Set Lt. Calley Free
1969 · REM 45-467 · Nashville, Tennessee
- Artist
- Big Bill Johnson
- Title
- Set Lt. Calley Free
- Release
- Set Lt. Calley Free / Pitchin' Woo
- Year
- 1969
- Label
- REM # 45-467
- Format
- 7" · Single
- Language
- English
- Country
- Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Songwriter
- Big Bill Johnson
- Genre
- Country · Country
- Primary theme
- US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs
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…
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
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
In collections
My Lai & Lt. William Calley Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs