Behold the Voice of the People

Annotation

Obscure traditional pop single, the song "Behold the Voice of the People" (Prestige Productions # PP71-127) by Johnny Campbell defended the actions of Calley. He recognised the killings that took place: "woman and children died". However, the narrator thought that this "happened in every other war", and that Calley had "carried out an order like a loyal soldier would". While the narrator said that Calley "has done no wrong", he then argued that "one man can't take the blame" - thus a contradiction, as the second phrase suggested that Calley had in fact done something wrong, but argued that he should not be a scapegoat and the only person held accountable for the atrocity. Campbell focused on the views of the public, who, according to the narrator, "cried loud and long" at the Calley verdict, and so demanded his freedom. Backing the soldier regardless of moral and ethical arguments, it displayed blind support and faith in the actions of the soldier.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation

"Viet Nam" by Sid Linard (Prestige Productions # PP71-127), released in 1971. country, plight of the soldier, ambiguous lyrics. patriotic references, referred to hell of war and pointlessness

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs

Obscure traditional pop single, the song "Behold the Voice of the People" (Prestige Productions # PP71-127) by Johnny Campbell defended the actions of Calley. He recognised the killings that took place: "woman and children died". However, the narrator thought that this "happened in every other war", and that Calley had "carried out an order like a loyal soldier would". While the narrator said that Calley "has done no wrong", he then argued that "one man can't take the blame" - thus a contradiction, as the second phrase suggested that Calley had in fact done something wrong, but argued that he should not be a scapegoat and the only person held accountable for the atrocity. Campbell focused on the views of the public, who, according to the narrator, "cried loud and long" at the Calley verdict, and so demanded his freedom. Backing the soldier regardless of moral and ethical arguments, it displayed blind support and faith in the actions of the soldier."Viet Nam" by Sid Linard (Prestige Productions # PP71-127), released in 1971. country, plight of the soldier, ambiguous lyrics. patriotic references, referred to hell of war and pointlessness

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: He was a loyal soldier fighting in a war / He carried out his orders never asking anymore / He moved into the village, of little small My Lai / And when the fighting ended woman and children died, they brought him to the court room / They stripped him of his rank, said that the acts you have committed have brought our country shame / Behold the voice of the people...free Mr. Calley, he don't deserve to die / They gave him life in prison to try to ease the pain / Behold the voice of the people, it was heard again / Behold the voice of the people, they cried loud and long / Free Mr. Calley, for he has done no wrong... / All the acts and killings and happenings at My Lai... / All these things have happened in every other war... / Behold the voice of the people, one man can't take the blame / He carried out an order like a loyal soldier would / Behold the voice of the people

Notes

Prestige Productions PP71-127, stereo, 45 RPM, red label, vocal; Side One (10439A): "Behold the Voice of the People" (J. Bowers – F. Winters), Johnny Campbell, 3:15; Side Two (10439B): "Viet Nam" (J. Bowers – F. Winters), Sid Linard, 1:41. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

My Lai · Pro-Calley · Calley-Order · Calley-Scapegoat · Calley-Chaos · Pro-Soldier

In collections

My Lai & Lt. William Calley Songs · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]