The Soldier From Viet Nam

Annotation

The gospel song "The Soldier From Viet Nam" (Savoy Records # 14157) is one of the earliest tracks that referenced the M.I.A. / P.O.W. issue during the Vietnam era - most of them appeared from 1968 onwards. Performed by Dorothy Norwood, born in Atlanta, Georgia, she later moved to Chicago and performed with Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and the gospel group The Caravans. The recording sounds like it came from within a church, with the congregants clapping and singing along with the choir. It started with the story of a soldier "drafted to Vietnam" and his father (the minister of a church) being informed that "his son's missing in action". However, he soon discovered that in fact "he is a prisoner of war". The narration then switched to the first person, taking the perspective of the soldier. He told the listener that while a prison they gave him water and bread, and kept him in a dark room. The captors also "beat me and kicked me around". Throughout his ordeal he depended on god and the prayers from people back home. Thus, this song contained a strong religious element.Also featured in: • Vietnam War: Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — US Domestic Perspective Songs

The gospel song "The Soldier From Viet Nam" (Savoy Records # 14157) is one of the earliest tracks that referenced the M.I.A. / P.O.W. issue during the Vietnam era - most of them appeared from 1968 onwards. Performed by Dorothy Norwood, born in Atlanta, Georgia, she later moved to Chicago and performed with Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and the gospel group The Caravans. The recording sounds like it came from within a church, with the congregants clapping and singing along with the choir. It started with the story of a soldier "drafted to Vietnam" and his father (the minister of a church) being informed that "his son's missing in action". However, he soon discovered that in fact "he is a prisoner of war". The narration then switched to the first person, taking the perspective of the soldier. He told the listener that while a prison they gave him water and bread, and kept him in a dark room. The captors also "beat me and kicked me around". Throughout his ordeal he depended on god and the prayers from people back home. Thus, this song contained a strong religious element.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Draft Songs

The gospel song "The Soldier From Viet Nam" (Savoy Records # 14157) is one of the earliest tracks that referenced the M.I.A. / P.O.W. issue during the Vietnam era - most of them appeared from 1968 onwards. Performed by Dorothy Norwood, born in Atlanta, Georgia, she later moved to Chicago and performed with Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and the gospel group The Caravans. The recording sounds like it came from within a church, with the congregants clapping and singing along with the choir. It started with the story of a soldier "drafted to Vietnam" and his father (the minister of a church) being informed that "his son's missing in action". However, he soon discovered that in fact "he is a prisoner of war". The narration then switched to the first person, taking the perspective of the soldier. He told the listener that while a prison they gave him water and bread, and kept him in a dark room. The captors also "beat me and kicked me around". Throughout his ordeal he depended on god and the prayers from people back home. Thus, this song contained a strong religious element.& Vietnam War: Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: A soldier was drafted to Vietnam, whose father was a minister / After he was in the armed services for a few months his father received a telegram that said his son's missing in action... / A few days later the minister received another telegram saying that his son had been found, but he is a prisoner of war / As the tears began to role down the man's face, he began to talk to god... / One Sunday morning, while he was holding his services he looked back at the Church door and his son walked down the aisle... / I was over in Vietnam, I was a prisoner of war... / They gave me only bread and water to drink, they put me in a dark room where I couldn't see the light / They beat me and kicked me around / But somebody said a little prayer for me and I just stopped by here to let you know this / One thing, that the lord had brought me from a mighty long way

About the artist

American gospel singer, born 29 May 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia. [Source: Wikipedia]

Themes

Soldier's Perspective · P.O.W. · M.I.A. · Religion

In collections

US Domestic Perspective Songs [War Years] · Draft Songs · P.O.W. / M.I.A. Songs · Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs