The Battle in Viet Nam

Annotation

The song "The Battle in Viet Nam" (Copeland Records # CSS-635-636) started with the arrival of a letter from the army, informing someone that their beloved had died in Vietnam. The narrator compared the conflict to the US War of Independence, as an essential fight for freedom: "in freedom's fight of '76, from Concord to Vietnam, our fighting men have come fourth". Like many patriotic songs, the lyrics sought to make a connection between different battles throughout history, such as the world wars and earlier conflicts. Recorded at the Copeland Studios, Greensboro, NC, and written by Harry D. Griffith.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: I'm here to inform you about your beloved / Has prayed the price of conflict, in honour it was done... / The shock and shell unearthly hell in the battle in Vietnam... / As the battle waged in the mist of fire / Prayers were heard in silent words for the living brave and dead / Men fight and died, for war always takes it toll / The red, white, and blue, forever may it sway / And let us not forget how much our fathers gave in freedom's fight of '76, from Concord to Vietnam / Our fighting men have come forth and bravely took their stand

Notes

Copeland Records CSS-636, maroon label, "Country Vocal", recorded by Copeland Studios, Greensboro, N.C.; "The Battle in Viet Nam" (Harry D. Griffith), time 2:23; credited to Harry "Griff" Griffith & The Country Gents. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

Patriotic

In collections

US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]