Jim in Viet Nam

Annotation

In the song "Jim in Viet Nam" (Walker Records # SI-117), the obscure country singer Millie Credit narrated the track from the perspective of a soldier's sweetheart. She told the full story of their experience - how they were in love and planned a future together. But then a "message came from Uncle Sam", drafting him to Indochina. She prayed that he would return and that there "would be peace in Vietnam". However, she received a telegram informing her that "Jimmy is dead". At the end of the track, she told the listener that "he gave his life for your freedom", thus supporting the government's justification of the conflict. Walker Records was a sub-label of Sidra Records Inc., both based in Detroit, Michigan.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: Jim and she were sweethearts, they were so in love / They planned a cottage in the valley... / Then when day a message came from Uncle Sam / We need you now Jim in Vietnam... / I hope and prayed that Jim would soon return to me safe and sound / That the fighting would be over and would be peace in Vietnam / Yes time goes on so slowly when you are alone / Then one day the postman handed me a telegram / My eyes filled with tears as I read / 'We are sorry to inform you now, that your Jimmy is dead' /He gave his life for your freedom and mine in Vietnam / All I have left now is the memory of him

Notes

Walker Records SI-117-A (SoN 30522), yellow label; "Jim in Viet Nam" (Millie Credit), Mitten Music, BMI, time 2:35; produced by Stanley P.; "© 1966 Sound Inc., Detroit, Michigan". [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

Draft · Anti-War · Patriotic · Soldier's Perspective

In collections

Draft Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs [War Years] · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]