My Lai

Annotation

Probably released around 1971, the country track "My Lai" (Dee-Jay Records # DJ-1045), described by the narrator as a "commie infested village", defended the actions of Calley, and suggested that in order to survive war "the enemy must die". The lyrics also argued that Calley faced a 'catch-22' - by following orders in My Lai the soldiers faced condemnation. But, if they did not follow orders, then they would face a court-martial. Co-written by Curtis Wayne and H. Caudill, and performed by Lucky Clark, out of Oklahoma City.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: If we can't stand by our fighting men, what our country coming to? / Now the service took some boys and turned them into men... / Now war is hell, where if you want to live the enemy must die / Like the commie infested village, the town they call My Lai / Where one day a young lieutenant and company of fine young men / Were giving orders that would bring dishonor and prison in the end / Now these were good Americans and never thought to wonder why / They were sent to fight the enemy in a village called My Lai / If they had not done what they were told, they would have faced court-martial... / Dishonor if you don't listen, if you do, there is no way to win, either way to loose

Notes

Dee-Jay Records DJ-1045 A, Side 1, Okla. City, Okla., telephone 405/631-2055 and 405/248-3715; blue label; "My Lai" (C. Wayne - H. Caudill), Love Bug Pub., BMI (2:55); producer Curtis Wayne; Lucky Clark. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

My Lai · Patriotic · Pro-Calley · Anti-Military · Pro-Soldier

In collections

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