Free Calley

Annotation

The track "Free Calley" (Keepsake Records # KS1010) - the title obviously explained Cottingham's view. He defended Calley on the grounds that he followed orders, and claimed that "justice was shattered when this senseless trial begun". It referenced Fort Benning - the base were Calley undertook combat training in Georgia, and later, on 1 April 1971, placed under house arrest by Richard Nixon. It started with a military marching drum. Released in San Angelo, Texas. Written by Jerry Mack. Produced by Gorman Maxwell and Jerry Mack.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: The spirit of (17)76 went down in 71 / Men hearts are stirred today but not by distant drums / A trial at Fort Benning has left our country numb / Justice was shattered when this senseless trial begun / A soldier from Florida, Calley is his name / Was trained to fight and kill in this war's deadly game / He did his best to do his part that was his only aim / For doing what he was told he suffered scorn and shame / America, America, what a mournful day / A boy who's fought to win this war returned with a price to war / Let's use the freedom we have left to say what must say / Free Calley, free Calley, it's not his price to pay

Notes

Keepsake Records KS1010A, © Copyright 1971, P.O. Box 5200, San Angelo, Texas 76901, Ph. 915/655-4540; "Free Calley" (Jerry Mack), 2:55, Westex Music, BMI; produced by Gorman Maxwell and Jerry Mack. Black-and-white label with a globe design. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

Patriotic · My Lai · Pro-Calley · Calley-Order · Calley-Justice · Fort Benning · Pro-Soldier

In collections

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