Set Lt. Calley Free

Annotation

In the country song "Set Lt. Calley Free" (REM Records # REM 45-467), released in 1969, the narrator declared that "we're a sick society", as the US had "crucified" and "nailed Lt. Calley to a tree" - presenting Calley as a sort of Jesus figure, wrongly accused and charged. The narrator wanted to free Lt. Calley because "he carried out his orders" i.e. Calley did his duty, and so not to blame for the massacre. The narrator questioned who would stand trial for the American soldiers killed in Vietnam. The narrator also indicated some resentment towards the lengthy war: "we Americans are tired of a war that can't be won" - which in the country music genre, usually featuring strong pro-government sentiments, represented a somewhat anti-war statement. Therefore, the song criticised the military establishment and government policy, while showing support for the soldier. The record label was founded in Lexington, Kentucky, then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where this song was recorded. Big Bill Johnson, born William Joseph Johnson on 3 May 1927 in Louisville, Kentucky, later moved to Texas. He died in Greenville, Texas, on 2 December 2006. He also had the nickname "The Tall Kentuckian", and wrote several songs about Louisville.12Sources1rootsweb.ancestry.com↩2Find a Grave↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: We're a sick, sick society, we've nailed Lt. Calley to a tree... / We Americans are tired of a war that can't be won / Where a soldier is charged with murder if he uses his gun / We never want to see another soldier crucified... / We're a...sick society if we don't set Lt. Calley free / They sent Lt. Calley to the village of My Lai / He carried out his orders and never asked why / He was treated like a criminal... / Brought to trial, the jury found him guilty and the country went wild... / What about the Americans who died in Vietnam / Who's the military going to charge for murdering them, for somebody is responsible for taking their lives... / Prayers brokenhearted mothers and wives

Notes

REM 45-467 (9116), red label, 1006 Main St., Nashville, Tenn.; "Set Lt. Calley Free" (Big Bill Johnson), 2:47, Fayette BMI; produced by Bob Mooney. [From the record sleeve and labels]

About the artist

Born Louisville, Kentucky, USA (3 May 1927). Died Greenville, Texas, USA (2 December 2006).

Themes

My Lai · Pro-Calley · Anti-War · Calley-Jesus · Calley-Order · Calley-Justice · Pro-Soldier

In collections

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