Hang On Bill

Annotation

Rick Riddle, born Arvin Doyle Riddle in Rector, Arkansas, on 20 August 1920, built a career in western and country music in Detroit following the Second World War, during which he served with the US navy aboard the U.S.S. Adair in the Pacific Theatre. (1) (2) In 1971 he released the song "Hang on Bill" (Dixie Records # DR 107) which criticised the politicians for fighting a war which "we'll never win" - thus containing a degree of anti-war sentiment. He warned that one day these leaders will have to "stand before god". Riddle promised to fight the battle against "the enemy...cowards walking free in our land", and pleaded with Calley to hang on while the campaign to set him free was in swing - so also containing patriotic sentiment towards the soldier.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — My Lai & Lt. William Calley Songs

Rick Riddle, born Arvin Doyle Riddle in Rector, Arkansas, on 20 August 1920, built a career in western and country music in Detroit following the Second World War, during which he served with the US navy aboard the U.S.S. Adair in the Pacific Theatre. (1) (2) In 1971 he released the song "Hang on Bill" (Dixie Records # DR 107) which criticised the politicians for fighting a war which "we'll never win". He warned that one day these leaders will have to "stand before god". Riddle promised to fight the battle against "the enemy...cowards walking free in our land", and pleaded with Calley to hang on while the campaign to set him free was in swing.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Notes

Arvin Doyle Riddle [birth name]

About the artist

Born 22 August 1920, Rector, Arkansas, USA. Died 8 August 1988

Themes

Patriotic · My Lai · Pro-Calley · Anti-War · Calley-Order · Calley-Justice · Religion · Anti-Government · Calley-Scapegoat

In collections

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