The Prisoner of War Song

Annotation — US Domestic Perspective Songs

The song "The Prisoner of War Song" (Tin Pan Alley # TPA 71-555), released around 1967-68 based on the label numbering, fitted into the song-poem category - song lyrics, sent to specialist publishing and recording companies, usually in response to an advertisement, that have been set to music for a fee (around $200-400). (1) Hundreds of them dealt with political issues, including the Vietnam War. Jack Covais founded this label, based in New York at the time of recording (it later moved to Florida). (2) Musically, this had a garage rock feel to it. Thomas started out narrating from the perspective of a soldier's father, who prayed that god would "bring our sons back from that war". Then Thomas switched to the perspective of a soldier, held captive, who prayed to "the lord, that I will escape" - presumably from a prison in Vietnam, although it's not mentioned. Written by Richard Powliski. Note that Thomas released some other Vietnam singles - "A Fearless Soldier" (Tin Pan # 51-543) (1967), "The Last Ballad of Vietnam" (Tin Pan # 70-660) (1970), and "Freedom Boys" (Tin Pan # 53-549).

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

About the artist

American song-poem vocalist: house singer for the New York-based Tin Pan Alley song-poem label in the 1960s, credited with recording thousands of song-poems, including many Vietnam-themed titles; 'A Fearless Soldier' (1967) was anthologised on Bear Family's 'Next Stop Is Vietnam' (2010). Personal identity and biographical details are not documented in verified sources. [Source: Bear Family 'Next Stop Is Vietnam' / song-poem collector archives]

Themes

P.O.W. · Soldier's Perspective · Song Poem

In collections

US Domestic Perspective Songs · P.O.W. / M.I.A. Songs · Song Poems