It's On

Annotation

Contemporary folk artist Gary Shearston, born 9 January 1939 in Inverell, NSW, Australia. He died 1 July 2013, Tenterfield, NSW, Australia, prominent on the scene, who wrote and recorded many political, social, and economic protest songs. This included several Vietnam War-related songs: "Twenty Summers" and "The Conscription Romp" on his 1965 album Australian Broadside. He also released the song "The Lost Soldier" on his 1966 album Sings His Songs.. On this single, featured the anti-war song "It's On" (CBS # BA-221124), composed by Don Henderson, who wrote many Vietnam War-related songs, discussed below. While the Vietnam conflict was well underway in 1964, very few Australians participated until the Menzies government upgraded its commitment in April 1965 - so this is more of a Vietnam-era protest song, not specifically mentioning the conflict, but a representation of the early 60s anti-war movement in Australia. The lyrics revolved around the absurdity of conflict as two people get into a fight: "reason and logic are gone, winning the fight won't prove that you're right". The final verse criticised governments / politicians that "save on education and spend on defence".…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Australian & New Zealand Songs

Contemporary folk artist Gary Shearston, born 9 January 1939 in Inverell, NSW, Australia. He died 1 July 2013, Tenterfield, NSW, Australia, prominent on the scene, who wrote and recorded many political, social, and economic protest songs. This included several Vietnam War-related songs: "Twenty Summers" and "The Conscription Romp" on his 1965 album Australian Broadside. He also released the song "The Lost Soldier" on his 1966 album Sings His Songs. On this single, featured the anti-war song "It's On" (CBS # BA-221124), composed by Don Henderson, who wrote many Vietnam War-related songs, discussed below. While the Vietnam conflict was well underway in 1964, very few Australians participated until the Menzies government upgraded its commitment in April 1965 - so this is more of a Vietnam-era protest song, not specifically mentioning the conflict, but a representation of the early 60s anti-war movement in Australia. The lyrics revolved around the absurdity of conflict as two people get into a fight: "reason and logic are gone, winning the fight won't prove that you're right". The final verse criticised governments / politicians that "save on education and spend on defence". Melbourne…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

About the artist

Born 9 January 1939 in Inverell, NSW, Australia. He died 1 July 2013, Tenterfield, NSW, Australia

Themes

Anti-War · ANZUS

In collections

Australian & New Zealand Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs