Soldier of 'Nam

Annotation — Draft Songs

A double-sided Vietnam War single, released in Tabor City, North Carolina, USA. On the b-side, the song "Forgotten Lives - Forgotten Wives" (Sea Side Records # SSB-055/015) addressed the treatment of Vietnam veterans in the post-war period. The narrated argued that society and the government ignored the veterans: "the vets of 'Nam seem to be forgotten by Uncle Sam". On the a-side, the track "Soldier of 'Nam" addressed the Vietnam syndrome - narrated in the first person, a man described being drafted to fight in Vietnam, and then returning to the US facing jeers. It referenced agent orange, and draft card burning. Composed by R. Stevens. Produced by Elson H. Stevens (owner of the record label). Publisher: Creekside Music. Performing Rights: BMI.Soldier of 'Nam (Callender, Mike) Reference to agent orange, draft card burning, the conditions in Vietnam. First person narration, drafted. "In May of '67, I answered the call of my country / Trying to keep America free / My job was to fight an enemy that none could see / I want to tell you what went on so you can judge what was right and wrong / You see, I tried my hardest for Uncle Sam / Then I was sent to Vietnam / I saw my buddies…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — P.O.W. / M.I.A. Songs

A double-sided Vietnam War single, released in Tabor City, North Carolina, USA. On the b-side, the song "Forgotten Lives - Forgotten Wives" (Sea Side Records # SSB-055/015) addressed the treatment of Vietnam veterans in the post-war period. The narrated argued that society and the government ignored the veterans: "the vets of 'Nam seem to be forgotten by Uncle Sam". The narrated contrasted this to World War Two, recalling that when the soldier's returned, people "celebrated, the band played, the flags flew". The narrator turned his attention to the issue of those missing in Vietnam: "M.I.A.s, P.O.W.s...how can we just let this issue die when many wives and children sit at home and cry". On the a-side, the track "Soldier of 'Nam" addressed the Vietnam syndrome - narrated in the first person, a man described being drafted to fight in Vietnam, and then returning to the US facing jeers. It referenced agent orange. Composed by R. Stevens. Produced by Elson H. Stevens (owner of the record label). Publisher: Creekside Music. Performing Rights: BMI.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

About the artist

Creekside Music, BMI. Produced by E. Stevens

Themes

Draft · Soldier's Perspective · Agent Orange · Vietnam Syndrome

In collections

Draft Songs · P.O.W. / M.I.A. Songs