnam violated the ceasefire agreement. Throughout 1974 North Vietnam breaks the peace agreement, but the US expressed reluctance to get involved. A final offensive by the North in 1975 sees the North and South unified.
  • 23 January 1973: Nixon announces peace agreement: 'peace with honor'.
  • 27 January 1973: Paris Peace Accords signed.
  • 27 January 1973: Draft official ended in favour of voluntary enlistment.
  • 12 February 1973: Operation Homecoming.
  • 29 March 1973: Final US troops leave Vietnam.
  • 30 April 1973: Halderman and Ehrlichman resign over Watergate.
  • 19 June 1973: Case-Church Amendment.
  • 14 August 1973: Cambodia bombing halted, in compliance with Congressional ban.
  • 7 November 1973: Congress passed War Powers Act.
  • 9 August 1974: Richard Nixon's resigns as president. Gerald Ford takes over.
  • 13 December 1974: North Vietnam violates peace agreement.
  • 10 March 1975: North Vietnamese offensive on South.
  • 30 April 1975: US Embassy in Saigon fully evacuated.
Sources

1973

#153–155 Merry Airbrakes Merry Airbrakes 1973 · Album · St. George International # ST 06 · USA
All 3 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
A concept album written by Bill Homans, a Vietnam veteran, released just after the official ending of the conflict in 1973. It contained many patriotic lyrics, but also questioned the point of the war. The album included the instrumental "Happy Song For Hanoi" as well as "Draft Board Blues" which expressed the feeling of a man who had recently received his draft letter.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#153 Merry Airbrakes Draft Board Blues 1973 · Album · Merry Airbrakes · St. George International # ST 06 · USA
Annotation
A concept album written by Bill Homans, a Vietnam veteran, released just after the official ending of the conflict in 1973. It contained many patriotic lyrics, but also questioned the point of the war. The album included the instrumental "Happy Song For Hanoi" as well as "Draft Board Blues" which expressed the feeling of a man who had recently received his draft letter.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
I went down to the draft board...
Yeah the mail man gave to me...
I love this land I'm in but if my life gets lost while fighting
Notify my next of kin...
I don't understand that ain't never done...me no wrong
#154 Merry Airbrakes A Happy Song for Hanoi 1973 · Album · Merry Airbrakes · St. George International # ST 06 · USA
Annotation: see “Draft Board Blues” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#155 Merry Airbrakes Quang Tricity 1973 · Album · Merry Airbrakes · St. George International # ST 06 · USA
Annotation: see “Draft Board Blues” above (same release).
#156–160 Dick Jonas Two Sides of Dick Jonas 1973 · Album · Goldust # LPS-162 · USA
All 5 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#156 Dick Jonas The Ballad of Jeb Stuart 1973 · Album · Two Sides of Dick Jonas · Goldust # LPS-162 · USA
Notes
Goldust LPS-162, stereo, ℗ 1973 Goldust Records Company, P.O. Box 998, Mesilla Park, New Mexico 88047; labels LPS-162 A / LPS-162 B with "(21376)".

The front shows Dick Jonas in a flight suit with squadron patches, seated by a flowering hedge with an acoustic guitar; cover photography by David M. Hornbaker.

Side One: The Wrench Bender's Revolt 2:50, God Bless the Gun Plumber 2:26, Thanh Hoa Bridge 1:43, The Ballad of Jeb Stuart 3:01, Pull the Boom from the Gashole 3:27, Angelina 2:47; Side Two: Old Henry's Hoss 2:34, Sharecroppin' 2:52, Seven Little Chartreuse Men 2:39, Saydee Bel 2:12, Seaboard Line 2:01, Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again) (K. Kristofferson) 2:46; all other selections written by Dick Jonas and published by Enchantment Music Co., BMI.

Musicians: Dick Jonas, rhythm guitar; Calvin Turbeville, steel guitar; Jake Brooks, drums and lead guitar; Emmit Brooks, bass; recorded at Emmit Brooks Recording Studio, Mesilla Park, New Mexico, engineer Emmit Brooks. Emmit Brooks's sleeve note recalls meeting Jonas in August 1969 at Holloman Air Force Base, recording FSH Volume I and Volume II of songs from his tour of duty in Southeast Asia, involvement in the POW-MIA campaign, and permission for "Battle Hymn of the Red River Rats" to be used in the film "Summer of '72"; it presents the album as "fighter pilot and good ole boy". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#157 Dick Jonas God Bless the Gun Plumber 1973 · Album · Two Sides of Dick Jonas · Goldust # LPS-162 · USA
Annotation: see “The Ballad of Jeb Stuart” above (same release).
#158 Dick Jonas Pull the Boom From the Gashole 1973 · Album · Two Sides of Dick Jonas · Goldust # LPS-162 · USA
Annotation: see “The Ballad of Jeb Stuart” above (same release).
#159 Dick Jonas Thanh Hoa Bridge 1973 · Album · Two Sides of Dick Jonas · Goldust # LPS-162 · USA
Annotation: see “The Ballad of Jeb Stuart” above (same release).
#160 Dick Jonas The Wrench Bender's Revolt 1973 · Album · Two Sides of Dick Jonas · Goldust # LPS-162 · USA
Annotation: see “The Ballad of Jeb Stuart” above (same release).
#161 All Of The Above The War Is Over 1973 · Single · The War Is Over / Hey, Am I Shaking? · Paramount # PAA-0195 · USA
Annotation
The song "The War Is Over" (Paramount Records # PAA-0195)

By All of the Above, a Virginia based band, featuring Keith John, Marc Clements, Bill Graves, and Andrew Wilson.1 Song composed by Andrew Wilson, a Vietnam veteran, who wrote after returning to the US.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Paramount PAA-0195 (MB 27068-S), stereo, ℗ 1973, "Promotional Copy - Not for Sale"; "The War Is Over" (A. Wilson), intro :06, time 3:09, end fades, Famous Music Corporation (ASCAP); produced by Bob Sakayama for Allan Prell Productions; Paramount Records, a division of Famous Music Corporation, New York. Paramount company sleeve: "A Gulf + Western Company", New York, N.Y. 10023. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It's over with and done, except for the crying
Those memories cascade and fall like rain
In days and years and months are war have ended
Nothing left to show for them but pain
The war is over, isn't that news I heard him say
The toll has been taken, we payed the price
But who can count the way
We'll all be very happy when the warriors come home
We'll find work for the ones who did not die
Will we think about the last war before we start the next
Or will we let our peace and freedom fly...
Justice don't come easy from the barrel of a gun
War is the simple child of lust and fear
Who can't forgive the man who pulls the trigger
When the sound of his dying is in his ear...
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#162 Various Artists Air War 1973 · Single · Missing in Action / Air War - Winter Soldier II (Vietnam Veteran Testimony) · Rounder # 4505 · USA
Annotation
Testimony by 10 Vietnam Veterans at Faneuil Hall Oct 7-9, 1971, expressing anti-war sentiment, part of the larger "Winter Soldier Investigation", an event by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), which sought to publicise atrocities in Vietna. The a-side track (Rounder Records # 4505), which featured testimony from Dale Desmond, Gary Rafferty, Phil Morris, Dave Schmidt, Tom Mangon, referenced the Pentagon Paper.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#163 Barry Sadler O'God I Can Make It 1973 · Single · This Is the Last Song of War / O'God I Can Make It · Veteran # NR3131 · USA
Notes
Veteran Records, green label; "This Is The Last Song Of War" (writer Barry Sadler), NR3131-1, 3:38, and "O'God I Can Make It" (writer Barry Sadler), NR3131-2, 2:41, both ASCAP; produced by Bob Barkwill & Luke Brandon. The plain sleeve is printed: "9 million records – Remember Sgt. Barry Sadler? Composer and singer of the 'Ballad of the Green Beret' – The war is over in Vietnam – Barry is back with his new release, 'This Is the Last Song of War' – Try the flip side for what he wants to do now", with the contact Robert Barkwill, 2407-12th Ave. So., Nashville, Tenn. 37204. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#164 Barry Sadler This Is the Last Song of War 1973 · Single · This Is the Last Song of War / O'God I Can Make It · Veteran # NR3131 · USA
Notes
This Is the Last Song of War (Sadler, Barry)

Fanfare, P.O.W. Military perspective.
A-side: they say that the war is over - no glory, no victory.
Glad it's over - I buried 18 friends.
I'm in a filthy prison camp, but returning home
B-side: back in the world
Notes
Veteran Records, green label; "This Is The Last Song Of War" (writer Barry Sadler), NR3131-1, 3:38, and "O'God I Can Make It" (writer Barry Sadler), NR3131-2, 2:41, both ASCAP; produced by Bob Barkwill & Luke Brandon. The plain sleeve is printed: "9 million records – Remember Sgt. Barry Sadler? Composer and singer of the 'Ballad of the Green Beret' – The war is over in Vietnam – Barry is back with his new release, 'This Is the Last Song of War' – Try the flip side for what he wants to do now", with the contact Robert Barkwill, 2407-12th Ave. So., Nashville, Tenn. 37204. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#165 Various Artists Missing in Action 1973 · Single · Missing in Action / Air War - Winter Soldier II (Vietnam Veteran Testimony) · Rounder # 4505 · USA

1974

#166 Major Bill Schumpert Vietnam - Past Tense 1974 · Single · Vietnam - Past Tense / Lord Help Us All · Cub # MC45741 · USA
Notes
Country. South Carolina, USA. 1974 post-war. Veteran's perspective - was it worth fighting for? [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#167 Lt. Clebe McClary Personal Testimony 1974 · Album · Not On Label # CM 5358 · USA

1975

#168 El Gusano Pleiku 1975 · Album · Fantasia del Barrio · Joey # JOEY-2016 · USA
Annotation
Psychedelic rock Mexican-American group founded in Texas, said to have recorded this album in one 10-hour session in San Antonio, TX, featuring Eugenio Jaimez, Sonny Ramirez, Ruben Ramirez, and Carlos Salazar. Lead singer Eugenio Jaimez, from Cotulla, TX, where President Lyndon B. Johnson once taught at the Welhausen Mexican School, was wounded in the Vietnam War. Now living in Loredo, Texas, he described the album as a: "remembrance of a hellish war that many of our brothers met with by chance".1 The album started with describing his agricultural background with "Work Your Hand to the Bone", on to serving in the Vietnam War with the track "Pleiku" , and then returning to the US with "Going Home" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Joey JOEY-2016, track A3; recorded in one session at Zaz Recording Studio, San Antonio; all tracks written and arranged by Eugenio Jaimez Jr. Reissued by Heavy Light Records, Austin (HLR-LP002, 2010).
#169 El Gusano Going Home 1975 · Album · Fantasia del Barrio · Joey # JOEY-2016 · USA
Annotation

Psychedelic rock Mexican-American group founded in Texas, said to have recorded this album in one 10-hour session in San Antonio, TX, featuring Eugenio Jaimez, Sonny Ramirez, Ruben Ramirez, and Carlos Salazar. Lead singer Eugenio Jaimez, from Cotulla, TX, where President Lyndon B. Johnson once taught at the Welhausen Mexican School, was wounded in the Vietnam War. Now living in Loredo, Texas, he described the album as a: "remembrance of a hellish war that many of our brothers met with by chance". (1) The album started with describing his agricultural background with "Work Your Hand to the Bone", on to serving in the Vietnam War with the track "Pleiku", and then returning to the US with "Going Home".

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Joey JOEY-2016, track B3; written and arranged by Eugenio Jaimez Jr. Reissued by Heavy Light Records, Austin (HLR-LP002, 2010).
#170 Barry Sadler Bless Them All (Mono) 1975 · Single · Bless Them All / For the Truth and the Right · King of Music # KOM 11075 · USA
Notes
Bless Them All (Sadler, Barry)
For the Truth and the Right (Sadler, Barry)

A-side: Military perspective. Fanfare. 1975.
Walked through Arlington Cemetery - saw the unknown soldier.
50,000 men dead (i.e. Vietnam): bless them all
Criticism of the politicians
Need b-side.
Notes
King of Music KOM 11075A, green DJ copy labels marked "Not for sale", in mono and stereo versions, NIRCA 806 - 16th Ave. So., Nashville, Tn. 37203; "Bless Them All" (B. Sadler - C. Sagle), time 2:58, intro :07, King of Music Pub. Co. (BMI) (the stereo label adds To-Jo Music (ASCAP)); ℗ 1975 King of Music Records; produced by Tony Dirizziano.

The picture sleeve front shows a black-and-white portrait of Sadler in a beret with the Special Forces flash, titled "Bless Them All b/w For the Truth and the Right".

The back reads "S/Sgt. Barry Sadler of 'The Ballad of the Green Berets' fame is back again! Listen Up America For Those That Are Gone 'Bless Them All'". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#171 Barry Sadler Bless Them All (Stereo) 1975 · Single · Bless Them All / For the Truth and the Right · King of Music # KOM 11075 · USA
Annotation: see “Bless Them All (Mono)” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Fanfare
#172 Alfonso Ray Riate Play Your Guitars, American Friends 1975 · Compilation · What Now, People? · Paredon # P-2001 · USA
Annotation
What Now People? Volume 1 (Paredon Records # P-2001), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".1 This record label released several albums either about the Vietnam War or that contained a Vietnam War song, which are discussed on this list. See the note below. Also note that in 1969 Dane and Sliber published the book "The Vietnam Song Book" which included the notation and lyrics of one hundred anti-war songs collected from around the world.

This album contained four songs that dealt with Vietnam War issues. These are "It Could Have Been Me" by Holly Near about the Kent State, Ohio demonstration, which also appeared on her LP A Live Album (see the sub-list); Oscar Brand's "A Very Nice Country" about Americans living in Canada in exile (because of draft avoidance and opposition to the war); "Ballad of the Unknown Soldier" by Barbara Dane. Finally, it included the song "Play Your Guitars, American Friends" by Alfonso Ray Riate, a Vietnam veteran who had been a P.O.W. Dane wrote in the record booklet that: "I first heard Al Riate sing as he stood with two other former POWs on the platform of a rally for amnesty in Washington, D.C. He was simply glowing with the joy of finally being there....I immediately asked him if he would record one of the Vietnamese songs...Al...confirmed the fact that far more fellow POWs felt as they did than identified with the officers who had kept themselves apart in sour disdain of the Vietnamese, with their sights on their future military careers".2

Riate was born on 29 April 1945 in Sebastopol, California, USA, and died on 28 November 1984, in Lynwood, CA, USA. He joined the US Marine Corps in December 1964 at the age of 19. His father came from the Philipines, and his mother was a Native American from California. The army reported Riate M.I.A. on 26 April 1967 following a battle in Quang Tri Province in the vicinity of Hill 861. On 12 July 1967 he was reported K.I.A., but body not recovered (B.N.R.). A memorial plaque erected says: "1945-1967". However, the army eventually reported that he was in fact a P.O.W. He returned to the US on 16 March 1973.3 The army charged Riate for collaborating with the enemy, but the charges were dropped in 1973.4

Composed in Hanoi in December 1969 by Phạm Tuyên, a well-known North Vietnamese songwriter, about an anti-war demonstration in the US, which became popular across North Vietnam.5 It started out with an English spoken-word introduction from Riate, who told the listener that he had served "six years as an American prisoner of war in Vietnam" . He then recited the song in Vietnamese, which took an anti-war, peace perspective, calling on Americans to march and play songs of protest against US intervention in Vietnam.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
My name is Alfonso Ray Riate, I have served six years as an American prisoner of war in Vietnam
During my time in captivity I have learned to sing several songs in Vietnamese
I am going to sing that was made for the American people in the year of 1971 about the American people who are working for peace and to resolve the war in Vietnam...
Today in Washington the fire of struggle is burning, people everywhere can here your songs and the truth shines through brightly
The Potomac River has reflected your beautiful image by day and by night, playing your guitars and singing out loud
You march for life, play your guitars my friends...
Let us sing the ballad of commitment, the Ballad of Ho Chi Minh!
Have you heard that the whole United States is standing up with you?
The church bells are ringing with compassion...have you heard that Vietnam is also on the move
Holding back the hands of the murderers, defending the peace?
Play your guitars...to the tempo of the gunfire in South Vietnam
March American people...in the struggle for peace, to destroy aggressive war, let us sing the ballad

Post-War: 1976-present

Themes especially found in the post-Vietnam War era are lyrics about post-traumatic stress disorder, prisoners of war and the missing in action, the plight and treatment of veterans, and agent orange.

The 1980s especially saw a revival of interest in the Vietnam War, which had subsided in the mid to late 70s following the US withdrawal. Both films and music sought to reflect on the impact the war had on American society and to ask "why did the North win?" A Reagan-era trend of nationalism grew, an attempt to overcome the "Vietnam Syndrome" - the perception that domestic controversies over the war led to the US taking a less interventionist position in US foreign affairs. This term also applied to veterans, who may have felt guilt or shame about the war, influenced by the domestic climate they returned to in the US.1

Ronald Reagan spoke about this on 18 August 1980: "for too long, we have lived with the Vietnam Syndrome..As the years dragged on, we were told that peace would come if we would simply stop interfering and go home..We dishonor the memory of 50,000 young Americans who died..we give way to feelings of guilt as if we were doing something shameful, and we have been shabby in our treatment of those who returned. They fought as well and as bravely as any Americans have ever fought in any war. They deserve our gratitude, our respect, and our continuing concern".2 Many war films of the period fitted into this climate of trying to overcome the Vietnam Syndrome, such as First Blood [Rambo] (1982), Uncommon Valor (1983), and Missing in Action (1984).

1976

#173 Bill Oliver Fourth of July in Chu-Lai 1976 · Single · Fourth of July in Chu-Lai / Little Rocks and Big Holes · Dubious # 66x33 · USA
Notes
- Fourth of July in Chu-Lai
- contemporary folk, released in Austin, Texas, USA, post-war, anti-war, protest
- Paints picture of US presence in Vietnam
- Reference to Vietnamese refugees in US.
- Also lists Vietnamese cities and areas, including My Lai

- "Little Rocks and Big Holes (In the Road)" is side A. Recorded at MacAdams Bros., Austin; Texas Deck Music (BMI); no printed writer credit. Dubious Records 66 x 33, Side 1, BMI, 4:23; "Fourth of July in Chu-Lai" by Bill Oliver, published by Texas Deck Music, ℗ 1976 Bill Oliver. Musicians: Bill Oliver (vocal, guitar, harmonica), Glen Waldeck (drums), Nancy Needles (viola), Rich Latimer (bass), David Dodson (electric guitar); engineers Alan MacAdams and Dick Snider.

The cream label shows a drawing of a farmer ploughing behind a draught animal, with the slogan "Speak for Themselves". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#174 Charlie Sayles Vietnam 1976 · Album · The Raw Harmonica Blues of Charlie Sayles · Dusty Road # LP 701 · USA
Annotation
Charlie Sayles, from Massachusetts, played harmonica in the Chicago Blues style. He served in Vietnam for two years - 1969 to 1971, in the 101st Airborne, 326 Company. He said that "every month in Vietnam you would see three actions...One would be pretty hairy, another would be terrifying and another would totally blow your mind. After two years of that I couldn't deal with America when I got home. Violence became natural to me".1 In the song "Vietnam" (Dusty Road # LP701) he recalled the loneliness and hell of war, while referring to back home in the city as "going to another Vietnam" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Oh Vietnam, on a Thursday afternoon down in the valley...
Birds in the sky there screeching on high...
Bombs off in the distance...
All alone, all alone Vietnam, hell of a place to be
You never know where the next bullet gonna be
One the funniest thing, your sad when you say goodbye
Down in Vietnam, in the mud and rain
I'm going to another Vietnam now, in the city the enemy is on the prowl, they don't look like me
Also in: ▤ Blues songs

1978

#175 Andrés Jiménez Antonia Martínez (Song for Antonia Martínez) 1978 · Album · Puerto Rico: Como el filo del machete / Like the Edge of the Machete: Songs of the Struggle for Puerto Rican Independence · Paredon # P-1040 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The Puerto Rican song "Antonia Martinez (Song for Antonia Martinez)" (Paredon Records # P-1040), told the story of a demonstrator killed by the National Guard at a Puerto Rican demonstration against the war in Vietnam. The booklet of the record described the incident, and noted that it received little attention, compared the the Kent State killings on 4 May 1970, similar to the lack awareness around the killing of two African-American at Jackson State, thus suggesting a degree of prejudice surrounding minorities and people of colour.. The booklet said:
Quote
"Antonia Martinez, a sixteen year old girl, was killed randomly in 1970 by a U.S. National Guardsman during their student strike at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, San Juan. She was attending a demonstration against the war in Vietnam, the drafting of young Puerto Rican men into the U.S. armed forces, and the presence of ROTC on the campuses. Written for the first anniversary of her death, this song demonstrates the shock and anger of the masses at this criminal outrage, and recaptures the historical importance of that moment of the struggle. It is interesting to note that Antonia's murder, along with numerous other incidents involving the killing of black and other minority students during the protest against the war in Vietnam, went relatively unnoticed, whereas the cold-blooded killings of four white students at Kent State during the same period were brought to the attention of the entire world through the a tremendous media barrage".1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Antonia Martínez, 16, was shot dead by a National Guardsman on 4 March 1970 during the student strike at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, at a demonstration against the war, the draft and ROTC. Paredon P-1040, "Puerto Rico: Como el filo del machete / Like the Edge of the Machete: Songs of the Struggle for Puerto Rican Independence", sung by Andrés Jiménez, © 1978 Paredon Records, Box 889, Brooklyn, NY 11202; Side 2, Band 1: "Antonia Martinez" – punto Fajardeño (4:10); words and music by Juan de Mata and Andrés Jiménez.

The booklet says the song was written for the first anniversary of her death. [From the record sleeve and booklet]
Lyrics
English
I remember the fourth of March
With agony and sadness,
The day Antonia died,
Victim of that savage blow.
Wiped out by a single bullet
That ended her destiny,
Death overcame her
At the hands of a criminal,
In a brutal manner,
Victim of a murderer.
The people crowded around,
Full of sadness,
To look on in pain
As her body bled.
Her life escaped,
Her heart no longer beat.
She departed for another world,
That innocent young woman,
Villainously assassinated
By a foolish policeman.
And at this humiliating outrage,
The whole people mournfully cried.
And seeing her that way,
Their hate and anger was awakened.
Blood stained her dress,
The smell of blood was in the air,
All smiles were clouded,
All hearts lamented.
More shots could be heard
As Antonia lay there dying.
But that is not the worst;
People, I'll tell you this,
The policeman got away
From the murder, absolved.
The people tremble because of this,
And their hearts bleed,
And they make prayers
For her immaculate soul.
Antonia has been avenged.
Long live the revolution!
Spanish
Recuerdo el cuatro de Marzo
Con tristeza y agonía,
Cuando Antonia se moría
Víctima de aquel zarpazo.
Fulminada de un balazo
Que así tronchó su destino,
La muerte le sobrevino
De manos de un criminal,
De una manera brutal
Víctima de un asesino.
La gente se aglomeraba,
Toda de tristeza llena,
A contemplarla con pena
Mientras su cuerpo sangraba.
La vida se le escapaba,
Su corazón no latía,
Y hacia otro mundo partía,
Y esa joven inocente
Asesinada vilmente
Por un necio policía.
Y ante el humillante ultraje
El pueblo triste lloraba.
Y al verla así despertaba
Su odio y su coraje.
La sangre manchó su traje.
Y olor de sangre en la brisa
Y se nublaron las sonrisas
Hay llanto en los corazones
Y se oyen más detonaciones,
Mientras Antonia agoniza.
Pero lo grave no es esto,
Señores lo digo yo,
El policia salió
Del asesinato absueltos.
Y el pueblo tiembla por eso
Y sangra su corazón,
Y reza una oración
Por su alma immaculada.
Antonia ha sido vengada,
¡Viva la Revolución!
Show full lyrics (83 lines) ▾

1981

#176 James Bruce Joseph Sievers An American in Love With His Country 1981 · EP · Skybird # JBJS 13 · USA
Notes
Vietnam vet - details on back of PS.
Patriotic, post-war
California
Notes
Skybird Records JBJS 13, 33 1/3 RPM 7" EP, 1981, El Segundo, California: A1 America (3:07), A2 Friendship (2:48), B1 I Like It Here (3:07), B2 Loke (2:24); the title is the EP's, no track of that name; written by Sievers / Capek / Foldy; produced by John Capek and Peter Foldy. [From Discogs]
#177 Jerry D. Stewart Welcome Home Veterans 1981 · Single · Chaton # CR-113 · USA
Credited on the record as Jerry Steward.
Annotation
Country, Vietnam P.O.W.s, vets, Iranian hostage crisis
Parade and yellow ribbons to welcome home 52 hostages held in Iran, 8 men gone.
Hell in Iran reminds me of Vietnam, disabled vet, held prisoner.
Remember friend killed in action (K.I.A.) in Vietnam.
I'm a VFW from Vietnam at home in the USA
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
"Welcome Home Veterans", vocal Jerry D. Stewart; CR-113, stereo, 45 RPM, 4:00; © ℗ 1981 Camelback Pub. Co., BMI; written and arranged by Fran (and) Jerry D. Stewart; Eddie Cummings, steel guitar; Darrell Mock, drums; Chaton Recordings, Scottsdale, Arizona. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Country

1982

#178 Michael J. Martin & Tim Holiday Who Are the Names on the Wall? 1982 · Single · Who Are the Names on the Wall? / I Ain't Here Alone! · Windmill # UR-4324 · USA
Annotation
Double-side Vietnam War single by singer/songwriters Michael J. Martin and Tim Holiday - both were Vietnam War veterans. Martin, born 27 January 27 1949, in Lubbock, Texas, USA. He died on 2 December 2014 in Joelton, Tennessee. He spent 12 months in Vietnam, with the 11th Infantry / American Division, class of '68-'69. He received several medals: Silver and Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. Holiday did three tours in Vietnam, with the Navy Corpsman. He lived in Texas, and died in 2000.123 The back of the picture sleeve said: "these songs are dedicated to the memory of those that died and to the recognition of those that served". The b-side "I Ain't Here Alone" dealt with the mistreatment of a veteran, who lost his job. The protagonist didn't need parades etc., just needed to know that he was not alone. It referenced combat conditions, girls on R&R, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The song "Who are the names on the Wall?" (Windmill Productions # UR-4324) referred to the memorial wall in Washington D.C. The narrated recalled several of the people he knew, and how they were K.I.A.: "I've seen so many...Don Michael was on that Wall" . The narrated noted that "one guy got blown away on his first day" . This track also contained PTSD references, such as the veteran "who go back to 'Nam every night, when they're supposed to be asleep" . At the end of the song, the narrator concluded with the question: "did it ever really matter at all? Hell yes it mattered" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Windmill Productions UR-4324, pale blue label with windmill logo; A-side "Who Are the Names on the Wall?", © 1982 Michael J. Martin and Tim Holiday, 4:59; B-side "I Ain't Here Alone!", © 1982 Michael J. Martin, 4:14; both Yorkshire Music Co. BMI, produced by Paul Christensen, Michael J. Martin and Tim Holiday, and recorded and mixed at Omega Audio, (214) 350-9066. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Who are the names on the Wall? Who are the names on the Wall?
Did it ever really matter at all, Who are the names on the Wall?...
Lord I've seen so many I can find, Don Michael was on that Wall...
There are a lot of names I can't recall, never knew
Everybody had nicknames, Okie, Don...
One guy got blown away on his first day
I never got a chance to meet him...
Who are the names on the Wall?
They were just like me the names on the Wall
Young and foolish, brash and full of bravado, hell a lot of them still virgin...
Could have been my name on the at Wall
It probably is, out of 57,939 names it likely there's a Michael Martin there somewhere...
Don't forget the Holiday...it could have been me, if it weren't for lady luck or sister fate or whatever...
I can see my reflection on the polished granate, the image of myself dead
Who are the names on the Wall? Who are the names on the Wall?
What about the one who came home who goes back to 'Nam every night when they're supposed to be asleep
We ought to have our names on the Wall...
So I'd like to know who among us survivors still survives, cause a lot of them didn't
Thousands, thousands died after they got back
Who are the names on the Wall?...
Did it ever really matter at all?
Hell yes it mattered, it's mattered to me, its effected everything I've ever done since
It mattered to the friends and families...
It mattered to the ones who didn't come back, but left pieces of themselves behind
It mattered to them, the names on the Wall
The ones who paid the price, who are the names on the Wall?
Show full lyrics (27 lines) ▾
#179 Michael J. Martin & Tim Holiday I Ain't Here Alone! 1982 · Single · Who Are the Names on the Wall? / I Ain't Here Alone! · Windmill # UR-4324 · USA
Annotation: see “Who Are the Names on the Wall?” above (same release).
#180 Vettz The Wall 1982 · Single · The Wall / Is This Pretend · Echo [Cincinnati] # E-104 · USA
Annotation
The group formed in Ohio, US, in 1981, led by Wayne Barker Jr., a Vietnam veteran. The group often performed at veteran gatherings. The back of this single said that "the group was formed to help the Vietnam veterans, through the support of the Vietnam Veteran of America, Ohio State Council. Funds raised through the sale of records, show, concerts, etc. will be donated to the Vietnam Veterans of America for veteran-related projects".1234 The group released several Vietnam-related singles: "God Bless America Tonight" (discussed below), "American Heroes", and "Orange Ribbons", the last two of which are also related to the 1990 First Gulf War. The song "The Wall" , which started with helicopter sound-effects, of course focused on the memorial, the place to "shed a tear" , as "they died by the thousands in the Vietnam War" . At the end of the song, the narrator said that he loved his country but hated the Vietnam War, so it contained some anti-war sentiment from a Vietnam veteran.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Echo Records E-104 (U-20899M), Side A; "The Wall" (Wayne Barker, Jr.), 4:00, Ashley Erin Music, BMI; producer Kerry Tolley; R.C. Enterprises, 440 Fairway Drive, Springboro, OH 45066. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Did you see all my brothers going hand to hand
To fight for this freedom in a foreign land...
They died by the thousands in the Vietnam War
Shed a tear for my brothers
Shed a tear for their mamas
Shed a tear for each other
Shed a tear at the Wall
Shed a tear for our nation
Shed a tear for us all
Shed a tear for the new generations
Shed a tear at the Wall
The Wall
Did you see all the old men with the...the lines are all but broken
Their sons will never come back...
We still love our country but we hate and we curse Vietnam
Shed a tear for my brothers...
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
#181 Festival feat. Britt Small The Wall 1982 · Single · The Wall / Still in Saigon · Max Stout # 42164 · USA
Credited on the record as Festival featuring Britt Small on vocal.
Annotation
This is a double-sided Vietnam War pop rock single released in the post-war period, performed by Vietnam veterans. Both songs dealt with the legacy, memory, and impact of the Vietnam War. The a-side song "The Wall" (Max Stout Records # 42164) referred to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The lead vocalist, Britt Small, served as a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in South Vietnam in 1970 according to the back of the picture sleeve. He was awarded a Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. The sleeve also said that: "Festival appeared at the National Salute to the Vietnam Veterans in Washington, D.C., in November 1982, where they sang at the Vietnam Memorial and performed a concert at the base of the Washington Monument". The narrator started by describing a "crying mother" visiting the Wall because her son "was ten years gone" , killed in a "place called Vietnam" . She then wanted to walk along the Wall paying her respects to all those that died. The narrator concluded by saying that the monument displayed that the nation "really care about the ones who fought and died" . The b-side was a cover of The Charlie Daniels Band song "Still in Saigon" which looked at the impact of the war on veterans, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Released in Skidmore, Missouri, USA.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Max Stout (42164), white labels; A: "The Wall" (Zoerb, Roth, Small), Max Stout Music, BMI, 3:25; B: "Still in Saigon" (Daley), Dreena Music and Dan Daley Music, BMI, 3:40; Festival featuring Britt Small on vocal.

The picture sleeve front is a drawing of an American flag and a rose before a wall repeating "The Wall", captioned "A Salute to the Vietnam Veterans — by Festival".

The back gives the writers in full (Lyle Zoerb, Ray Roth, Britt Small; Dan Daley), the full lyric of "The Wall", and notes that Britt Small served as a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in South Vietnam in 1970, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal, and that Festival appeared at the National Salute to the Vietnam Veterans in Washington, D.C., in November 1982, singing at the Vietnam Memorial and giving a concert at the base of the Washington Monument.

Band line-up: Britt Small (lead vocal, bandleader), Mark Reinig (drums), Becky Reinig (keyboards), Ray Roth, Jr. (bass), Stan Funston and Dann Hohn (guitar), Don Struve and Les Wetzel (trumpet), Russ Wetzel (trombone), Curt Pottratz (tenor sax), John Hafner (bari sax), with "Taps" by Don Struve; produced by Britt Small; front cover design by Phillip Van Voorst; "Max Stout Records, A Division of Festival Family Enterprises, Ltd."

The sleeve is signed in ink by Britt Small. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
In this place of honor, to what is best of man
I found a crying mother with flowers in her hand
She said that she was there because her son was ten years gone
Another life that was not spared, a place called Vietnam
She turned to me and said young man, please take me in your arms and walk with me on past the Wall
I want to see them all, a special place this is to me
But its taken them so long, to say his life was not in vein
A place called Vietnam
The monument here shows me that the nation has some pride
To say they really care about the ones who fought and died
So you can stand here with me and hold me while I cry
The price we pay for freedom son hurts me deep inside
The price we pay for freedom son is the highest price of all
The price we pay for freedom son, is written on the Wall
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#182 Festival feat. Britt Small Still in Saigon 1982 · Single · The Wall / Still in Saigon · Max Stout # 42164 · USA
Credited on the record as Festival featuring Britt Small on vocal.
Annotation: see “The Wall” above (same release).

1983

#183–191 The Red Rippers Over There ... and Over Here 1983 · Album · Oracle # 308075 · USA
All 9 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Notes
All songs on album
Military - veteran
Written and recorded by Navy pilot Ed Bankston
Pensacola, Florida, USA.1

A1 I Roll (Red Rippers, The)
A2 Soldier of Fortune
A3 Firefight
A4 Who Remembers
A5 Vietnam Blues
B1 The Dark and Bloody Road
B2 She’s Been Down
B3 Body Bag
B4 Over the Edge
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#183 The Red Rippers Body Bag 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation
Notes
All songs on album
Military - veteran
Written and recorded by Navy pilot Ed Bankston
Pensacola, Florida, USA.1

A1 I Roll (Red Rippers, The)
A2 Soldier of Fortune
A3 Firefight
A4 Who Remembers
A5 Vietnam Blues
B1 The Dark and Bloody Road
B2 She’s Been Down
B3 Body Bag
B4 Over the Edge
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#184 The Red Rippers The Dark and Bloody Road 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#185 The Red Rippers Over the Edge 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#186 The Red Rippers Soldier of Fortune 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#187 The Red Rippers Vietnam Blues 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#188 The Red Rippers Who Remembers 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#189 The Red Rippers Firefight 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#190 The Red Rippers I Roll 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#191 The Red Rippers She's Been Down 1983 · Album · Over There ... and Over Here · Oracle # 308075 · USA
Annotation: see “Body Bag” above (same release).
#192 Al Reyes Vietnam Veterano 1983 · Album · California Corazón · Cuervo # S-1001 · USA
Annotation
Mexican-American artist Al Reyes, based in California, USA, released the post-war song "Vietnam Veterano" (Cuervo Records # S-1001). This song also featured on the 2005 Smithsonian compilation Rolas de Aztlán: Songs of the Chicano Movement, listed below.123 The song deals with a common post-war issue found in 80s song, the mistreatment of the Vietnam veteran. But this song focuses on the additional element - Mexican-Americans facing racism back home in the US, despite fighting for their country. The song began with a combat description "on a beach in Da Nang...through jungles, steamy hot" . The soldier said that "Chicanos fought and Chicanos died" . Back in the US, on the streets of Los Angeles, the Mexican-American veterans "found out they didn’t care" . The narrator recalled that Mexican-Americans had fought for the US in World War Two. It also contained a reference to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): "the scars are still on you, do you still hear the helicopter sound?" , continuing the 1980s trend of portraying veterans / soldiers as suffering from PTSD.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Cuervo Records, Fresno, California, "California Corazón (Heart): Songs from the San Joaquin Valley", white label, with a lyric inner sleeve; Side B track 3: "Vietnam Veterano", "to all those who were 'over there' and their families". All compositions by Al Reyes; produced by Al Reyes and Tony Manjarrez, musical direction by Tony Manjarrez. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
You found yourself on a beach in Da Nang
With dudes from Tejas, corridos you sang
To get your mind on another patrol
Get your 16 ready, its time to go
You crawled through jungles, steamy-hot
You saw vatos your age get shot
Heard the cries
Saw them die there
You’ve come home with ugly nightmares, qué loco
Vietnam Veterano
Gonzales, Torres, y Lescano
On the frontlines, again
Los chicanos
Martínez, García y Lujano, in Chu Lai
You were fighting away with the raza on the streets in L.A
They say this country ships us all off to fight
To return and deny us our rights
So Chicanos fought and Chicanos died
Spirits of Aztec warriors at their sides
Fight fiercely, what else could we do?
Just like we did in World War II
Qué loco, Vietnam veterano, José, Luis y Chano /On the frontlines, again
Los chicanos Martínez, García y Lujano, you soon found out they didn’t care about what you went through over there
Don’t ask, because not much you’ll get
This war is one they’d rather forget
Qué loco, Vietnam veterano
The scars are still on you, do you still hear the helicopter sound?
Don’t let them put you down
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾
#193 Various Artists AFVN Radio-Music and More: Live From Vietnam 1983 · Album · CSP # P 16999 · USA
Notes
American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) - US military radio in Vietnam (1) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]

1984

#194 Vietnam Veteran Artists 58000+ 1984 · Single · Saigon Children / 58000 · Orange · USA
Annotation
A double-sided Vietnam War single released in 1984 in the classic rock style, took a strong anti-war position. The record was released by Vietnam War veterans from Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Words and music by W.B. Scherer. The song "58000+" is certainly one of the most interesting on this list lyrically, which suggested breaking-up the Memorial Wall in D.C., to build a road of peace: "there's a black wall...we'll break it up and turn it all to gravel" . The song called for people to stop politicians from leading people to war: "we are to blame if we haven't learnt...fight politicians of war to pave the future" . The beginning of the song focused on the impact of the memorial on veterans, who may have felt guilt, having lost many friends in the war, as well as dealing with war memories (which may be a reference to PTSD). The picture sleeve featured a drawing of the memorial wall and a photo of the band.1 The A-side "Saigon Children" is interesting in that it looked at the perspective of South Vietnamese children who lost their parents in the war. It also referenced Agent Orange, and had war sound-effects, such as helicopters.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Orange Records, Side B, 45 RPM, ©℗ BMI 1984; "58000+ (Reconstruction)", words and music by W. B. Scherer, time 4:42; label address Vietnam Veteran Artists, P.O. Box 1248, Boston, MA 02205.

The picture sleeve carries a pen-and-ink drawing of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall with the Washington Monument reflected in it and a lone figure standing before it, signed "Laila Tarbah '84", with the hand-lettered title "58,000 +" and a photograph of the six-man group in suits, ties, sunglasses and bush hats. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
58,000+ and that's the count
58,000+ and that's the count
Black stone etched in silence, the memories..
Red, in coming loud
For years we've been trying to forget the horror
For years we've been dealing with the guilt
The friends we lost and what we did still haunt us
There will never be a war to end all wars
There can only be a peace to begin all peace...
Continues in their memory...
Blood flows through veins of granite
Chiseled are the names of the dead
The struggle goes on in the shadow of other men free
A vision we've seen in the light of the long dark wall
58,000+ and that's the count
58,000+ died in the 'Nam
There's a black wall in Washington, and we'll break it up and turn it all to gravel
To build a road where others have fell
58,000+ on the stone
We are to blame if we haven't learnt by now
We will unite and fight politicians of war to pave the future for our children
For the road gone by, for the road denied... not built for peace
Show full lyrics (23 lines) ▾
#195 Vietnam Veteran Artists Saigon Children 1984 · Single · Saigon Children / 58000 · Orange · USA
Annotation: see “58000+” above (same release).
#196 Larry Green Long Time Coming Home 1984 · Single · Long Time Coming Home / Hearts Working Overtime · Hillbilly Heaven # AGFA 468 · USA
Annotation
Released in Lorton, Virginia, USA, the song "Long Time Coming Home" (Hillbilly Heaven Records # AGFA 468) by Larry Green, is a post-war 80s country pop song about the Vietnam Vet memorial wall in Washington D.C. The song started with the spoken-word introduction: "as they unveiled the statue at the Vietnam Memorial I would like to dedicated this song to all the men and women who fought and died in South East Asia" . The body of the song praised those who fought in Vietnam for the country, taking a patriotic, and pro-soldier position. It referenced the Wall in D.C., and people and veterans marching to remember those that died.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hillbilly Heaven Records AGFA 468 (U-12511M), ©℗ 1984, black label with silver cowboy drawings; "Long Time Coming Home" (L. Green), 4:57, Earl Dixon Music BMI; produced by Earl & Mary Ruth Dixon, engineer Jim Robeson; distributed by Earl Dixon Music, 10001 Richmond Hwy., Lorton, VA. 22079.

The picture sleeve (©1984) shows a black-and-white photograph of Larry Green singing at a microphone with a guitar, wearing a badge-covered hat and a shirt embroidered "Larry Rhythm/Vocals", with his autograph and the caption "Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist"; management, booking and fan club Earl Dixon Entertainment, Inc. The back lists: songs written by Larry Green; arrangements by Larry Green, Jeff Wise and Jim Roberson; band Heavy Country (Wally Burnette, bass guitar; Jeff Wise, steel guitar; Tom Rogers, harmonica; Danny Menzies, drums; Mike Parker, lead guitar; Joey Martin, rhythm guitar; Myron Prosser, fiddle); engineer Jim Robeson, Bias Recording Company, Inc., Alexandria, Va. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
When I was a young man I didn't understand the war in Vietnam
So I went and got an education, about the war in Vietnam
A lot of men died for what they believed in
They fought to keep their country free
They placed a marble wall in Washington D.C., for all the men who took the fall
Long time coming, long time....
Long time coming home...long time coming...
Veterans marching in Washington D.C.
They march, old mother's sons, and all the men who never came home from the war in Vietnam
I went to pray just the other day
For the soldier of the unknown....
For all the men who never came home from the war in Vietnam
Long time coming, long time coming
Long time coming home, long time coming
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Country

1985

#197–206 Stev Manteiv Ambush 1985 · Album · SM # 1 · USA
All 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Album of Vietnam War songs, many dealing with post-war issues, such as the mistreatment of vets, the Vietnam Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the effects of Agent Orange, the use of napalm and combat conditions, including P.O.W.s / M.I.A., and of course, the memorial wall in D.C., dealt with in the song "Brian" (SM-001). The band name "Stev Mantiev" is actually "Vietnam Vets" reversed. Released in Detroit, Michigan, USA, the main vocalist was Bill House, who released a bunch of albums in the late 70s.1 The album also featured Detroit-born Rob Tyner (a formed member of MC5), Vietnam vet Johnny Maxwell, Drew Abbott (a guitarist with Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band), and Marcus Belgrave.234 This song was strongly critical of the US government, calling the war "a politician's lie" , with the narrator saying that "my country you can't apologies, so face up to the truth" . Dedicated to the narrator's friend Brian, who was in Vietnam, but is now on the Wall in D.C.. The back of the record sleeve said the following:
Notes
Ambush is a reflection of our feelings of having faced the ultimate test, survival. Unlike a lot of music today, these songs speak for themselves with an intensity and urgency that compel you to listen, to think about what really happened, is still happening, and could just possible happen to you. We are all Vietnam Veterans. We all fought the war; in the jungles, in the streets, and on stage. Since that time, we have grown in knowledge and experience. So much so that we come together as peaceful warriors, as STEV, to bring you Ambush. The songs on this album are more than a collection of words and music. They are the real living emotions that were copyrighted with the blood that was shed to write them. We pull no punches, we leave no memory untouched. These songs are not about the War. They are how we, the Vets of Stev, feel. They are what has been inside us for years.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#197 Stev Manteiv Brian 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation
Album of Vietnam War songs, many dealing with post-war issues, such as the mistreatment of vets, the Vietnam Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the effects of Agent Orange, the use of napalm and combat conditions, including P.O.W.s / M.I.A., and of course, the memorial wall in D.C., dealt with in the song "Brian" (SM-001). The band name "Stev Mantiev" is actually "Vietnam Vets" reversed. Released in Detroit, Michigan, USA, the main vocalist was Bill House, who released a bunch of albums in the late 70s.1 The album also featured Detroit-born Rob Tyner (a formed member of MC5), Vietnam vet Johnny Maxwell, Drew Abbott (a guitarist with Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band), and Marcus Belgrave.234 This song was strongly critical of the US government, calling the war "a politician's lie" , with the narrator saying that "my country you can't apologies, so face up to the truth" . Dedicated to the narrator's friend Brian, who was in Vietnam, but is now on the Wall in D.C.. The back of the record sleeve said the following:
Notes
Ambush is a reflection of our feelings of having faced the ultimate test, survival. Unlike a lot of music today, these songs speak for themselves with an intensity and urgency that compel you to listen, to think about what really happened, is still happening, and could just possible happen to you. We are all Vietnam Veterans. We all fought the war; in the jungles, in the streets, and on stage. Since that time, we have grown in knowledge and experience. So much so that we come together as peaceful warriors, as STEV, to bring you Ambush. The songs on this album are more than a collection of words and music. They are the real living emotions that were copyrighted with the blood that was shed to write them. We pull no punches, we leave no memory untouched. These songs are not about the War. They are how we, the Vets of Stev, feel. They are what has been inside us for years.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Oh lord I'm so tired of weeping at this war
They're telling lies about our war but I remember it all
For god and country...
Once in Vietnam, but now here on this Wall...
Brian, my brother, I wrote this song for you
By the time I got to where you were there was nothing I could do
Maybe someday I'll country will remember the day
Until then I'll sing my song for Brian
Cause we'll never forget, is this how our young men chose to die
Giving up their lives for a politician's lie
This war was made by AK-47s fired for us
So we can't forget the names and we can't betray the trust
Brian, my brother I wrote this song
For you...oh lord let our country look us in the face
And she will cover up her eyes with a flag in disgrace
Oh my country, my country you can't apologies
So face up to the truth and don't turn away you eyes
I know you've got the spirit and the courage it takes to hear my song for Brian
And remember those days, oh Brian, my brother, I wrote this song...
Show full lyrics (20 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
#198 Stev Manteiv Home to Stay 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#199 Stev Manteiv Hot L.Z. (Thorazine Shuffle) 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#200 Stev Manteiv Lonesome Road 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#201 Stev Manteiv Ode to Roy Kenny 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#202 Stev Manteiv P.O.W. 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#203 Stev Manteiv Pretty Place 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#204 Stev Manteiv Prisoner Blues 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#205 Stev Manteiv Sunrise (Intro to Nam) 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#206 Stev Manteiv Survival 1985 · Album · Ambush · SM # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “Brian” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#207–218 Country Joe McDonald Vietnam Experience 1985 · Album · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
All 12 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
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#207 Country Joe McDonald Agent Orange 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#208 Country Joe McDonald Foreign Policy Blues 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#209 Country Joe McDonald The Girl Next Door 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#210 Country Joe McDonald I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die Rag 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
Notes
Solo re-recording, track A1 of Country Joe McDonald's album Vietnam Experience (Rag Baby RAG 1025; also issued in Germany as a white-vinyl 2LP, Rag Baby / Line RBDLP 5.00026, 1986). A separate recording from the 1965 original, the 1967 Vanguard LP version and the Woodstock live version.
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#211 Country Joe McDonald Kiss My Ass 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#212 Country Joe McDonald Mourning Blues 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#213 Country Joe McDonald Requiem for Vietnam Part 1 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#214 Country Joe McDonald Requiem for Vietnam Part 2 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#215 Country Joe McDonald Secret Agent 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#216 Country Joe McDonald Vietnam Never Again 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#217 Country Joe McDonald Vietnam Veteran Still Alive 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
#218 Country Joe McDonald Welcome Home 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA

1986

#219–223 John Steer Circuit Rider 1986 · Album · Living Word # 1 · USA
All 5 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
The song "The Wall" (Living Word Records # 001) featured on an album of Vietnam War-related tracks by John Steer, a veteran of the war. According to his website, he actually sung at the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Wall, although it does not say which song.123 He was originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and currently lives in Winter Haven, Florida, USA. This album was recorded in Charlotte, Arkansas, USA. The song was a cover of "The Wall" by Festival, discussed above, which took a patriotic position, describing the deaths as "the price we paid for freedom" . The song centred around the story of a mother, whose son died in Vietnam, visiting the war memorial.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
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#219 John Steer The Wall 1986 · Album · Circuit Rider · Living Word # 1 · USA
Annotation
The song "The Wall" (Living Word Records # 001) featured on an album of Vietnam War-related tracks by John Steer, a veteran of the war. According to his website, he actually sung at the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Wall, although it does not say which song.123 He was originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and currently lives in Winter Haven, Florida, USA. This album was recorded in Charlotte, Arkansas, USA. The song was a cover of "The Wall" by Festival, discussed above, which took a patriotic position, describing the deaths as "the price we paid for freedom" . The song centred around the story of a mother, whose son died in Vietnam, visiting the war memorial.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
"Circuit Rider" John Steer. The cover photograph looks down on a wooden table draped with a U.S. flag, laid with Vietnam-era memorabilia: an "Airborne Classbook", medals, dog tags, a beret, a 173rd Airborne shoulder patch, an ace of spades, a POW-MIA flag and ribbon, an "Agent Orange" button, a copy of "Tracers" and a photograph of a motorcyclist among rows of military graves. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
In this place of honor, to what is best of man
I found a crying mother with flowers in her hand
She said that she was there because her son was 10 years gone
Another life that was not spared in a place called Vietnam
She turned to me, and said young man, take me in your arms snd walk with me on pass the Wall
I want to see them all, a special place this is to me
But it's taken them so long, to say his life was not in vain
In a place called Vietnam
The monument here shows me the nation has some pride
To say they really care about the ones who fought and died
So you can stand here with me now, and hold me while I cry
The price we paid for freedom son, it hurts me deep inside
The price we paid for freedom son, is the highest price of all
The price we paid for freedom son, is written on the wall
In this place of honor, to what is best of man
I found a crying mother with flowers in her hand
Show full lyrics (17 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
#220 John Steer God Bless the USA 1986 · Album · Circuit Rider · Living Word # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “The Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#221 John Steer Why Is Johnny Crazy 1986 · Album · Circuit Rider · Living Word # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “The Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#222 John Steer Wounded Soldier 1986 · Album · Circuit Rider · Living Word # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “The Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#223 John Steer You've Never Given Up 1986 · Album · Circuit Rider · Living Word # 1 · USA
Annotation: see “The Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Pop
#224–231 Bill McKenna Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am 1986 · Album · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
8 of the 9 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
He released this Vietnam-themed LP in the rock-pop genre in 1986, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The title song "Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am" (FPOSF # 1102108) looked at a Vietnam veterans attempt to find his place in society - which had labelled Vietnam a failure and a mistake. It can be viewed as part of a 1980s, Reagan-era trend of nationalism, or attempt to overcome the "Vietnam Syndrome". Narrated in the first person, the veteran said that originally he did not want to go to Vietnam, but the experience and memories had helped to define him. But when he returned he "found the country in flames" , and the government "were freeing draft dodgers while holding Calley to blame" - which indicated sympathy for the plight of Calley, and of course, criticism of those who avoided the draft, and possibly the anti-war movement. He concluded that the veterans had "come of age" and were no longer "naive" , and thus they could "be proud of Vietnam" and "love" the "country" .The track "Jake's Song" looked at the perspective of two soldiers held captive in Vietnam as prisoners of war (P.O.W.). The narrator explained that his and Jake's plane went down in the jungle, which they survived. However, they ended up "caught and beaten, locked in this goddamn cage" . The captors separated the soldiers, and the narrator wondered what happened to Jake, while he started to lose hope. It concluded with the soldier wishing he would die.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#224 Bill McKenna Vietnam: Still Part Of Who I Am 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation
He released this Vietnam-themed LP in the rock-pop genre in 1986, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The title song "Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am" (FPOSF # 1102108) looked at a Vietnam veterans attempt to find his place in society - which had labelled Vietnam a failure and a mistake. It can be viewed as part of a 1980s, Reagan-era trend of nationalism, or attempt to overcome the "Vietnam Syndrome". Narrated in the first person, the veteran said that originally he did not want to go to Vietnam, but the experience and memories had helped to define him. But when he returned he "found the country in flames" , and the government "were freeing draft dodgers while holding Calley to blame" - which indicated sympathy for the plight of Calley, and of course, criticism of those who avoided the draft, and possibly the anti-war movement. He concluded that the veterans had "come of age" and were no longer "naive" , and thus they could "be proud of Vietnam" and "love" the "country" .The track "Jake's Song" looked at the perspective of two soldiers held captive in Vietnam as prisoners of war (P.O.W.). The narrator explained that his and Jake's plane went down in the jungle, which they survived. However, they ended up "caught and beaten, locked in this goddamn cage" . The captors separated the soldiers, and the narrator wondered what happened to Jake, while he started to lose hope. It concluded with the soldier wishing he would die.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Front cover "F.P.O. San Francisco / Vietnam / Still Part Of Who I Am", with a map of South Vietnam marked with the four Corps areas and Highway One, surrounded by snapshots of a young Marine in Vietnam; jacket made in Canada.

The back carries McKenna's note, signed "Bill McKenna, 'Wild Willie', 233-4008": his tour of duty changed him forever, the 22 months "in-country" and the condemnation he met on returning home, and his offering of these memories so that veterans "may share again the pride in each other that only we can know". Service printed: '68–'69, 7th Engineer Battalion, 1st Mar. Div., I Corps; '69, 3rd Amtrac Bat., 3rd Mar.

Div., I Corps. Dedicated "to all my brothers who served, especially to Animal, Doc, Lee, Freddie, Sonny, Mavrellis, Savo, Turk, Crazy Paul Harrington, Jim Mason, Matey and the more than 58,000 who were left behind." Tracks: side one Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am, Billy's Friend, Kentucky Boy, The Veteran; side two R & R Woman, Vietnam Memories, Flashback, Không biết, America, Jake's Song. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Didn't want to be in Vietnam, didn't want to see those things...
But I got home safe from Vietnam, but I couldn't tell the people what was really going on
Vietnam, it's part of who I am
Like memories of those first days that are spent in Da Nang
Vietnam, It's part of who I am
I source of pride
I felt the need to hide inside
When I got home safe from Vietnam, I found that the people hadn't noticed that I'd gone
Back here in the world I found the country in flames
They were freeing draft dodgers while holding Calley to blame
And all my brothers who fought in this war we've now come of age
Were not naive anymore
We all love our country that's why we went to Vietnam...
I'm trying to stay, start today, be proud of Vietnam
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#225 Bill McKenna Jake's Song 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation
Bill McKenna served with the marines in Vietnam, and returned to the US disabled. He became a regular performer at the Skidmore Freedom Fest. He died in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1995. The title on the front cover, "F.P.O San Francisco" , referred to the US military postal system, either known as APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office). The San Francisco gateway dealt with overseas mail to Vietnam.12
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Lost in action, me and you, downed in the jungle
But we made it through, but I can't go on Jake
I can't go on, don't wanna be strong Jake, I can't...
Caught and beaten, locked in this goddamn cage
Don't know what I've eaten, but I do know Charlie's rage...
Don't know what I'm doing, I can't remember why
Now where did they put you, god Jake, did you die?
I can't go on Jake, I can't go on, don't wanna be strong Jake
I can't go on, Jake, maybe I'll just die
#226 Bill McKenna Billy's Friend 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Jake's Song” above (same release).
#227 Bill McKenna Flashback 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Jake's Song” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#228 Bill McKenna Khong biet, America 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Jake's Song” above (same release).
#229 Bill McKenna R & R Woman 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Jake's Song” above (same release).
#230 Bill McKenna The Veteran 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Jake's Song” above (same release).
#231 Bill McKenna Vietnam Memories 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Jake's Song” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#232 Sam Jacobs Requiem in Black Stone 1986 · Single · Requiem in Black Stone / Behind Bamboo Tears · Break # 72967 · USA
Annotation
Notes
- Vietnam vet, based in Carpinteria, California1

- A-side: memorial wall, patriotic tribute
- B-side: P.O.W.s still in Vietnam, do they know the war is over?
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Break Records 72967, stereo, side A, time 4:07; written by Sam Jacobs & Don Baba, © Requiem Music ASCAP; produced by Mark Hudson.

Picture sleeve "Requiem": vocals Sam Jacobs, keyboards Don Baba, guitars Steve Dudas, bass Ed Alton, drums Billy Thomas; additional keyboards Greg Jackson; background vocals Bobby Caldwell, Mavis Vegas Davis, Linda Foote, Mark Hudson, Dave Jolliffe, Liza Miller, Michael Turner and Billy Thomas. Engineered by Jeff Harris; mixed by Jeff Hudson and Mark Hudson; recorded and mixed at the Village Recorder in April 1986. Dedicated "to our brothers and sisters who have died and to those of us who lived... Welcome Home!"; a major portion of the price went to "The Requiem Project" for Vietnam veterans' support groups (c/o The Village Recorder, West Los Angeles). Lyric insert with both songs. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Pop
#233 Sam Jacobs Behind Bamboo Tears 1986 · Single · Requiem in Black Stone / Behind Bamboo Tears · Break # 72967 · USA
Notes
Break Records 72967, stereo, side B, time 4:00; written by Sam Jacobs & Don Baba, © Requiem Music ASCAP; produced by Mark Hudson. Picture sleeve and lyric insert as on "Requiem in Black Stone". [From the record label]
Themes: P.O.W. Vet
Genre: ♪ Pop
#234 Doug Ranno Part of Me Is Still in Vietnam 1986 · Single · Ranno # RR-8601 · USA
Notes
Part of Me Is Still in Vietnam (Ranno, Doug)

Post-war 80s. Pop rock. Sacramento, California.
Veteran still living with Vietnam - PTSD.
Reference to M.I.A.'s.
A war without reason - people who died were innocent.
Notes
Ranno Records RR-8601, BMI, 45 RPM, blue label, copyright 1986, PA 892-369; the same song on both sides, "Side 1 - Stereo" and "Side 2 - Mono", time 3:35.

Picture sleeve front: the title in red over blue, with the title repeated in white lines and stars across the sleeve.

Sleeve back: "Dedicated to all people affected by the Vietnam War"; words and music © Doug Ranno, copyright PA892369 1986, published BMI Ranno Records 1986; produced by Doug Ranno with special thanks to Mike Mallett and Tom Phillips; recorded at Harbor Studios, Sacramento, California; manufactured by Sonic Arts; design by Diane Brown; special thanks to Michael Kelley, Tony Allen and Mike Mallett.

Ranno Records, P.O. Box 221427, Sacramento, California 95822-8429. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#235–244 Bobby & Virginia Lee Vietnam: The Soldier's Story 1986 · Album · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
All 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
This various artist compilation, a picture disc 12" vinyl, released in Salem, Virginia, USA, contained 9 Vietnam War-related songs, all composed by Virginia L. Hambrick (JRM Records # JRM4-20-87). Recorded at the JRM Studio, in Salem, produced by Jack Mullins. Many of the songs seem to feature the vocals and music of Bobby and Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia). The back of the LP also had a picture of a soldier called Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America, Washington D.C.) - but it's not clear what role she played on the record. The sleeve also contained a dedication from Virginia Lee:
"this collection of songs is dedicated to the men and women who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and to their families, many who whom continue to struggle with the aftereffects of an unpopular guerilla war. To my husband, Bobby Lee, an in-country Vietnam veteran...is my inspiration. A special thanks to the veterans who donated their time and efforts (including back-up vocals) towards making this project possible, and to the veterans, of Vet Center 226, and to the Vietnam Veterans of America"
This is followed by a statement from Bobby Lee, about the song "Angel in the Green":
"Too little has been said about the women who served in the Armed Force of the United States of America...much too little. Perhaps it is our fault...the fault of men, especially veteran men. We hide our good feeling...such as pride, honor, and gratitude. Angel in the Green is...about the women I served with, women who elected to leave the security of a traditional world to serve their country; to risk their futures and their lives...these women are veteran in every respect, I salute them with pride."
The song "From a Cross to a Star" dealt with the memorial wall in D.C. and the missing in action (M.I.A. issue). A country track, it took a religious perspective, with the narrator recalling a man and woman who visit the "cold slab of stone" everyday. Their son is apparently still classified as M.I.A., with a cross by their name. The couple prayed that the cross would turn to a star. The song does not mention P.O.W.s.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#235 Bobby & Virginia Lee From a Cross to a Star 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Annotation
This various artist compilation, a picture disc 12" vinyl, released in Salem, Virginia, USA, contained 9 Vietnam War-related songs, all composed by Virginia L. Hambrick (JRM Records # JRM4-20-87). Recorded at the JRM Studio, in Salem, produced by Jack Mullins. Many of the songs seem to feature the vocals and music of Bobby and Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia). The back of the LP also had a picture of a soldier called Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America, Washington D.C.) - but it's not clear what role she played on the record. The sleeve also contained a dedication from Virginia Lee:
"this collection of songs is dedicated to the men and women who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and to their families, many who whom continue to struggle with the aftereffects of an unpopular guerilla war. To my husband, Bobby Lee, an in-country Vietnam veteran...is my inspiration. A special thanks to the veterans who donated their time and efforts (including back-up vocals) towards making this project possible, and to the veterans, of Vet Center 226, and to the Vietnam Veterans of America"
This is followed by a statement from Bobby Lee, about the song "Angel in the Green":
"Too little has been said about the women who served in the Armed Force of the United States of America...much too little. Perhaps it is our fault...the fault of men, especially veteran men. We hide our good feeling...such as pride, honor, and gratitude. Angel in the Green is...about the women I served with, women who elected to leave the security of a traditional world to serve their country; to risk their futures and their lives...these women are veteran in every respect, I salute them with pride."
The song "From a Cross to a Star" dealt with the memorial wall in D.C. and the missing in action (M.I.A. issue). A country track, it took a religious perspective, with the narrator recalling a man and woman who visit the "cold slab of stone" everyday. Their son is apparently still classified as M.I.A., with a cross by their name. The couple prayed that the cross would turn to a star. The song does not mention P.O.W.s.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Side B track 4 (3:39). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
There's a wall in the city where the big White House stands
The wall stands so blase and low, and the names of 10,000s
Who gave up their lives are carved in the black of the stone
There's an old man and woman who visit each day
And they gave on the name of their son, with tears in their eye, and hope on their lips
They pray for the safety of one, from a cross to a star, please Jesus we pray, help us change the mark on the wall
If missing in action and he can't come home, let it be from a cross to a star
On the wall by each name there is a cross or there's a star, which tells if that man's lost or if he's been found
The cross means he's still missing, the star, well he's gone home
A soldier, that's in every man, as I hold to the hand of my own little boy whose never touched his daddy
Just his name, by the cold slab of stone, with a cross mark by him
I say the word I heard the old couple say, from a cross to a star
Please Jesus, we pray, help us change the mark on the wall...
Genre: ♪ Country
#236 Bobby & Virginia Lee Soldier's Story 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side A track 1 (4:40). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#237 Bobby & Virginia Lee I Should Have Been in Tokyo 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side A track 2 (3:07). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#238 Bobby & Virginia Lee Agent Orange Blues 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side A track 3 (2:06). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#239 Bobby & Virginia Lee Heroes Without Names 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side A track 4 (3:09). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#240 Bobby & Virginia Lee Angel in Green 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side A track 5 (4:07). "Angel in Green" (special song) is dedicated on the cover to "all women who served in the Armed Forces of America"; Bobby Lee's back-cover note salutes the women he served with. JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#241 Bobby & Virginia Lee I'm Certified 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side B track 1 (3:14). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#242 Bobby & Virginia Lee The Power of the Jungle 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side B track 2 (3:17). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#243 Bobby & Virginia Lee By Heart 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side B track 3 (3:43). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#244 Bobby & Virginia Lee Let's Hear It for the Grunt 1986 · Album · Vietnam: The Soldier's Story · JRM # JRM4-20-87 · USA
Notes
Side B track 5 (3:09). JRM Records JRM4-20-87, picture disc LP in die-cut sleeve ("Special Collector's Edition"). Vocals: Virginia Lee, Bobby Lee, Bill Craft, Leon Pugh, Rhonda Lee. All songs written by Virginia L. Hambrick (BMI) © 1986; published by Double Jack Co. (BMI), Salem, Virginia; recorded at JRM Studio, Salem. Produced by Jack Mullins; engineer and special arrangements Rick Mullins; harmony vocals Virginia, Bobby & Rhonda Lee, Bill Craft, Jackie Jean and members of Vet Center 226; guitars Bobby Lee, Bobby Smith; keyboards Aubrey Hilton & David Ferguson; steel guitar Mike Calloway, Joey McCray, Mike Sweeney; drums Rick Mullins; bass Chuck Crush; harmonica Bobby Smith; "marching and combat sounds are authentic". Back cover: Mary Stout (National Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America) and Bobby & Virginia Lee (Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 81, Roanoke, Virginia); Bobby Lee served with the 19th Combat Engineers in Vietnam, 1966–67. Portions of the proceeds were used to aid needy veterans. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Country
#245 The Pranksters Don't Cry for Me 1986 · Single · Don't Cry for Me (The Vietnam Vet's Song) / Bastards of Protocol · Jeree · USA
Notes
Post-war 80s, pop Treatment of vets, disabled vets [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] Jeree Records, 1469 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, Pennsylvania. [From the Rate Your Music label page]
Genre: ♪ Pop
#246–252 Kimo A Chance to Live 1986 · Album · JEIO # 1745 · USA
All 7 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#246 Kimo All I Want Is to Be Heard 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Genre: ♪ Pop
#247 Kimo American Trilogy 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Genre: ♪ Pop
#248 Kimo Bailey's Army 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Genre: ♪ Pop
#249 Kimo A Chance to Live 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.

Genre: ♪ Pop
#250 Kimo Love Can Conquer All 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Genre: ♪ Pop
#251 Kimo Opener 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Genre: ♪ Pop
#252 Kimo Song Is Love 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album.
All tracks Vietnam related.
Genre: ♪ Pop

1987

#253 1st Lt. Bobby Ross Finally Welcomed Home 1987 · Single · Finally Welcomed Home / Goodbye to West Virginia · Base Camp # BCR-USA-7487 · USA
Annotation
Bobby Ross, a country artist, born on 4 September 1947, in California, USA is a Vietnam veteran - he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 2/17th CAV in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. He retired from music in 2004 and runs a farm in the Sacramento Valley, California, USA. He has taken an active part in veteran affairs.123 Both songs on this 7" single (Constellation # IM-31589) related to the Vietnam War, and referenced the memorial wall in D.C. They both featured on the 1988 album Voice of America (Constellation # VOA-1). Released in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The picture sleeve of this single contained a quote from Cashbox Magazine: "This veteran can sing! Get ready to be touched. Excellent effort by, and for, those who served in Vietnam...I'll admit this one hit the heart". There was also a quote from Music Row Magazine: "this labor-of-love by a group of Nashville veterans will bring a lump to your throat and possible a tear to your eye".

The song "Finally Welcomed Home" started with some memorable sounds of the 60s, with a clip of Country Joe & The Fish performing "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" at the festival Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music: "terrible jam, way down yonder in Vietnam", followed by a quote from JFK: "bring this situation back to what it was" and then LBJ: "this is a different kind of war, there are no marching armies and solemn declarations". Next, a spoken-word intro, which referenced the memorial wall: "those were the sounds of the 10,000 day war, here's a reminder of what we were fighting for, but first lets bow our head in silence, for those names upon that stone, here's to the rest of us, we finally made it home". The song itself was a nostalgic look through American culture, suggesting that the soldiers were fighting to protect the American way of life.The song "Goodbye to West Virginia" described a young man being drafted by Uncle Sam to fight in the "hell of Vietnam". The lyrics provided a combat description: "deadly silence, flash of fire", which took the young man's youthful smile away. The soldier was K.I.A. and "now his name is inscribed on that black stone wall". His body was returned to his home in West Virginia.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Base Camp Records BCR-USA-7487 (U-19497), orange label with a jungle-boot logo; Side "B": "Goodbye to West Virginia" (George Jeffrey), Big Blue Ridge Music, BMI, time 4:11, intro :11, end fade; produced by Andy Anderson; credited to 1st Lt. Bobby Ross (Ret., 101st Airborne, USA).

The label states: "This material was written and performed by Vietnam Veterans for All Veterans, Especially those who served in The Vietnam Era."

The picture sleeve for "Finally Welcomed Home" shows a tinted combat photograph of two soldiers standing in a smoke-filled jungle clearing beside a covered body on the ground. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It was all for baseball, the old fishing pole, peanut butter & jam
Bicycles and dogs, turtles and frogs, and Disney Land
For all the girls in their faded blue jeans, Hershey bars, keys to the car
Senior high school rings, hello America you've remembered me
We were the ones who fought the war every night on your TV
Lost in America, been gone so long, the war is over now
We're finally welcomed home
I see a home town, hear the latest sounds at the back yard barbecue
The Carson show, pizza to go, a day at the zoo
I see a family all together on a Sunday afternoon
Grandpa, grandma, telling us all how they shined on harvest moon...
It's been a long time coming
This day is finally here
We can proudly stand together...hello America
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#254 1st Lt. Bobby Ross Goodbye to West Virginia 1987 · Single · Finally Welcomed Home / Goodbye to West Virginia · Base Camp # BCR-USA-7487 · USA
Annotation: see “Finally Welcomed Home” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
18 years old and kind of wild, not yet a man, still not a child
He faced each new day with a smile as he stumbled through his youth
Born to laugh, he'd never cried, had a wondering eye
Had a roving eye, he could work all day, and raise hell all night
And then he had to face the truth when he said goodbye to West Virginia
He broke down an cried, like a baby in mother's arms...
How could he know this was the calm before the storm
So Uncle Sam took him away, and we cuss him to this very day
He heard that big drill sergeant say, 'it's time to be a man'
Your neck is red, but son you're green, get rid of them old blue jeans
And so began that two year dream in the hell of Vietnam
It was goodbye to West Virginia
With a bad moon rising...
Now it's not do surprising that his youthful smile is gone
Deadly silence flash of fire, his life was hanging by a wire
What else could good Old Uncle Sam require of this West Virginia boy
In his mind he saw his mom again
His baby son, and one old friend
So if this was to be the end his heart was filled with joy
Now his name is inscribed on that black stone wall
He answered when there came a call, a reluctant hero all alone
But a hero nonetheless, the baby son is now a man
He's touring with a five piece band
He sings of freedom across the land
And his father's soul is at rest
Because they brought him back to West Virginia to a little Freeport graveyard, near the Wood/Wirt county line...
Provides..friends and family with...peace of mind
Show full lyrics (28 lines) ▾
#255 Pat Murphy Combat Vet 1987 · Single · I Can Walk / Combat Vet · OL # OLR-45-123 · USA
Notes
Combat Vet (Murphy, Pat)

Narrative, post-war 80s. Patriotic.
Walk proud - forget about Vietnam
You did your duty.
Notes
OL Records Inc. OLR-45-123, side B, grey label, ℗© 1987, 10051 Greenleaf Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, (213) 946-1524; "Combat Vet" (P. Murphy – F. Charity), 2:50, Boggy Depot Music B.M.I.; produced by Overton Lee. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Rock
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs

1988

#256–262 Bobby Ross Voice of America 1988 · Album · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
All 7 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#256 Bobby Ross Back to Blue Jeans Again 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Notes
Constellation, ℗ and © 1988 Constellation, 4741 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37220.

The front cover shows Bobby Ross in a cowboy hat beside the bronze figures of a soldiers' memorial; the back shows the inscription of the Vietnam Veterans Park memorial ("From 1961 to 1975, more than 49,000 Tennesseans served in Southeast Asia…") and a "Seal / LRRP / Big Red One" triangle emblem.

Credits: Don Hoffman, executive producer; Bobby Ross, producer and lead vocals; Mike Stidolph and Dick Bradley, associate producers; musicians include Eddie Bayers and Michael Young (drums), Mark O'Connor (fiddle, mandolin, mandola), Sonny Garrish (steel guitar, dobro), Bela Fleck (banjo), Terry Lee McMillan (harmonica), Reggie Young and Brent Rowan (guitars), Willie Rainsford (piano); background vocals include Stella Parton (courtesy of Airborne Records); photographer Mike Allen; engineer Jeff West.

Ross dedicates his performance to "the men of the Air-O-Rifle Platoon, 2/17 Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division, 1968, in I corps, South Vietnam", and the Nashville firms who helped make the album say to all Vietnam vets "At last, Welcome Home and God Bless". The lyric insert prints full lyrics with writer credits: Finally Welcomed Home (Don Hoffman, Judi Hoffman, Jeff Raymond), Back to Blue Jeans Again, Saigon State of Mind, Goodbye to West Virginia, The Reunion and The Voice of America (George Jeffrey), Too Close to the Line and The Home of Billy D. (George Jeffrey & Rick Cooper), Me and Oscar (Robert T. Alsterberg/Richard Helm), No Home for the Brave (In the Land of the Free) (George Jeffrey & Mel Besher); copyrights 1987, Too Close to the Line 1988. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Then I fought in the Asian War and that cost me some of my friends
Now all of those friends are like I was before
And I'm back To Bluejeans Again.
Genre: ♪ Country
#257 Bobby Ross The Home of Billy D 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Annotation: see “Back to Blue Jeans Again” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
And the silver star he won outside Pleiku
You see Billy was a hero in the war in Vietnam
He didn't run when came his turn to go
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#258 Bobby Ross Me and Oscar 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Annotation: see “Back to Blue Jeans Again” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
I went to school he went to war
He came back with ghosts in his eyes
Oscar found it hard to eat, hard to think, and hard to sleep
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#259 Bobby Ross No Home for the Brave (In the Land of the Free) 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Annotation: see “Back to Blue Jeans Again” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
And 'fore too long young Johnny
Found himself in Vietnam
The one "o" one told Johnny, son
Your mission's to survive
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#260 Bobby Ross Saigon State of Mind 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Annotation: see “Back to Blue Jeans Again” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Well it was twenty years ago
But brother don't you know
His thoughts go back to Nam from time to time
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#261 Bobby Ross The Reunion 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Annotation: see “Back to Blue Jeans Again” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Sam died in Southeast Asia
Where Tommy is at who can tell
Genre: ♪ Country
#262 Bobby Ross Too Close to the Line 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Annotation: see “Back to Blue Jeans Again” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
Vietnam is ancient history to the young men of today
For those of us a little older - the scar's too deep to go away
Kids watch "Rambo" or TopGun" and dream of goin' off to war
Genre: ♪ Country
#263 Michael J. Martin & Tim Holiday Time to Lay It Down (aka The Wall) 1988 · Album · Time to Lay It Down · USA
Notes
Album Time to Lay It Down. Also on the Bear Family box ...Next Stop Is Vietnam (2010). See also VWSP3465 by the same duo.
#264–273 The Cumberlands Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans 1988 · Album · Not On Label · USA
All 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#264 The Cumberlands Good Ship Society 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#265 The Cumberlands Where Have All the Flowers Gone 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#266 The Cumberlands Re-Adjustment Blues 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#267 The Cumberlands The Dove of War 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#268 The Cumberlands Turn, Turn, Turn 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#269 The Cumberlands Picnic Blues (Vietnam Weren't No Picnic) 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#270 The Cumberlands If I Were Free 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#271 The Cumberlands Protocol 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#272 The Cumberlands Today 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#273 The Cumberlands Lost in the American Dream 1988 · Album · Reflections: A Memorial Tribute to Vietnam Veterans · Not On Label · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. 10 tracks dedicated to Vietnam War veterans. Largely country music style. Soldier's perspective, patriotic, peace, combat, post-war issues. [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]
Genre: ♪ Country
#274 Stu Huggens & The Susquehanna River Band They're Still Heroes Today 1988 · Single · They're Still Heroes Today / When You Look Into Someone's Eyes · River Basin # 1014 · USA
Credited on the record as Stu Huggens and The Susquehanna River Band.
Annotation
Post-war country pop song "They're Still Heroes Today" (River Basin Records # RBR 1014) released by Stu Huggens and The Susquehanna River Band. There is no location on the record - Huggens is from and currently based in Pennsylvania, USA, performing in the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York area.123 The song is narrated from perspective of a Vietnam veteran, who paid tribute to those who fought in the war. He recalled being 18, just out of school, when he signed up for the US marines, to fight "in the jungles...and paddies of Vietnam" . He then recalled the lack of patriotic parades for the soldiers returning home: "no one welcomed us with open arms, no one seemed to care" . The song also noted the anti-war movement: "protesters said politicians lied" . This very much reflected on the Vietnam Syndrome, typically found in post-war 80s songs in which veterans returned to an unfavorable domestic climate in the US. The song concluded by referencing the memorial wall: "their names on a marble wall, 57,000 in all, never came back" .
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
River Basin Records, A side; "They're Still Heroes Today" (Stu Huggens), © 1988, BMI; produced by Jeff Brubaker. No catalogue number or time printed. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Out of school and just eighteen, I signed up for the US marines
I knew I'd go out soon to fight a war
All the young men in their prime, headed out to the firing line
In the jungles and mountains and paddies of Vietnam
We watched with tear filled eyes
When we saw good friends die
Puff the magic dragon flew at night
Back home they said that this war wasn't right
They still sent us out to fight in the heat, and the rain, and the mud of Vietnam
I once heard someone say, there's no heroes left today
But I knew some back in 1968
All of my brothers in arms, who served over in Vietnam
They were heroes then, they are still heroes today
We came home from the war, no one welcomed us with open arms
No one seemed to care what we went through
We thought we served our country with pride
Protesters said politicians lied
Years ago but not forgotten, Vietnam
Their names on a marble wall, 57,000 in all
Never came back to see their homes again
Fathers, sons, brothers and friends and all the women who served with them in the jungles and mountains, and paddies, in the heat and rain, and the blood of Vietnam
Show full lyrics (22 lines) ▾

1989

#275 Remember When Long Black Wall 1989 · Single · Long Black Wall / Lone Ranger · Country Star # 504 · USA
Annotation
Post-war 80s pop rock / fanfare song "Long Black Wall" (Country Star # 504) by a group called Remember When, out of Franklin, Pennsylvania, USA. A promotional sheet which came with the record said: "written and produced by Bob Belche, Viet Nam marine, awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Sounds-effects are the Bulger, Marching, and gun fire of the National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA".1 The sound-effects are a reference to about half-way through the track, when the narrator has a flashback to Vietnam, a representation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The lyrics of the song paid tribute to those those died: "remembering you this way, precious names on a long black Wall" . Song is listed in the 1989 edition of Songwriter's Market.2 The label Country Star, a subsidiary of Process Records, released a bunch of other Vietnam-related records, such as "Missing in Action" by Tom Booker (click on label link for more).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
CSI 504-A (U-24032M), 45 RPM, stereo, ℗ 1989; "Long Black Wall" (Bob Belche'), 3:20, Process Music-BMI; producer Bob Belche'. Country Star International, P. O. Box 569, Franklin, PA. 16323. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Precious names on a long black Wall, hear the muffled drums
The bugle call for a mothers son, daddy's girl
Names in stone for a living world
As I was walking by my house I saw some soldier boys in uniform so tall and proud
They looked like living toys
Without a glance they marched on by, young girls on their mind
And I had a memory of another day in time...
[Flash back: sound-effect and spoken word dialogue of war]
So heart shown by you proud young men
You've every right to be
Your the price that will be paid
Your the price of victory
Somewhere our faceless foe will cut you down one day
And broken hearts will pray for you, remembering you this way
Precious names on a long black Wall, hear the muffled drums
The bugle call for a mothers son, daddy's girl...
My leg gets so little room down there, mostly when it rains
I remember a few old friends in that Wall, with all their names...
Show full lyrics (19 lines) ▾
#276 Vettz God Bless America Tonight 1989 · Single · God Bless America Tonight / Carolina Gold · Fraternity # F-3546 · USA
Annotation
The group formed in Ohio, US, in 1981, led by Wayne Barker Jr., a Vietnam veteran. The group often performed at veteran gatherings. The back of this single said that "the group was formed to help the Vietnam veterans, through the support of the Vietnam Veteran of America, Ohio State Council. Funds raised through the sale of records, show, concerts, etc. will be donated to the Vietnam Veterans of America for veteran-related projects".1234 The group released several Vietnam-related singles: "The Wall" (discussed above), "American Heroes", and "Orange Ribbons", the last two of which are also related to the 1990 First Gulf War.

The song "God Bless America Tonight" (Fraternity Records # F-3546) - a patriotic, country pop, post-war 80s song about the memorial wall in D.C. contained some very interesting thoughts on the war. It is narrated from the perspective of a veteran who visited D.C., listening to the questions of his dead comrades. A dead soldier asked "did we finally win their freedom?" , meaning the South Vietnamese, thus the position of the US government's objective in the 60s & 70s to establish a non-communist South Vietnam. It then contained the line "did they finally let us fight?" - implying that the government / military establishment were preventing the soldiers from conducting the war properly, thus presenting that as an explanation as to why they lost the war. The narrated concluded that "there is something wrong here, with this country" . The song also dealt with the mistreatment of Vietnam War veterans, with the dead soldier saying: "did she treat my brothers right" . Released in Cincinnati, Ohio. Composed by Wayne Barker Jr. Produced by Wayne Barker Jr. and Ron Czarnecki. Engineer: Dale "Smitty" Smith.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Fraternity Recording Corporation F-3546-A (U-24106), stereo, 45 RPM; "God Bless America Tonight" (W. Barker Jr.), 3:20; © 1989 by Fraternity Records, Cinti, Ohio; publisher Big Ron Music, B.M.I.; producers Wayne Barker and Ron Czarnecki; engineer Dale "Smitty" Smith. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
I went to see the big black wall today, where there are many many names
I tried to read, and touch everyone only a few hours were all I could save
And while the time was passing by, I heard the voices in my head
Their spirits called and fell all over me and America this is what they said
Well they asked me, does our country remember
Did she treat my brothers right
Did we finally win their freedom, did they finally let us fight
Tell our mothers we love them, we hear their prays every night
We gave our lives for good reasons...
God bless America tonight
As I walked away I couldn't speak, the tears welled up in my eyes
No I couldn't give them any answers, not any that wouldn't be lies
My god you know there is something wrong here
With this country we all love so
We know the answers to their questions
But how can tell them its no when they ask you
Does our country remember
Did she treat my brothers right
Did we finally win their freedom
Hell, did they ever let us fight
Tell our mothers we love them...
Show full lyrics (22 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Pop
#277 Jeffrey D's Veteran's Song (Welcome Home) 1989 · Single · Veteran's Song (Welcome Home) / Door Gunner · Datetree # DR-9001 · USA
Notes
Datetree Records DR9001A, green label; "Veteran's Song (Welcome Home)" (Jeffrey Deitelbaum), 4:19, ℗ 1989 Datetree Records, ASCAP; arranged by Herb Hutchinson; produced by Claudette Deitelbaum for Datetree Records and Jeffrey Deitelbaum. Rim text: Datetree Records, P.O. Box 910, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, made in U.S.A. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Genre: ♪ Rock
#278–282 Jim Walktendonk Red White and Blind 1989 · Album · Self-released # None · USA
All 5 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Jim Walktendonk (aka James) comes from Appleton, Wisconsin, USA, and is currentl based in Gillingham, Wisconsin, USA. He served in Vietnam, 1970-71, with 212th and 595th Sentry Dog Companies, 89th Military Police Battalion. He took up folk singing back in the US. From 2002 he focused on painting, due to the negative effects of Agent Orange making it difficult to play guitar.12 He released several albums of Vietnam War songs, as well as the book "Song for America", featuring a collection of anti-war / protest songs.3 He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against The War (VVAW), on ongoing, non-profit anti-war group, taking particular interest in Agent Orange, Veterans Rights, and Pesticide Reform.45 His artwork featured in an exhibition at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, called "A Vision from Another Sky: The Paintings of Vietnam Veteran Jim Walktendonk".3 This 1989 cassette album featured two songs related to the memorial wall in D.C. The song "Cold Knuckle Sandwich" , a slang term for a punch in the mouth, focused on a veteran visiting the memorial, recalling that he was a young man in 1968. It is particularly interesting to note the reference to contemporary conflicts, taking an anti-war perspective: "Kuwait, Beruit, and El Savador...what the hell has it all been for?"

The next song, "Just the Dream of Them All Alive" , came in at nearly 7-minutes long, told the story of a dream, in which the songwriter was at the wall, and the soldier's written there stepped out and started dancing to the music. The music provided comfort to both the living and the dead. The songwriter told the dead soldiers that "I won't let the world forget".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#278 Jim Walktendonk The Agent Orange Song 1989 · Album · Red White and Blind · Self-released # None · USA
Notes
Same self-released cassette as "Cold Knuckle Sandwich" (Red White and Blind, 1989).
#279 Jim Walktendonk The Claymore Polka 1989 · Album · Red White and Blind · Self-released # None · USA
Notes
Same self-released cassette as "Cold Knuckle Sandwich" (Red White and Blind, 1989).
Genres: ♪ FolkPolka
#280 Jim Walktendonk Luang Pro Bang 1989 · Album · Red White and Blind · Self-released # None · USA
Notes
Same self-released cassette as "Cold Knuckle Sandwich" (Red White and Blind, 1989). A Dave Van Ronk song ("Luang Prabang").
#281 Jim Walktendonk Cold Knuckle Sandwich 1989 · Album · Red White and Blind · Self-released # None · USA
Annotation
Jim Walktendonk (aka James) comes from Appleton, Wisconsin, USA, and is currentl based in Gillingham, Wisconsin, USA. He served in Vietnam, 1970-71, with 212th and 595th Sentry Dog Companies, 89th Military Police Battalion. He took up folk singing back in the US. From 2002 he focused on painting, due to the negative effects of Agent Orange making it difficult to play guitar.12 He released several albums of Vietnam War songs, as well as the book "Song for America", featuring a collection of anti-war / protest songs.3 He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against The War (VVAW), on ongoing, non-profit anti-war group, taking particular interest in Agent Orange, Veterans Rights, and Pesticide Reform.45 His artwork featured in an exhibition at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, called "A Vision from Another Sky: The Paintings of Vietnam Veteran Jim Walktendonk".3 This 1989 cassette album featured two songs related to the memorial wall in D.C. The song "Cold Knuckle Sandwich" , a slang term for a punch in the mouth, focused on a veteran visiting the memorial, recalling that he was a young man in 1968. It is particularly interesting to note the reference to contemporary conflicts, taking an anti-war perspective: "Kuwait, Beruit, and El Savador...what the hell has it all been for?"

The next song, "Just the Dream of Them All Alive" , came in at nearly 7-minutes long, told the story of a dream, in which the songwriter was at the wall, and the soldier's written there stepped out and started dancing to the music. The music provided comfort to both the living and the dead. The songwriter told the dead soldiers that "I won't let the world forget".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Self-released cassette, recorded at Randy's Recording, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; contact Boonie Tunes, P.O. Box 3472, Madison, Wisconsin. Other Vietnam tracks: The Agent Orange Song, The Claymore Polka, Luang Pro Bang.
Lyrics
English
Well we built us up a monument, put it ten feet into the ground
It's a black cold marble wall, set into the deep...
Inscribed on the wall to see it is truly a wonder to me
Hits me like a cold knuckle sandwich
If you came home like me on a freedom bird
Heading back from the war
You went your way, and I went mine
And we wished and wondered
We died and did time
We're American survivors, and we're all in a line...
Now that we've built up our monument
Told America of our needs, it's such a simple..
What we are
Now deal with the wounds that we carried so far
Help us deal our horrible stars...
I was a young man back in '68
Hadn't touched face of war
Felt real hate, I stood posed and I was at deaths door
But Kuwait, Beruit, and El Savador, it's all a symptom that we can't ignore
But what the hell has it all been for
No we don't need a...cold knuckle...
Show full lyrics (22 lines) ▾
#282 Jim Walktendonk Just the Dream of Them All Alive 1989 · Album · Red White and Blind · Self-released # None · USA
Notes
Same cassette as "Cold Knuckle Sandwich".

1990

#283 Vettz American Heroes 1990 · Single · Fraternity # F-3557 · USA
Annotation
The group formed in Ohio, US, in 1981, led by Wayne Barker Jr., a Vietnam veteran. They released their first Vietnam-related single in 1982, called The Wall (Echo Records # E-104), a reference to the Vietnam memorial in Washington D.C., that listed the names of US military personnel killed in the war. The group often performed at veteran gatherings. The back of the single said that "the group was formed to help the Vietnam veterans, through the support of the Vietnam Veteran of America, Ohio State Council. Funds raised through the sale of records, show, concerts, etc. will be donated to the Vietnam Veterans of America for veteran-related projects".1234

Ten years later they released the song "American Heroes" (Fraternity Records # F-3557), a soaring patriotic tribute to those that fought in Vietnam "for the freedoms of each woman, child, and man" . Interestingly, they also praised those back home for being heroes, such as the demonstrators: "I fought for this great land...like the four dead in Ohio, and the others who took a stand" . The group concluded by calling for unity to help the US go forward. With regards to praising the role of the Vietnam veterans, this can be seen as part of the 1980s / 90s attempts to overcome the 'Vietnam Syndrome', a trend often seen in post-war songs and films - the perception that domestic controversies over the war led to the US taking a less interventionist position in US foreign affairs. This term also applied to veterans, who may have felt guilt or shame about the war, influenced by the domestic climate they returned to in the US.5
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Fraternity Recording Corporation F-3557-A, Side 1, 45 RPM, stereo, light-blue label, (U-26419); "American Heroes" (W. Barker Jr.-C. Arnspiger), time 3:10; © 1990 by Fraternity Records, Cinti, Ohio; Big Ron Pub., B.M.I.; producer Shad O'Shea, executive producer Curt Arnspiger, engineer Dale "Smitty" Smith. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
As a child of this nation under god for which I stand
I would fight for the freedoms of each woman, child, and man
Yet there's a few that's been forgotten, like...the homeless man
They're the ones that made it home or died for this great land
American heroes, I want to thank you all
American heroes, from grace you'll never fall
Soar like an eagle, in my heart you'll never fall
American heroes, we thank you all
Now as a child of this nation I fought for this great land
Not unlike the many others that never went to Vietnam
Like the four dead in Ohio, and the others who took a stand
And through it all we survived it and you all deserve a hand...
We've all felt the healing, and all felt the loss
So let's stick together
Now as children of this country there's good reasons to be proud
We've faced many battles and made it through somehow
We've all learned to stand together and pushed that single plow
Hey we'll all in this together, let's stand and take our bows /American heroes, we want to thank you all
American heroes, you've risen from the fall
American heroes, we thank you all
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾
#284 Pat Murphy Prisoner of War 1990 · Single · Prisoner of War / A Litte Guy Called Joe · Orbit # OR-2507 · USA
Annotation
The song "Prisoner of War" (Orbit # OR-2507), a post-war country track that looked at the P.O.W. issue. The front cover of the picture sleeve said: "a tribute to all Ex-POW's as recorded by Pat Murphy, US Army Special Forces Vietnam (1968-71)".1 The back of the picture sleeve claimed: "Murphy spent a short time as a POW in Vietnam, but the former Green Beret admits it was the most terrible experience of his life. It ended 15 years of military service in the US army...for each order we will donate one dollar to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Fund" - unable to verify any of this information.2 Is this the same Patrick Murphy who falsely claimed to be a P.O.W.?3 Wayne "Slim" Caddell originally wrote the song, while in P.O.W. Camp # 3 during the Korean War. The song subsequently spread. Narrated from the perspective of a prisoner, the soldier described how he missed home life, spending time with his wife and baby boy: "I think about the day we'll sit at home lovingly and watch our baby play" . The prisoner took comfort in having "a piece of our flag" in his battered bag, so a small patriotic reference. Released in Nashville, Tennessee. Produced by Ray McGinnis and Frank Jeter. Note that Murphy also released the 1987 single "Combat Vet" (OL Records Inc. # OLR-45-123) about Vietnam.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Orbit OR-2507 (U-26494), stereo, Side One, ℗ 1990 Orbit Records, distributed by Orbit Records, P.O. Box 120675, Nashville, Tn. 37212; "Prisoner of War", 3:13, Nautical Music Co. (BMI); produced by Ray McGinnis and Frank Jeter.

The picture sleeve front, headed The "Prisoner of War" Song, "A Tribute to All Ex-POW's", shows a photograph of Pat Murphy in fatigues, credited "U.S. Army Special Forces, Vietnam (1968-71)", produced by Ray McGinnis & Frank Jeter, "Ex-Korean POW's", and is inscribed in ink "No more war".

The back lists Side 1 "Prisoner of War" (Wayne Caddell Sr.) and Side 2 "A Little Guy Called Joe" (M. Wilkins, M. Walker), with a photograph of Murphy in a beret; its notes say the song was first written and recorded by Wayne "Slim" Caddell, composed while a POW in Camp #3 during the Korean War, and released on Orbit in May 1984, and that this re-release by two former POWs raised funds for the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., with one dollar per order donated to the memorial fund. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
Your letter came this afternoon, it filled my heart with joy
Because it brought me news
I longed to hear about our baby boy
I can't explain about all these aches and pains that are now in my heart
Since I've been a prisoner here and we've been apart
While sitting here in this prisoner camp I think about the day we'll sit at home lovingly and watch our baby play
I remember you and the love we knew and love you more and more
But life is hopeless while I'm still a prisoner of war
I'm a prisoner of war on a far, far away shore
Where I fought for the red, white, and blue
And in my old battered bag there is a piece of our flag, it cheers me and helps to pull me through
Well I'll be coming home some day and we'll start our life once more
And happiness will fill our heart, just like it did before
So once again I'll tell you dear I love you more...
But our plans we'll set aside while I'm a prisoner
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
Theme: P.O.W.
Genre: ♪ Country

1991

#285–298 Sarge Lintecum Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace 1991 · Album · Tempest · USA
All 14 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Sarge Lintecum was a veteran, who served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, for twenty six months. His first tour was for eleven months, in the jungle with the 101st Airborne Division, doing search and destroy missions. His second tour was at E Company Support Battalion, at the base camp of the 101st Airborne Division, and his third tour was as a security guard with the elite Saigon Machine Gun Patrol.1 He released a few albums of Vietnam War-related material. On the blues rock album he released the song "Reunion at the Wall" , which started out with the intro: "I'd like to dedicated this song to all the GIs whose names are on the Wall" . The narrator said that he was going to the memorial wall in D.C. to visit his friends that he served with in Vietnam.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#285 Sarge Lintecum Reunion at the Wall 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation
Sarge Lintecum was a veteran, who served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, for twenty six months. His first tour was for eleven months, in the jungle with the 101st Airborne Division, doing search and destroy missions. His second tour was at E Company Support Battalion, at the base camp of the 101st Airborne Division, and his third tour was as a security guard with the elite Saigon Machine Gun Patrol.1 He released a few albums of Vietnam War-related material. On the blues rock album he released the song "Reunion at the Wall" , which started out with the intro: "I'd like to dedicated this song to all the GIs whose names are on the Wall" . The narrator said that he was going to the memorial wall in D.C. to visit his friends that he served with in Vietnam.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
I'm going to see some friends of mine
I'm going to Washington
Some years ago I used to know these boys in Vietnam
Yeah I am going to see my friends in Washington
Well we were all young and crazy
When we were scared you'd never know
We took out the planes and partied real hard
And went when Uncle Sam said go
Yeah I'm gonna see them
Going to Washington
Well they're all back together now
There holding there heads up proud
I know I'll cry as I read there names as I stand before the Wall
Stand before the Wall, it was a long long time again
But time don't heal our wounds
So I'm going to see some friends of mine
Cause I got those Vietnam blues
We'll all be back together when I stand before the Wall
Show full lyrics (19 lines) ▾
Genre: ♪ Rock
#286 Sarge Lintecum The Vietnam Blues 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
#287 Sarge Lintecum Blue Monsoon 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
#288 Sarge Lintecum Combat Fatigue 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#289 Sarge Lintecum Five Down 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#290 Sarge Lintecum Into the Fire From the Fryin' Pan 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#291 Sarge Lintecum It Don't Mean Nothin' 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#292 Sarge Lintecum Oh Shit 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#293 Sarge Lintecum Saturday Morning Cartoons 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#294 Sarge Lintecum Sister Soldier 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#295 Sarge Lintecum This Shirt of Mine 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#296 Sarge Lintecum Time Bomb in My Mind 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
Genre: ♪ Rock
#297 Sarge Lintecum Veteran's Wife 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
#298 Sarge Lintecum Welcome Home 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation: see “Reunion at the Wall” above (same release).
#299–310 John R. Black Vietnam Farewell 1991 · Album · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
All 12 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
John R. Black, a Vietnam veteran, currently based in Seattle, Washington, USA, born 26 December 1940. He left for Vietnam in January 1967, his first of two tours, having volunteered to join the service. His father was also in the military, stationed in China before World War Two.1 He released several pop rock Vietnam War-related albums. This one contains two songs about the memorial wall (which also feature on the compilation Meet Me in Vietnam). The first, "The Women on the Wall" , is unique in that it is the only song focused on the eight women inscribed on the wall, all nurses, who died in the Vietnam War - the song actually calls out their names: 1st Lt. Sharon Ann Lane, 2nd Lt. Pamela Dorothy Donovan, Lt. Col. Annie Ruth Graham, Capt. Mary Therese Klinker, 2nd Lt. Carol Ann Elizabeth Drazba, 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Ann Jones, Capt. Eleanor Grace Alexander, 1st Lt. Hedwig Diane Orlowski.The track "Oh Mr. War Memorial" is a fairly standard tribute to those that died in Vietnam and whose names are on the memorial.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#299 John R. Black The Women on the Wall 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation
John R. Black, a Vietnam veteran, currently based in Seattle, Washington, USA, born 26 December 1940. He left for Vietnam in January 1967, his first of two tours, having volunteered to join the service. His father was also in the military, stationed in China before World War Two.1 He released several pop rock Vietnam War-related albums. This one contains two songs about the memorial wall (which also feature on the compilation Meet Me in Vietnam). The first, "The Women on the Wall" , is unique in that it is the only song focused on the eight women inscribed on the wall, all nurses, who died in the Vietnam War - the song actually calls out their names: 1st Lt. Sharon Ann Lane, 2nd Lt. Pamela Dorothy Donovan, Lt. Col. Annie Ruth Graham, Capt. Mary Therese Klinker, 2nd Lt. Carol Ann Elizabeth Drazba, 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Ann Jones, Capt. Eleanor Grace Alexander, 1st Lt. Hedwig Diane Orlowski.The track "Oh Mr. War Memorial" is a fairly standard tribute to those that died in Vietnam and whose names are on the memorial.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
On the earth at another time, you have your life to save mine
In that war so far away, you cared for me in a special way
Heard your voice as you spoke to me as you gave up what you
Could...
Helped me through the lonely nights
'Till clocks changed to dawns early light
Oh farewell, oh farewell
Women on the Wall
Your spirit is strong
Women on the Wall
The boys say so long
Women on the Wall
God bless you all
Always remember the women on the Wall
Saigon, July...
Tenderness was all we knew
Gave us strength, kept hope alive, gave your love so we'd survive
Oh farewell...women on the Wall...
Elizabeth you're living on
Eleanor...not really gone
Pamela and Sharon, history will tell
Annie and Mary, we'll remember you...
There you are solid stone, names of soldiers forever burned
Forever deep inside your memory, so many there forever gone
Gave their lives so that we'd live on, names burned in solid stone
Heard...voices cry, each and everyone asking why
Love and sorrow, hard lessons to learn
Oh Mr. War Memorial
How are your boys today
Tell them we miss them, they died so far away
Oh Mr. War Memorial, you are so great and strong
Tell them all we're crying, we're so sorry they are gone
There you are solid stone, a monument stand alone
To arc against the deep grey sky, the sacrifice was supreme
They died to give..the dream, the cause of peace and liberty
The battle field say and night, fought to champion the right
Peace & freedom are lessons to learn, oh Mr. War Memorial
On the earth at another time, you have your life to save mine
In that war so far away, you cared for me in a special way
Heard your voice as you spoke to me as you gave up what you could...
Helped me through the lonely nights
'Till clocks changed to dawns early light
Oh farewell, oh farewell
Women on the Wall
Your spirit is strong
Women on the Wall
The boys say so long
Women on the Wall
God bless you all
Always remember the women on the Wall
Saigon, July...
Tenderness was all we knew
Gave us strength, kept hope alive, gave your love so we'd survive
Oh farewell...women on the Wall...
Elizabeth you're living on
Eleanor...not really gone
Pamela and Sharon, history will tell
Annie and Mary, we'll remember you...
Show full lyrics (59 lines) ▾
#300 John R. Black Oh Mr. War Memorial 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
Lyrics
English
There you are solid stone, names of soldiers forever burned
Forever deep inside your memory, so many there forever gone
Gave their lives so that we'd live on, names burned in solid stone
Heard...voices cry, each and everyone asking why
Love and sorrow, hard lessons to learn
Oh Mr. War Memorial
How are your boys today
Tell them we miss them, they died so far away
Oh Mr. War Memorial, you are so great and strong
Tell them all we're crying, we're so sorry they are gone
There you are solid stone, a monument stand alone
To arc against the deep grey sky, the sacrifice was supreme
They died to give..the dream, the cause of peace and liberty
The battle field say and night, fought to champion the right
Peace & freedom are lessons to learn, oh Mr. War Memorial
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
#301 John R. Black Ho Ho Ho Chi Minh 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#302 John R. Black I Want to Be Free 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#303 John R. Black I'm Home 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#304 John R. Black Ricky I'm Right Behind You 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#305 John R. Black Saigon Girl 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#306 John R. Black Vietnam Farewell 1991 · Album · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#307 John R. Black Vietnam Farewell (Reprise) 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#308 John R. Black Vietnam I'm Dreamin' Dreamin' On 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#309 John R. Black We Don't Have to Worry Anymore 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#310 John R. Black Who Did I Leave Behind 1991 · Album · Vietnam Farewell · Silver Star # JRB-1240 · USA
Annotation: see “The Women on the Wall” above (same release).
#311 1st Lt. Bobby Ross G.I. Loan 1991 · Single · ESR # ESR 001 · USA
Notes
G.I. Loan (Ross, Bobby)

Post-war 90s. Country pop, Vietnam veteran.
Recorded when living in Nashville, Tennessee. From Sacramento area, California.
Soldiers from WW1 and WW2 received G.I. loans, bought houses and got jobs.
But when they came back from Vietnam - no welcome home, forgotten, 'crazy vets', no loans.
Notes
ESR 001 (U-30188M), A side, gold label with the POW*MIA "You Are Not Forgotten" emblem and the ESR mountain logo; "G. I. Loan" (George Jeffrey), © Echo Summit Music/BMI, time 3:01; 1st Lt. Bobby Ross (Ret., 101st Airborne, USA); produced by David Shipley, engineer Ed Simonton.

The label states: "This material was written and performed by Vietnam Veterans for All Veterans especially those who served in the Vietnam Era." Echo Summit Records, 11 Music Sq. E., Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 244-8725. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#312 1st Lt. Bobby Ross Daddy's Red Ribbons 1991 · Single · ESR # ESR 002 · USA
Notes
- Country, military, Vietnam veteran
- "dedicated to all P.O.W./M.I.A. abandoned by the government of the United States of America in WWII, Korea and Vietnam"
- Narrators father captured during the war
- Could still be alive in one of the camps

- ESR 002 (U-30396M), A side, gold label with POW★MIA "You Are Not Forgotten" emblem and ESR mountain logo; "Daddy's Red Ribbons" (CSM John R. Holland-US Army Ret./Bobby Ross), 3:32, © Echo Summit Music, BMI; 1st Lt. Bobby Ross (Ret. 101st Airborne, USA); produced by Bobby Ross, engineer Ed Simonton.

The label states: "This material was written, produced, & performed by Vietnam Veterans and dedicated to all POW/MIA's abandoned by the government of the United States of America in WW II, Korea & Vietnam." Rim text: "(615) 244-8725 • Echo Summit Records • 11 Music Sq. E. • Nashville, TN 37203." [From the record sleeve and labels]
#313–339 Various Artists In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War 1991 · Album · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
All 27 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
This album, which includes 27 folk songs, is part of the Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project - which attempts to collect, preserve and spread folk songs of the Vietnam War.1 All the songs on the album are written and performed by people who were involved in the war. Also see Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#313 Chuck Rosenberg Ba Muoi Ba 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
Annotation
This album, which includes 27 folk songs, is part of the Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project - which attempts to collect, preserve and spread folk songs of the Vietnam War.1 All the songs on the album are written and performed by people who were involved in the war. Also see Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.2
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#314 Dick Jonas Battle Hymn Of The River Rats 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#315 Chuck Rosenberg Boonie Rat Song 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#316 Saul Broudy Chu Yen 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#317 Toby Hughes Cobra Seven 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#318 Bull Durham Crack Went The Rifle 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#319 Bull Durham Danang Lullaby 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#320 Dick Jonas Fighter Pilot's Christmas 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#321 Bill Ellis Firefight 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#322 Bill Ellis First Cav 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#323 Bill Ellis Freedom Bird 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#324 Chuck Rosenberg Green Beret and Friendly FAC 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#325 Saul Broudy Green T-Shirt Blues 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#326 Bill Ellis Grunt 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#327 Saul Broudy Here I Sit 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#328 Toby Hughes Ho Chi Minh Trail 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#329 Chip Dockery I've Been Everywhere 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#330 Bull Durham Jolly Green 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#331 Chip Dockery King Of The Trail 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#332 Chuck Rosenberg Played Around And Stayed Around Vietnam Too Long 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#333 Dick Jonas Pull The Boom From The Gas Hole 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#334 Saul Broudy Saigon Warrior 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#335 Chip Dockery Sitting In The Cab Of My Truck 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#336 Chuck Rosenberg Six Clicks 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#337 Toby Hughes Tchepone 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#338 Chip Dockery The Panther Pack Is Prowling / Ling Po Drove The Truck Away 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA
#339 Dick Jonas Will There Be A Tomorrow? 1991 · Album · In Country: Folk Songs Of Americans In The Vietnam War · Flying Fish # FF 70552 · USA

1996

#340 Michael McCann The Wall 1996 · Soldiers' Songs · MM # 001-2 · USA
Annotation
Michael McCann was born in 1945, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. He is currently based in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. He enlisted in the army in 1968 and became a Green Beret. He was wounded while serving as a combat medic on a Special Forces A-team in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor. He left the army in 1971.1 He released this record in 1996, which contained the song "The Wall" , composed by Tim Murphy, who received the Silver Star in Vietnam, a cross between singer/songwriter and Irish folk music. The song told the story of a man visiting the memorial, people watching, from the "tourists, and the querious" as well as "the veterans" , all coming together at the same place for various reasons, but still a "common bond" .
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
On a drizzly DC morning in the middle of July
My brother bought me downtown to the Wall
Past the watchful eyes were blinking beneath a weeping summer sky
We crossed the street to the little green, and visited the Wall
I remember I was nervous then, I guess a little scared
Cause I wasn't sure how I'd react at all
See the names of the servicemen who been recorded there
Who heard the final roll call, and assembled at the wall
And every name’s a father or a husband or a son
Or a daughter or a brother or a cousin to someone
Or a name might be a classmate or a friend you may recall
There’s nearly sixty thousand fallen names, still waiting at The Wall
Now the wall has many granite sections, solid gold and black
Visitors, they pause and touch a name
And it seems that in the dark reflections hands were reaching back
As if to reach, to touch and hold the hands...
Someone might leave a rose, a letter or a poem
A message to young man loved and lost
And to show they still remember those who never made it home
They built the wall so long and tall, and paid the bitter cost...
As I watched the minds of people walk by in slow parade
I read a different story in each face
But I couldn't help wonder in this pilgrimage we made
What common bond if any may have brought us to this place
There were tourists, and the querious, and some veterans who came
Some others who sought an answer to it all
But the only thing I'm sure of is we left not quite the same
With our memories alive...
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾
#341 Jim Hatch Touch a Name on the Wall 1996 · Album · A Viet Nam Aviators Odyssey · USA
Annotation
Vietnam War veteran Jim Hatch released this album of war songs, which included "Touch a Name on the Wall" about the memorial.. Hatch said that: "I first heard this song on the 10 NOV 93 Marine Corps birthday. Laurie Canaan, who played the fiddle and sang harmony on that occasion, graciously agreed to do so for this album". With regards to the album, Hatch said that:
Liner notes
in recent years, several of the men I had the privilege to fly with, have urged me to record a sample of these musical oddities. I decided to start with songs we sang in flight training, through two tours in Viet Nam, in between tours, and up to the present day". (1)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Liner notes signed "Jim Hatch, Tustin, CA 1996"; track 20 of 20, with Laurie Canaan (fiddle, harmony vocals). Hatch first heard the song at the 10 November 1993 Marine Corps birthday.

1997

#342 Larry Barkemeyer 20 Years of Tears 1997 · Album · LDB · USA
Notes
LDB Productions / Bark Moss Enterprises, Cottage Grove, Oregon, (c) 1997; all songs written and arranged by Larry Barkemeyer, including "Twenty Years of Tears", "Ghost of My Youth", "Ground Attack" and "Borderline"; recorded at Woodshed Recording Studio. [From Country Joe McDonald's war-songs list]
Themes: Vet PTSD
Genre: ♪ Country
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#343–345 Jim Walktendonk Edges 1997 · Album · USA
All 3 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#343 Jim Walktendonk Nam Blues Boogie 1997 · Album · Edges · USA
Notes
CD; 1997; United States. [From Rate Your Music] Track 4 of the 18-track CD Edges; "Soldier in the War" (2) and "All Nam'd Out" (12) are also in the archive. No durations on Rate Your Music. [From Rate Your Music]
#344 Jim Walktendonk Soldier in the War 1997 · Album · Edges · USA
Notes
Track 2 of the 18-track CD Edges (1997); no durations on Rate Your Music. [From Rate Your Music]
#345 Jim Walktendonk All Nam'd Out 1997 · Album · Edges · USA
Notes
Track 12 of the 18-track CD Edges (1997); no durations on Rate Your Music. [From Rate Your Music]

1999

#346 Johnny Dowd Vietnam 1999 · Pictures From Life's Other Side · Koch # KOC-CD-8053 · USA
Annotation
The song "Vietnam" (Munich Records # MRCD 197) by Johnny Dowd - American, alternative country singer. Well the lyrics are pretty much inaudible, to the background of atmospheric guitars and helicopter sound effects. Served in the US army in the 1960s, stationed in Germany. In an interview, he spoke about the Vietnam, 60s era:
Quote
"it was a weird time, during the Vietnam era. It was a scary time for me, I was fortunate that I didn't go to Vietnam... It was in a period when everything was going on in America. People were getting assassinated, hippies, drugs and the draft....I was in Berlin for a year and a half, so I pretty much spent my military service under the influence of various hallucinogens. So my military experience was sort of military plus some bizarre LSD things". (1)
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Also issued on Munich Records (MRCD 197).
Lyrics
English
It was a weird time, during the Vietnam era. It was a scary time for me, I was fortunate that I didn't go to Vietnam... It was in a period when everything was going on in America. People were getting assassinated, hippies, drugs and the draft....I was in Berlin for a year and a half, so I pretty much spent my military service under the influence of various hallucinogens. So my military experience was sort of military plus some bizarre LSD things". (1)
Theme: Military
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs

2001

#347 Various Artists FAC Songs From SEA 2001 · Compilation · Border City · USA
Notes
Border City Records, Buffalo, New York; songs by Forward Air Controller (FAC) pilots of the war in Southeast Asia, mostly from recordings made in theatre; a documentary release of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project. [From Lydia Fish's list of recordings]
#348 Ole 1/27 Grunts It's Just a Nam Thing 2001 · USA
Notes
Discogs credits the artist on ...Next Stop Is Vietnam (Bear Family BCD 16070, 2010). [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM and Discogs]
Theme: Vet
#349–356 Billy Bang Vietnam: The Aftermath 2001 · Album · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
All 8 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#349 Billy Bang Yo! Ho Chi Minh is in the House 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#350 Billy Bang Moments for the KIA/MIA 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#351 Billy Bang Tunnel Rat (Flashlight and a 45) 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#352 Billy Bang Tet Offensive 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#353 Billy Bang Bien Hoa Blues 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#354 Billy Bang Mystery of the Mekong 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#355 Billy Bang Fire in the Hole 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#356 Billy Bang Saigon Phunk 2001 · Album · Vietnam: The Aftermath · Justin Time # JUST 165-2 · USA
Notes
Recorded 13–14 April 2001 at Sorcerer Sound; mastered 17 Sept 2001. Produced by Billy Bang and Jean-Pierre Leduc; conductor Butch Morris; with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), Michael Carvin (drums), Ted Daniel (trumpet), Frank Lowe (tenor sax), Sonny Fortune (flute), Ron Brown (percussion). Published by Janijam Music / Justin Time Publishing (SOCAN). Barcode 0 68944 01652 5.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs

2002

#357 Jim Cook & Taylor McKinnon The Victors 2002 · USA
Notes
A follow-up album, "Victors II, Tet-68", is listed for 2005. Discogs credits the artists on ...Next Stop Is Vietnam (Bear Family BCD 16070, 2010). [From QQ Music and Discogs]

2003

#358 John Black Meet Me in Vietnam 2003 · Album · Meet Me in Vietnam: The Ultimate Collection · 57th Street · USA
Credited on the record as John R. Black.
Notes
57th Street Productions / JB Productions, 2xCD, 2003, by John R. Black; no catalogue number (barcode 689039125023); produced by Scott Anderson; songs include "God Help Us Lyndon", "Take Me Home Freedom Bird" and "Dear Dad"; no track called "Meet Me in Vietnam". [From Discogs]
Theme: Vet

2005

#359–368 Billy Bang Vietnam: Reflections 2005 · Album · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
All 9 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#359 Billy Bang Reflections 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#361 Billy Bang Doi Moi 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#362 Billy Bang Lock & Load 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#363 Billy Bang Ly Ngua O 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#364 Billy Bang Reconciliation 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#365 Billy Bang Reconciliation 2 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#366 Billy Bang Ru Con 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#367 Billy Bang Trong Com 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#368 Billy Bang Waltz of the Water Puppets 2005 · Album · Vietnam: Reflections · Justin Time # JUST 212-2 · USA
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#360 Toby Hughes Fast and Low 2005 · USA
Notes
Lydia Fish notes recordings of Toby Hughes, the F-4C pilot and "balladeer of the in-country air war", added by Erosonic around 2005. [From Lydia Fish and Pop a Smoke]

2006

#369–374 Phil Ferrazano Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart 2006 · Album · USA
All 6 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Three songs on this country pop album, dealing with the memorial wall: "Facing the Wall", "Touching Your Name", and "Angels on a Wall".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#369 Phil Ferrazano Facing the Wall 2006 · Album · Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart · USA
Annotation
Three songs on this country pop album, dealing with the memorial wall: "Facing the Wall", "Touching Your Name", and "Angels on a Wall".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Tracks 1–3 are the Wall songs; other Vietnam tracks: Bobby's Saigon Boogie, Mekong River, Sons and Daughters.
#370 Phil Ferrazano Touching Your Name 2006 · Album · Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart · USA
Notes
Track 2 of Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart.
#371 Phil Ferrazano Angels on a Wall 2006 · Album · Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart · USA
Notes
Track 3 of Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart.
#372 Phil Ferrazano Bobby's Saigon Boogie 2006 · Album · Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart · USA
Notes
Same album as "Facing the Wall" (Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart, 2006).
Themes: Saigon Vet
#373 Phil Ferrazano Mekong River 2006 · Album · Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart · USA
Notes
Same album as "Facing the Wall" (Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart, 2006).
#374 Phil Ferrazano Sons and Daughters 2006 · Album · Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart · USA
Notes
Same album as "Facing the Wall" (Vietnam Remembered: Songs From the Heart, 2006).
Theme: Vet

2007

#375 The High Priced Help Songs by Army Aviators 2007 · Archival · Border City · USA
Notes
Border City Records CD, Buffalo, New York: 26 songs recorded in Vietnam in 1967 by four Army aviators of the 174th Assault Helicopter Company; Lydia Fish lists it as "High Priced Help" (also "Three Majors and a Minor"). [From Lydia Fish's list of recordings]

2010

#376 Sugar Blue Stop the War 2010 · Album · Threshold · Beeble # BB802 · USA
Annotation
Blues artist, born James Whiting, on 16 December 1949 in New York, USA. The song "Stop the War" (Beeble Music # BB802), released in 2010, is an anti-war track, not specifically mentioning a conflict, although the artist served in the Vietnam War (1970-73), so a Vietnam veteran's interpretation.1 The first line states his view, "they call it war, I call it murder". It focuses on hypocrisy, "in the name of freedom, to protect we must destroy". It notes the weapons have changed through history, but it's still war, "from the arrow to the uzi, mechanized insanity".
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Track 4. Digipak; recorded at Rax Trax Studios, Chicago, IL; licensed to Beeble Music. Barcode 884501218641. Musicians: Sugar Blue vocals, Rico McFarland and Sergio Montaleni guitar, Ilaria Lantieri and Jesse Cross bass, James Knowles drums, Damiano Della Torre accordion/keyboards.
Lyrics
English
They call it war, I call it murder, murder in the first degree
They’re spilling blood for profit and killing our democracy
It’s the devil retribution, and hell will be our destiny
Human bombs exploding, bullets aimed to set you free...
In the name of freedom, to protect we must destroy
Among the unknown soldiers lie our little girls and boys
One moment of silence for a lifetime of pain
Hope left unanswered, a promising future unclaimed
Stop the War, kill no more
Stop the War, kill no more
From tribal war to global war from kingdoms to democracies
From the arrow to the uzi mechanized insanity
Don’t care whose flag you die for, a graveyard is your destiny
Stop the War, kill no more
Stop the War, kill no more
Show full lyrics (16 lines) ▾
Also in: ▤ Blues songs

2013

#377–387 Sid Orr Vietnam: The Journey 2013 · Album · Not On Label · USA
All 11 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Sid Orr - he joined the marines in 1966 after high school, and served in the Vietnam War, with the Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMM-362) Ugly Angels at Phu Bai, Vietnam from 1969-1970. He currently lives in Woodstock, Georgia, USA. He is also in a group called The Tunnel Rats.1 He released this 2013 album of patriotic country songs about the Vietnam War. It included the song "As Long as That Black Granite Stands" about the memorial wall. This one took a religious perspective, focusing on a chaplain in combat in Vietnam, K.I.A.: "he grabbed his chest, his life flashed there in the water and the blood" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#377 Sid Orr As Long As That Black Granite Stands 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation
Sid Orr - he joined the marines in 1966 after high school, and served in the Vietnam War, with the Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMM-362) Ugly Angels at Phu Bai, Vietnam from 1969-1970. He currently lives in Woodstock, Georgia, USA. He is also in a group called The Tunnel Rats.1 He released this 2013 album of patriotic country songs about the Vietnam War. It included the song "As Long as That Black Granite Stands" about the memorial wall. This one took a religious perspective, focusing on a chaplain in combat in Vietnam, K.I.A.: "he grabbed his chest, his life flashed there in the water and the blood" .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Lyrics
English
Chaplain broke the bread and served the wine
Chaplain said my son you'll never die
Your sins are washed away
Your born from above
Born of the water and the blood
He served in the swamps of Vietnam
The platoon fought hard man to man
An AK crack, a bullet slash, he grabbed his chest
His life flashed there in the water and the blood
As long as that black granite stands
58,000 names man to man
The word of the chaplain come alive
In our hearts our brothers never dies
We'll never let our brother's memories die
He wore a helmet and a dark green vest
To protect his head and the best part of his chest
The chaplain told his men that this won't even start to protect the wounded warriors heart...
Some day you think that war is behind you
Then that day will hit you one more time
As long as that long black granite stands...
Show full lyrics (21 lines) ▾
#378 Sid Orr Go Ugly Early 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#379 Sid Orr He Can't Go Back Home (From Vietnam) 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#380 Sid Orr It's A Good Place To Go (When You're Just Getting In) 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#381 Sid Orr Leave The Light On A Little Longer 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#382 Sid Orr MIA Song I'll Be Right Back 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#383 Sid Orr Powder Blue 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#384 Sid Orr Squeeze Me Like A Claymore 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#385 Sid Orr The Sound Of Angel's Wings 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#386 Sid Orr You Killed Our Rhododendrons 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
#387 Sid Orr You've Got Thirty Days 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation: see “As Long As That Black Granite Stands” above (same release).
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs

2017

#388 Barry Sadler Interviews by Four Students 1 2017 · Album · Interviews by Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR 6652-A (Side 1) and DWR 6652-B (Side 2); "Sgt. Barry Sadler (Interviews by Four Students)"; Side 1: 1. 4:00, 2. 3:52; Side 2: 1. 3:52, 2. 3:04; produced by RTF Inc., 425 East 53rd Street, New York, New York. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#389–391 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 2017 · Single · DWR # 6652 · USA
All 3 songs from this single in the archive are in this collection
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#389 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 2 2017 · Single · Interviews With Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR 6652-A (Side 1) and DWR 6652-B (Side 2); "Sgt. Barry Sadler (Interviews by Four Students)"; Side 1: 1. 4:00, 2. 3:52; Side 2: 1. 3:52, 2. 3:04; produced by RTF Inc., 425 East 53rd Street, New York, New York. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#390 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 3 2017 · Single · Interviews With Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR 6652-A (Side 1) and DWR 6652-B (Side 2); "Sgt. Barry Sadler (Interviews by Four Students)"; Side 1: 1. 4:00, 2. 3:52; Side 2: 1. 3:52, 2. 3:04; produced by RTF Inc., 425 East 53rd Street, New York, New York. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs
#391 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 4 2017 · Single · Interviews With Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR 6652-A (Side 1) and DWR 6652-B (Side 2); "Sgt. Barry Sadler (Interviews by Four Students)"; Side 1: 1. 4:00, 2. 3:52; Side 2: 1. 3:52, 2. 3:04; produced by RTF Inc., 425 East 53rd Street, New York, New York. [From the record sleeve and labels]
Also in: ▤ Draft Songs

2021

#392–399 Billy Bang (Music From The Film) Lucky Man 2021 · Archival · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
All 8 songs from this archival in the archive are in this collection
Annotation

Film soundtrack

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#392 Billy Bang Lucky Man: Flashback Tunnel Reflections 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Annotation

Film soundtrack

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#393 Billy Bang Mystery of the Mekong 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#394 Billy Bang Lucky Man: Flashback Memories 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#395 Billy Bang New Saigon Phunk (Traditional and Improvised) 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#396 Billy Bang Lucky Man: Billy Reflecting on Memories and Feelings 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#397 Billy Bang Lucky Man: Flashlight and a 45 Tunnel Memories 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#398 Billy Bang Lucky Man Title Music: Vietnam 1967 Battle Composition 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs
#399 Billy Bang Moments for the KIA/MIA, Solo in a Hotel Interior Courtyard 2021 · Archival · (Music From The Film) Lucky Man · BBE # BBE650ALP · USA
Notes
3-LP set, BBE / IF Music, 'You Need This!' series; barcode 1 95497 54842 2; LC 15287. Recordings from Bang's return travels in Vietnam (film Billy Bang: Lucky Man, 2008) interspersed with his reflections on music, art, war and his return. Live sound recording in Vietnam: Arnaud Soulier; sleeve notes Markus Hansen. CD edition BBE650ACD (16 tracks, lacks side F excerpts). No durations on Discogs.
Also in: ▤ Jazz Songs

Unknown date

#400–417 Ted Studebaker Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! Album · USA
All 18 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Ted Studebaker, born in West Milton, Ohio (near Dayton) in 1945, was a conscientious objector because of his religious beliefs. Yet, he told his draft board that he was willing to go to Vietnam in a peace / civilian role. He joined the Vietnam Christian Service as an agriculturalist, helping Vietnamese in the mountain village of Di Linh. He stayed there for two years and married Pakdy, a fellow volunteer from Hong Kong. But he died on 26 April 1971 during a Viet Cong raid on the village. While in Vietnam, Studebaker recorded himself playing guitar with villagers, and several spoken-word clips (including an interview with Howard Royer, of Messenger Magazine). The tapes were converted and produced into an LP by his brother Gary Studebaker. The back of the LP quotes Ted Studebaker as saying that:
Liner notes
"I have never heard of a President pinning a medal of honor on a pacifist. These are the sacred glories reserved for those who can kill, maim, capture, or destroy the most, and the more human lives involved, the more glorious the award seems to be. What a contradiction of values. How can a great society be so inconsistent and incoherent?"
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#400 Ted Studebaker Come, Go With Me Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation
Ted Studebaker, born in West Milton, Ohio (near Dayton) in 1945, was a conscientious objector because of his religious beliefs. Yet, he told his draft board that he was willing to go to Vietnam in a peace / civilian role. He joined the Vietnam Christian Service as an agriculturalist, helping Vietnamese in the mountain village of Di Linh. He stayed there for two years and married Pakdy, a fellow volunteer from Hong Kong. But he died on 26 April 1971 during a Viet Cong raid on the village. While in Vietnam, Studebaker recorded himself playing guitar with villagers, and several spoken-word clips (including an interview with Howard Royer, of Messenger Magazine). The tapes were converted and produced into an LP by his brother Gary Studebaker. The back of the LP quotes Ted Studebaker as saying that:
Liner notes
"I have never heard of a President pinning a medal of honor on a pacifist. These are the sacred glories reserved for those who can kill, maim, capture, or destroy the most, and the more human lives involved, the more glorious the award seems to be. What a contradiction of values. How can a great society be so inconsistent and incoherent?"
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
GS-1000 (labels GS 1000 A / GS 1000 B), stereo, 33 1/3 RPM, plain gold labels titled "Life Is Good, Yea! Ted Studebaker in Vietnam", with no label name printed.

The front cover shows a green felt banner reading "Life Is Good Yea!" with a peace sign, a guitar, a butterfly and four dancing figures (cover banner by Virginia Hemmrick).

The back cover note tells that Ted Studebaker of West Milton, Ohio, told his draft board he could not conscientiously accept military service but was willing to go to Vietnam, went with the Vietnam Christian Service to help the mountain people of Di Linh, taking a guitar and a small tape recorder instead of weapons, married Pakdy, a volunteer from Hong Kong, and was shot dead when a Vietcong unit attacked Di Linh about a week later, on April 26, 1971; it quotes him: "I have never heard of a President pinning a medal of honor on a pacifist."

The record was produced from cassette recordings he sent home to family and friends, conceived by his brother Gary and Steve Engle; produced by Gary and Sue Studebaker, tape mastering and record production supervised by Steve Engle, tape and disc mastering at Annex Studios, Hollywood (mastering engineer John Anderson), records and cover by Custom Records, Los Angeles. Photographs show Studebaker playing guitar and villagers "Watching the rice huller and polisher".

The tracklist prints "Vietnameese Song" and lists three tracks as "Howard and Ted" after "Howard Royer and Ted". [From the record sleeve and labels]
#401 Ted Studebaker Howard Royer and Ted [1] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#402 Ted Studebaker Howard Royer and Ted [2] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#403 Ted Studebaker Howard Royer and Ted [3] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#404 Ted Studebaker Howard Royer and Ted [4] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#405 Ted Studebaker I Love the Mountains Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#406 Ted Studebaker Koho Congregational Singing Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#407 Ted Studebaker Kum Ba Yah Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#408 Ted Studebaker Silent Night (With A. Nam) Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#409 Ted Studebaker Study War No More Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#410 Ted Studebaker Ted [1] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#411 Ted Studebaker Ted [2] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#412 Ted Studebaker Ted [3] Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#413 Ted Studebaker Vietnamese Song (With A. Nam) Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#414 Ted Studebaker Vietnamese Song No. 2 Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#415 Ted Studebaker Vietnamese Song No. 3 Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#416 Ted Studebaker Vietnamese Song No. 4 Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#417 Ted Studebaker Wedding Music Album · Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea! · USA
Annotation: see “Come, Go With Me” above (same release).
#418–427 Jerry Hayes Back From Nam Album · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
All 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Jerry Hayes, born 10 October 1947 in Columbia, Tennessee, moved to Dallas, Texas with his parents where he attended school. The back of the LP (Toro Records # TAS-501) said that he then "joined the marines at the age of 19. He left San Diego Harbor January 7 of 1967 for duty on Okinawa and then to combat where he landed at DaNang in Viet Nam and served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. He returned to the states after the Tet Offensive in 1968 and went back to his country heritage in Tennessee seeking a career in music. Was discovered in Dallas latter as a remarkable talent for writing songs. His words tell a revealing story in Back in Nam". Thus, this collection of songs provided a veterans perspective on the war in the post-war period. In the 1990s he visited schools talking about his experiences in Vietnam and playing his songs.1 There is no date on the record, but the songs were registered for copyright between 1973 and 1975, and the record was probably released shortly after that, recorded at the Sumet-Bernet Sound Studios, Dallas, Texas.2 He re-recorded the songs in 1993 with his group "In Country" for a cassette called "Thanks to Them" .3 Key themes found within the album: patriotism, support for the veterans, draft card burning and draft dodgers, the fighting conditions in Vietnam, and drug use in Vietnam. Two of the songs looked at P.O.W. / M.I.A. issue. The first song "Seven Lonely Years" , narrated in the third person, described a soldier in a "prison camp in Vietnam" . He felt loneliness and desired to see his family and friends again. It concluded with the news that the P.O.W.s would be returning home to the USA. Also note:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#418 Jerry Hayes Seven Lonely Years Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation
Jerry Hayes, born 10 October 1947 in Columbia, Tennessee, moved to Dallas, Texas with his parents where he attended school. The back of the LP (Toro Records # TAS-501) said that he then "joined the marines at the age of 19. He left San Diego Harbor January 7 of 1967 for duty on Okinawa and then to combat where he landed at DaNang in Viet Nam and served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. He returned to the states after the Tet Offensive in 1968 and went back to his country heritage in Tennessee seeking a career in music. Was discovered in Dallas latter as a remarkable talent for writing songs. His words tell a revealing story in Back in Nam". Thus, this collection of songs provided a veterans perspective on the war in the post-war period. In the 1990s he visited schools talking about his experiences in Vietnam and playing his songs.1 There is no date on the record, but the songs were registered for copyright between 1973 and 1975, and the record was probably released shortly after that, recorded at the Sumet-Bernet Sound Studios, Dallas, Texas.2 He re-recorded the songs in 1993 with his group "In Country" for a cassette called "Thanks to Them" .3 Key themes found within the album: patriotism, support for the veterans, draft card burning and draft dodgers, the fighting conditions in Vietnam, and drug use in Vietnam. Two of the songs looked at P.O.W. / M.I.A. issue. The first song "Seven Lonely Years" , narrated in the third person, described a soldier in a "prison camp in Vietnam" . He felt loneliness and desired to see his family and friends again. It concluded with the news that the P.O.W.s would be returning home to the USA. Also note:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Toro Records, stereo; no catalogue number printed on the sleeve.

The front shows Jerry Hayes in a suit seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar, with the slogans "A Must In Your Collection", "'A Sure Hit' by Jerry Hayes – Words and Music", "Featuring Ballad of Barney" and "Toro Records brings this bright new star to you with vivid memories", and "Enjoy the instrumentals of Smokey Montgomery, Freddie Crane, Phil Baugh, Junior Graham, Dale Cook"; this copy carries a handwritten signature on the front.

Back credits: Marvin "Smokey" Montgomery, arrangements; Freddie Crane, piano; Phil Baugh, guitar; Junior Graham, bass; Dale Cook, drums, each with a short biography.

Side 1: Thoughts of Home 2:18, I Can Still Remember 3:45, One Last Memory 2:13, I Praise the Vet 2:15, Diary of Private Jones 3:40;
Side 2: Thanks to Them 2:33, Wanted Man 3:20, Johnny's Going Home 2:21, Seven Lonely Years 2:30, Ballad of Barney 4:15. Publisher Mockingbird Music, B.M.I.; recorded at Sumet-Bernet Sound Studios, Dallas, Texas, by Phil York and Gene Caton; master disc by Dick McGrew Recording; words and music by Jerry Hayes; copyright Toro Records, 2525 New Orleans Pl. #149, Dallas, Texas 75235; E. W. Wilson, Manager.

The sleeve notes say Hayes served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam and that "his words tell a revealing story in 'Back From Nam'". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
A long way from home, he sits all alone and sits his weary head upon his knees
He thinks of mum and dad and all the friends he had and wonders if he'll see them all again
There's the child he's not seen
Do you know what this means to a lonely homesick man so far away
And the beauty of his wife is the joy of his life
How hard it must be for her to wait
It's been seven lonely years, he's run out of tears
Hope is the pnly thing that's kept him sane
Is it true what they say, the news that came today, is he really going to be free at last
He prays it's not dream, this time it really means he'll leave
This prison camp in Vietnam, yes he's walking out that door
He'll see hungry no more, and he prays to god this war is done
#419 Jerry Hayes Thanks to Them Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Seven Lonely Years” above (same release).
#420 Jerry Hayes Wanted Man Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation
The second P.O.W. song, "Wanted Man" , continued the story above, as noted in the lyrics: "seven years is a long long time" . This time, narrated in the first person, the soldier described being shot down over Hanoi on a routine flight, where he ended up "in a dirty hole" . Declared missing in action, nobody from home knew if the soldier had died or been captured: "M.I.A., the folks don't know if I'm alive" . Yet finally the soldier heard the news that in a few days he would be released, wanted by his family and country.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Toro Records, stereo; no catalogue number printed on the sleeve.

The front shows Jerry Hayes in a suit seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar, with the slogans "A Must In Your Collection", "'A Sure Hit' by Jerry Hayes – Words and Music", "Featuring Ballad of Barney" and "Toro Records brings this bright new star to you with vivid memories", and "Enjoy the instrumentals of Smokey Montgomery, Freddie Crane, Phil Baugh, Junior Graham, Dale Cook"; this copy carries a handwritten signature on the front.

Back credits: Marvin "Smokey" Montgomery, arrangements; Freddie Crane, piano; Phil Baugh, guitar; Junior Graham, bass; Dale Cook, drums, each with a short biography.

Side 1: Thoughts of Home 2:18, I Can Still Remember 3:45, One Last Memory 2:13, I Praise the Vet 2:15, Diary of Private Jones 3:40;
Side 2: Thanks to Them 2:33, Wanted Man 3:20, Johnny's Going Home 2:21, Seven Lonely Years 2:30, Ballad of Barney 4:15. Publisher Mockingbird Music, B.M.I.; recorded at Sumet-Bernet Sound Studios, Dallas, Texas, by Phil York and Gene Caton; master disc by Dick McGrew Recording; words and music by Jerry Hayes; copyright Toro Records, 2525 New Orleans Pl. #149, Dallas, Texas 75235; E. W. Wilson, Manager.

The sleeve notes say Hayes served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam and that "his words tell a revealing story in 'Back From Nam'". [From the record sleeve and labels]
Lyrics
English
It happened high over Hanoi town, a routine flight they shot me down
I was doing fine until my plane hit the ground
In VC country was where I was found
A wound in my leg, a horrible thing, it was all I could do to bear the pain
With thoughts of home from this far away place kept creeping through my mind
A hard thing to face
I'm going home in three more days, to my wife and kids is where I'll stay
I've been too long in this one place
Ever since I was M.I.A.
The folks don't know if I'm alive or dead
In a dirty hole they kept me barely fed
Seven years is a long long time to be without friends of any kind...
I am so glad I got the news before I think I'd payed the dues
A wanted man is what I want to be, in the arms of my country, my wife and family
Show full lyrics (15 lines) ▾
#421 Jerry Hayes Ballad of Barney Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#422 Jerry Hayes Diary of Private Jones Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#423 Jerry Hayes I Can Still Remember Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#424 Jerry Hayes I Praise the Vet Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#425 Jerry Hayes Johnny's Going Home Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#426 Jerry Hayes One Last Memory Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#427 Jerry Hayes Thoughts of Home Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Wanted Man” above (same release).
#428 Sgt. F. Murphy Legend of the 173rd Single · Legend of the 173rd / Carol Ann · Action # 1116 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. F. Murphy & The Squad.
Notes
Legend of the 173rd (Murphy, Sgt. F.)
Carol Ann

Military or made up name??
Notes
Orange Action Records label, 1116, Side 1, 45 rpm, "2207 El Camino Real, San Mateo, Calif. (415) 341-1500"; "Legend of the 173rd" (Sgt. F. Murphy), Coreg Publ. BMI, time 2:22; Cohn & Donig Productions, San Mateo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#429 Pfc. Dale S. McWright My Brother Single · My Brother / The Marine Hymn · Film # FR-04568 · USA
Annotation
Written on the sleeve: "Dale McWright Wrote and recorded his only composition "My Brother" In memory of his Brother Ed, Who died in Vietnam from battle wounds Nov, 15, 1966. After Dale Heard his recorded version He shyly grinned and said "Do you think the Disc Jockeys will play it?" Dale Also Lost his life During the Battle for Hue, Feb, 17, 1968. He was recommended for the Bronze Star Medal. Dale And Ed lived in Dallas, Texas.

Military, about brother K.I.A. in Vietnam. Artist later also K.I.A.
Dallas, Texas, USA. Killed Thừa Thiên-Huế, Vietnam.

Wall of Faces1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Film Records Inc. FR-04568, 45 RPM; A "My Brother" (Dale S. McWright) 2:45, Woodbury Music Co. (BMI); B "The Marine Hymn" (traditional, arranged by Del Kacher) 2:22; produced by Charlie Adams and Del Kacher; pressed at the RCA plant, Hollywood. No date on Discogs. [From Discogs]
#430 Lester Hakey Today's Soldier Single · Today's Soldier / Golden Guitar · K-Ark # K. 1134 · USA
Annotation
Notes
- Released in Nashville, TN
- Artist from Vermont
- Military, vet, peace / anti-war, country
- According to obituary, served two term in the Vietnam War: "Lester served two tours in Vietnam with the United States ARMY. Following the ARMY, Lester got married, and started his singing career and making records in Nashville".1
- Mother cries as soldier goes off to war
- Must go, but what for, freedom or peace?
- How many more must die?
- The politicians don't want to stop this "crazy" war
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
K-Ark K. 1134-A, 45 RPM; Fairdealing Music (ASCAP), 2:40; writer printed "(Lester Hankey)"; produced by Rec. Prod. Serv., 728 - 16th Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn. B-side "Golden Guitar" not war-related. No date on the label or Discogs. [From the record label; Discogs]
Genre: ♪ Country
#431 Sgt. Jim Euel Purple Heart Single · Purple Heart / Choy Hoy · Jet # 69-119 · USA
Notes
Jet Records 69-119A; "Purple Heart" (J. Tolbert) 3:40 / "Choy Hoy" (J. Tolbert) 2:00; Sgt. Jim Euel sings; published by Clay Music (BMI); produced by Arthur Smith Studios, Charlotte, N.C. No date on the label or Discogs. [From the record label; Discogs]
#432 Sgt. Jim Euel Choy Hoy Single · Purple Heart / Choy Hoy · Jet # 69-119 · USA
Notes
Jet Records 69-119B; "Purple Heart" (J. Tolbert) 3:40 / "Choy Hoy" (J. Tolbert) 2:00; Sgt. Jim Euel sings; published by Clay Music (BMI); produced by Arthur Smith Studios, Charlotte, N.C. No date on the label or Discogs. [From the record label; Discogs]
#433 Viet Nam Vets Band No More Viet Nams Single · No More Viet Nams / No Use Pretending No More · Olean Viet Nam Memorial # WRA3-106 · USA
Notes
- post-war pop, protest, anti-war, veteran issues, Agent Orange, PTSD
- A-side: So many died, no more war for our children
- Helicopter sound effects
- Agent Orange - still fighting the war

- B-side: we fought the war, let's talk
- Impact of PTSD, overcome Vietnam syndrome

- Olean Viet Nam Memorial Record WRA3-106, stereo, 45 RPM, made in Canada; A "No More Viet Nams" 2:55, B "No Use Pretending No More" 3:40; Viet Nam Vets Band: David R. Chapin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Frank J. Sisson (lead guitar/bass, vocals), Daniel B. Ganoung (drums, vocals), Frank Falkowski (keyboards, vocals), Dennis Chamberlain (bass/lead guitar, vocals). No date on the label. [From the record label]
Genre: ♪ Pop
#434 Viet Nam Vets Band No Use Pretending No More Single · No More Viet Nams / No Use Pretending No More · Olean Viet Nam Memorial # WRA3-106 · USA
Notes
- post-war pop, protest, anti-war, veteran issues, Agent Orange, PTSD
- A-side: So many died, no more war for our children
- Helicopter sound effects
- Agent Orange - still fighting the war

- B-side: we fought the war, let's talk
- Impact of PTSD, overcome Vietnam syndrome

- Olean Viet Nam Memorial Record WRA3-106, stereo, 45 RPM, made in Canada; A "No More Viet Nams" 2:55, B "No Use Pretending No More" 3:40; Viet Nam Vets Band: David R. Chapin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Frank J. Sisson (lead guitar/bass, vocals), Daniel B. Ganoung (drums, vocals), Frank Falkowski (keyboards, vocals), Dennis Chamberlain (bass/lead guitar, vocals). No date on the label. [From the record label]
Themes: PTSD Vet
Genre: ♪ Pop
Also in: ▤ PTSD Songs
#435 Tommy Dorster Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam Single · I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight / Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam · MalPass # 7-8161 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Tommy Dorster.
Notes
I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight (Tommy Dorster)

Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam
Notes
MalPass Records 7-8161, red label, 45 RPM, Tomaria Music (BMI); side A 7-8161A "I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight" (T. Dorster), 3:17; side B 7-8161B "Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam" (T. Dorster), 2:57; credited to Sgt. Tommy Dorster, "The Fighting Soldier from Vietnam".

The picture sleeve shows Dorster singing in uniform with ribbons, garrison cap and raised hand, under the heading "Sgt. Tommy Dorster — 'The Fighting Soldier From Vietnam'"; sleeve and A-side label are autographed in ink by Tommy Dorster. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#436 Tom Gill Heritage of Freedom Single · Heritage of Freedom / The Legend of Uncle Sam · Hilltop # H-3030 · USA
Credited on the record as SFC Tom Gill, U.S. Army.
Notes
Heritage of Freedom (Gill, Tom)
The Legend of Uncle Sam
Notes
Hilltop Records, "A Product of Pickwick International", H-3030, stereo, Southtown Music BMI; side A H-3030A (PRP 23341) "Heritage of Freedom" (Tom Gill), 2:58; side B H-3030B (PRP 23342) "The Legend of Uncle Sam" (Tom Gill), 2:43; credited to SFC Tom Gill, U.S. Army; Hilltop Records, 806 16th Ave. So., Nashville, Tenn. 37203. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#437 Tommy Dorster I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight Single · I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight / Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam · MalPass # 7-8161 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Tommy Dorster.
Notes
I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight (Tommy Dorster)

Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam
Notes
MalPass Records 7-8161, red label, 45 RPM, Tomaria Music (BMI); side A 7-8161A "I'll Be So Glad When We Won't Have to Fight" (T. Dorster), 3:17; side B 7-8161B "Hello USA, Goodbye Vietnam" (T. Dorster), 2:57; credited to Sgt. Tommy Dorster, "The Fighting Soldier from Vietnam".

The picture sleeve shows Dorster singing in uniform with ribbons, garrison cap and raised hand, under the heading "Sgt. Tommy Dorster — 'The Fighting Soldier From Vietnam'"; sleeve and A-side label are autographed in ink by Tommy Dorster. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#438 Tom Gill The Legend of Uncle Sam Single · Heritage of Freedom / The Legend of Uncle Sam · Hilltop # H-3030 · USA
Credited on the record as SFC Tom Gill, U.S. Army.
Notes
Heritage of Freedom (Gill, Tom)
The Legend of Uncle Sam
Notes
Hilltop Records, "A Product of Pickwick International", H-3030, stereo, Southtown Music BMI; side A H-3030A (PRP 23341) "Heritage of Freedom" (Tom Gill), 2:58; side B H-3030B (PRP 23342) "The Legend of Uncle Sam" (Tom Gill), 2:43; credited to SFC Tom Gill, U.S. Army; Hilltop Records, 806 16th Ave. So., Nashville, Tenn. 37203. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#439 High Caliber Band Vietnam Song Single · Lady of the Evening / Vietnam Song · High Caliber # U-23166M · USA
Notes
- Post-war, released North Carolina
- Vet's perspective, contemporary folk
- Two brothers in Vietnam, one lived, one died
- Impact on family
- What was Vietnam?
- Reference to the memorial wall

- High Caliber Records U-23166M, side B, time 3:30, ASCAP; (Sam C. Courtney and Randall Newnam); Jeff Farris lead guitar, Randy Newnam lead vocals; producer Sam Courtney; High Caliber Records, P.O. Box 4330, Cary, N.C. 27519. [From the record label]
#440 Michael McCann The Wall Album · Soldier's Songs · Soldier's Song # MM-001-2 · USA
Annotation
The ultimate Vietnam War compilation, released by Bear Family Records, it includes 13 discs, 334 tracks, and a 304 page booklet. In fact you can spend 16 hours and 49 minutes listening to Vietnam War songs if you like. Hugo Keesing, a popular music collector and teacher (formerly at the University of Maryland) produced the compilation, and help to find, select, and evaluate most the songs included - his personal collection of Vietnam War songs stretches into the thousands. Also see The Keesing Collection on Popular Music and Culture.1 It is split into various themes, such as veterans, the patriotic, the draft, the protest movement, the plight of the soldiers etc. The blurb says:

The compilation of course included several songs about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in D.C. including "The Big Parade" by 10,000 Maniacs, "Long Black Wall" by Johnny Anthony, "More Than a Name on the Wall" by the The Statler Brothers, "The Wall" by Michael McCann, "Finally Welcomed Home" by Bobby Ross, "Who Are the Names on the Wall" and "Time to Lay It Down (aka The Wall)" by Michael J. Martin & Tim Holiday, "The Women on the Wall" by John Black, "Ride to the Wall" by Paul Revere & The Raiders, and "Salute the Boys of Vietnam" by J.C. Weaver.
Booklet notes
From America's first, naive impressions of a country called Vietnam through the spirited musical debate over the morality of the war to the healing meditations on the conflict's lengthy aftermath, this set captures it all and more".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
CD album Soldier's Songs (Soldier's Song MM-001-2); "The Wall" written by Tim Murphy. Also on the Bear Family box ...Next Stop Is Vietnam (2010). Pat Garvey's "Still Waiting at the Wall" (VWSP5693) is also by Tim Murphy.
#441 Pfc. Dale S. McWright The Marine Hymn Single · My Brother / The Marine Hymn · Film # FR-04568 · USA
Notes
Other side of My Brother (VWSP5779). [From Discogs]
#442 Various Artists Voices of the Fleet Vol. VII Album · Not On Label # CPF-107 · USA
Annotation

Documentary, interviews, and field recordings of the US Pacific Fleet in Vietnam (#CPF-107). It includes soldiers in Vietnam recalling various events, such as operations, being under attack, shot down and recovered, escaping from ambushes, and information on the process of flying planes and returning aircrafts to the navy deck. The sleeve describes each track in specific detail, with regards to who is being interviewed / speaking, and the situation: " A1: North Vietnam's Kep Airfield Under Navy attack is recounted by Navy Pilots LCDR Ken Jurgensen and LTJG Roger Van Dyke of Lemoore, California. A2: Navy Fireman Kenneth Bracey of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, relives the story of his first encounter with Viet Cong during minesweeping operations on South Vietnam's Long Tau river. A3: The rescue of two pilots shot down over North Vietnam is described by LT Perry Gard of St. Petersburg, Florida. A4: Hospital man Samuel D. Bottaro of Onawa, Iowa, relates his experiences while treating Marines in the field and at South Vietnam's Dong Ha Aid Station. A5: LCDR Hugh McGee of Fairfield, Connecticut, shot down while aiding in the rescue of a downed Navy pilot, recalls his own rescue from the waters off North Vietnam. B1: CDR Hank Bailey of Lemoore, California, comments on the versatile Spad, a propeller-driven aircraft, recently phased out of Naval service. B2: A Navy River Patrol Boat's encounter with Viet Cong in South Vietnam's Mekong Delta is told by enginemen Joe Williams of Long Beach California, and James Plaster of Springfield, Missouri. B3: The briefing received by Navy Pilots aboard attack aircraft carriers in North Vietnam is discussed by CDR Paul Gillcrist of Freeport, New York. B4: Gunners Mate Jack Anderson of Blanchard, Oklahoma, a Navy river patrol boat crewman and winner of the Bronze Star, describes his escape from a Viet Cong ambush in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam. B5: The Intricate process of returning Navy aircraft to flight decks of Seventh Fleet carriers after missions over North Vietnam is explained by Air Controller Harry Trumble of Hanford, California.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Album line: interviews and field recordings of the US Pacific Fleet in Vietnam. [From Discogs]
#443 Sgt. F. Murphy Carol Ann Single · Legend of the 173rd / Carol Ann · Action # 1117 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. F. Murphy & The Squad.
Notes
Action Records 1117, side 2, 45 RPM, 2207 El Camino Real, San Mateo, Calif., (415) 341-1500; Coreg Publ., BMI; "Carol Ann" (Sgt. F. Murphy), 2:12; Cohn & Donig Productions, San Mateo. [From the record sleeve and labels]
#444 Andrés Jiménez Glorioso Viet Nam Album · Seis años de canción · Nuevo Arte # NA-010 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
Andres Jimenez, born 3 July 1947 in Orocovis, Puerto Rico released the song "Glorioso Viet Nam" ( "Glorious Viet Nam" ) (Nuevo Arte ‎# NA-010), a very interesting track that celebrated the victory of Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnam over South Vietnam and the USA. Jimenez was drafted to fight in Vietnam and trained at Fort Hood, Texas, USA. He studio at the University of Porto Rico in San Juan, where he started to view the US role in Vietnam, and Porto Rico, as "imperialism". He strongly supported independence for Porto Rico. The song celebrated the renaming of Saigon as Ho Chi Minh City, recalled the nationalists success against the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, and claimed that "all over Indochina they're kicking the Yankee out". At the end of the song, he warned the US that they should not be surprised when Ponce and San Juan (major cities in Porto Rico) rise up to be independent. The song also appeared on the album Viva Puerto Rico Libre (below).
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Nuevo Arte NA-010-A, "Seis Años de Canción (antología)", Andrés Jiménez "El Jíbaro", yellow label, estéreo; Lado A track 4: "Glorioso Viet Nam" (R. Hernández y A. Jiménez), taken from "Taoné en Cuba" (Cuba, 1972). A Nuevo Arte Inc. production for the Hermandad de Empleados Exentos No Docentes de la U.P.R.; cover design by Nelson Sambolín, photography by Jochi Melero. [From the record sleeve and labels] Also on the compilation Viva Puerto Rico Libre (Paredon P-1035, 1978).
Lyrics
English
Glorious Vietnam, your war has come to an end (2x)
And your capital, Saigon, is now called Ho Chi Minh. (2x)
You defeated France in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, (2x)
And Danang and Saigon were the Yankees' Waterloo. (2x)
Vietnam has won, and Cambodia too. (2x)
Van Thieu ran away from Saigon and Lon Nol from Pnom Penh. (2x)
Things are getting tougher in Laos and Thailand, (2x)
And all over Indochina they're kicking the Yankees out. (2x)
The Yankees ran like hell, (2x)
Leaving their flunkies to wait for planes. (2x)
They better learn the lesson of how Cambodia and Vietnam fell, (2x)
And friends, don't be surprised when Ponce and San Juan go too! (2x)
Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh!
Spanish
Glorioso Vietnam, tu guerra llegó a su fin (2x)
Y tu capital Saigón hoy se llama Ho Chi Minh. (2x)
Derrotastes a Francia en la batalla de Dien Bien Phu (2x)
Y West Danang y Saigón fue de los yanquis su Waterloo. (2x)
Ya triunfó Vietnam, Cambodia también, (2x)
Van Thieu huyó de Saigón, Lon Nol huyó de Pnom Penh. (2x)
Se complican las cosas allá en Laos Y Tailandia (2x)
Y de toda la Indochina, los yanquis cogen la juyilanga. (2x)
Salieron huyendo en precarias condiciones (2x)
Y dejaron los alcahuetes esperando los aviones. (2x)
Que se apliquen el cuento, cayó Cambodia y Vietnam, (2x)
Amigos, no se sorprendan cuando caigan Ponce y San Juan. (2x)
¡Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh!
Show full lyrics (29 lines) ▾

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 37 themes ▾

Key stats

443 songs · 137 releases · 102 artists · 97 labels · 1964–2021 · 1 more list entries have no record page yet and are not counted here

Time period
  • 1991 is the peak year, with 55 songs.
  • 1966–69 holds 85 of the 398 dated songs — one in five in four years.
  • 203 were released during the war years (to 1975); 240 came after.
  • 45 records are undated.
Artists
  • 102 artists for 443 songs. The most represented is Dick Jonas, with 31.
  • 27 of the artists are still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
  • Five are credited to various artists — compilations and cast recordings.
Songwriters
  • Songwriter gender is recorded for 194 of the 443 songs: 172 by men, 15 by women and seven by mixed teams — women wrote 8% of those.
  • By performer: 403 men, 16 not identified, eleven women and eleven mixed groups (recorded for 441).
  • 142 named songwriters. The most often credited is Richard E. Jonas, with 22.
Labels
  • 46 of the 97 labels appear exactly once; Flying Fish has the most, with 27.
  • 27 sit on a major or well-known imprint — RCA Victor, Capitol, Columbia, King of Music, Apple, Cameo, Elektra, MGM. The other 416 are on independent, regional or private labels.
  • 27 are private pressings with no label at all.
  • 21 45s put both of their sides into this list.
Locations
  • 435 of the 443 are American. New York leads with 67, then California 23 and New Mexico 18.
  • New York City accounts for 63 records, more than any other city; Las Cruces has 18, Nashville 15.
  • Eight come from outside the US: four Japanese, two Puerto Rican, one from Thailand, one Vietnamese.
Themes
  • By perspective: 240 post-war; 88 home front or soldier's perspective; 81 patriotic, pro-government or anti-protest; 34 peace, protest and anti-war.
  • 136 distinct sub-themes across 443 songs.
  • Vet is the single biggest subject — 228 songs, more than half.
  • Next come Soldier's Perspective (197), Patriotic (115), Anti-War (40) and Combat (39).
  • One is answer record to “Green Beret”.