Postmarked Viet Nam

Annotation

The country track "Postmarked Viet Nam" (Chart Records # 1285) contained patriotic elements. The label, founded in Atlanta Georgia by Slim Williamson, was based in Nashville for the recording of this single, and presumably June Black based her career there, around 1965-66.1 It is possible that she may have been a "pay as you go" artist, i.e. she payed for the recording session, and received no promotion from the label.2 However, Chart Records did in fact take out a half-page advert promoting this single, claiming "Terrific sales! Big air play! A hit record! by June Black", in Record World on 15 January 1966.3 Black introduced and ended the narrative from the position of a soldier's wife, who received a letter from her husband in Vietnam. She declared that "I'll wait until you come home". In the middle of the track June Black switched the narration to being the soldier in Vietnam, addressing his wife. He expressed patriotic sentiments, defending the US position in Vietnam on the grounds of freedom for the future generations: "we want our little ones to be free". The soldier also "wanted people back home...to understand" that the soldiers in Vietnam had "made so many gains", addressing the critics of the war.Sources1chartrecords.net (archived copy)↩2Chart Records: Lynn Anderson interview↩3Record World Jan 15 1966↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: I just received your letter, postmarked Vietnam / With trembling hands I opened it, god may I be strong / As I see the familiar writing, hear your voice, you're here with me / I can almost feel your touch my hand... / Yes darling, I'll always remember and I'll wait until you come home / And I'll read your sweet letter, postmarked Vietnam / Dearest darling, we have just received word that tomorrow will will meet the Viet Cong / And there are so many thing I'd to say to you while we're waiting for the dawn / I wish people back home will try to understand that we have made so many gains / And that lives that have been given here have not been given in vain / And darling don't ever be bitter / You and I understand why this has to be / Because in the coming years ahead we want our little ones to be free / So now kiss them goodnight from me and say a pray / And remember these things I've said tonight...my love is with you

Notes

Chart Records 1285 (SW 35), 806-17th Avenue, S., Nashville, Tenn., red "Promotional Copy" label; "Postmarked Viet Nam" (June Black), 2:09, Peach Music SESAC. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

Patriotic · Soldier's Perspective

In collections

US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]