Soldier

Annotation — Mexican-American / Hispanic Songs

This single featured the same song on both sides, one in English, the recording "Soldier", and one in Spanish, the recording "Soldadito" (Omega Records # 0-1004), which looked at the home front perspective, through the eyes of a mother, and a soldier's letter. It also featured patriotic, anti-war, and religious sentiment. The song started with a spoken-word introduction: "in memory of all my friends, those that didn't make it back". On the anti-war side, the song pondered "is it worth the price" to fight. In presenting the home front perspective, the narrative told of the mother who "holds his picture and begins to cry". But the song is clear in explaining the point of the war, with the patriotic line: "he made this precious country safe for you and me". Note that this song also had a small line about Prisoner's of War (P.O.W.s): "some were taken prisoners, some came home". Aslo see: . The picture sleeve contained the following text, which noted that "war is hell", but largely consisted of pro-soldier sentiment:

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs

This single featured the same song on both sides, one in English, the recording "Soldier", and one in Spanish, the recording "Soldadito" (Omega Records # 0-1004), which looked at the home front perspective, through the eyes of a mother, and a soldier's letter. It also featured patriotic, anti-war, and religious sentiment. The song started with a spoken-word introduction: "in memory of all my friends, those that didn't make it back". On the anti-war side, the song pondered "is it worth the price" to fight. In presenting the home front perspective, the narrative told of the mother who "holds his picture and begins to cry". But the song is clear in explaining the point of the war, with the patriotic line: "he made this precious country safe for you and me". Note that this song also had a small line about Prisoner's of War (P.O.W.s): "some were taken prisoners, some came home". Aslo see: & . The picture sleeve contained the following text, which noted that "war is hell", but largely consisted of pro-soldier sentiment:

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: There are many differing opinions about the wars in which we have been involved, but regardless of these it certainly can be said that war is hell. We, at GCP, would like to express our most sincere and warmest thanks to those fighting men of all wars, who are living today. But, not forgetting those who lost their lives that we might have peace, we dedicate this song of one such soldier, to all men who love God and country the way he did". Soldier boy, where are you, where did you remain / Gone to war to spare our people sorrow and much pain / War is lonely mother, standing by the track / Standing with her hands forever trembling / Lord please bring him back, war is a lonely letter, pain is no surprise / Dear mom, I really wonder is it worth the price / As she holds his picture and begins to cry / Here is the flood, mighty river that will not run dry / Time will tell the story, sad though it may be / How he made this precious country safe for you and me / Some were taken prisoners / Some came home though maimed / But that weary soldier, where did he remain

Notes

Omega 0-1004, stereo, 45 RPM, orange labels: 0-1004-A "Soldadito" (Eddie Aleman), BMI, 2:51, and 0-1004-B "Soldier" (Eddie Aleman), BMI, 2:51; Tortilla Music; producer Manny R. Guerra; "Guerra Company Production, 3205-07 South Flores, San Antonio, Texas 78204". White picture sleeve ("Omega 1004") titled "Soldadito (Soldier)" with a drawing of a helmet on a rifle planted in the ground; its text says "war is hell" and that "We, at GCP" thank the fighting men of all wars and "dedicate this song of one such soldier, to all men who love God and country the way he did." [From the record sleeve and labels]

About the artist

Based in San Antonio, Texas, USA

Themes

Soldier's Perspective · Anti-War · Patriotic · P.O.W.

In collections

Mexican-American / Hispanic Songs · P.O.W. / M.I.A. Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs [War Years] · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]