58000
1984 · Orange · Boston, Massachusetts
- Artist
- Vietnam Veteran Artists
- Title
- 58000
- Release
- Saigon Children / 58000
- Year
- 1984
- Label
- Orange
- Format
- 7" · Single
- Language
- English
- Country
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Genre
- Rock · Pop Rock
- Primary theme
- Post-War
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
About the artist
Collective credit for recordings by groups of Vietnam veteran performers; individual artists credited within the releases.
Themes
Vet · Military · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall · Anti-War · Anti-Government