To the Boys in Vietnam

Annotation

Two country patriotic songs, released by Australian Forces Songs (# W4KM 0061), by George Hill, alongside the Garry Maiden Trio, and Don Lewers.. Not much is known about this artist at the moment. There is a reference to a "George Hill" on the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, referred to as a "blind Indigenous musician" who also lost a hand in a childhood accident - this would seem to be a different George Hill.1 The November 1969 edition of the Rotarian provided more information about this record, saying that it raised funds, nearly $7,000, to help send artists to perform for the troops in Vietnam. It referred to George Hill as a popular Australian comedian and country singer: The song "To the Boys in Vietnam" was about an Australian entertainment group performing to Australian (and American) troops in Vietnam: "it was good to hear the Aussie slang all the time we roamed". It took a patriotic, pro-government perspective, suggesting that Australia's involvement in Vietnam was keeping their country free: "the spirit of our fighting cause will keep all Aussie free".Sources1National Film and Sound Archive of Australia↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Australian & New Zealand Songs

Two country patriotic songs, released by Australian Forces Songs (# W4KM 0061), by George Hill, alongside the Garry Maiden Trio, and Don Lewers. Not much is known about this artist at the moment. There is a reference to a "George Hill" on the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, referred to as a "blind Indigenous musician" who also lost a hand in a childhood accident - this would seem to be a different George Hill.1 The November 1969 edition of the Rotarian provided more information about this record, saying that it raised funds, nearly $7,000, to help send artists to perform for the troops in Vietnam. It referred to George Hill as a popular Australian comedian and country singer: The song "To the Boys in Vietnam" was about an Australian entertainment group performing to Australian (and American) troops in Vietnam: "it was good to hear the Aussie slang all the time we roamed". It took a patriotic, pro-government perspective, suggesting that Australia's involvement in Vietnam was keeping their country free: "the spirit of our fighting cause will keep all Aussie free".Sources1National Film and Sound Archive of Australia↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: "We were the Easter Show Review for the Aussies and the Yanks / And everywhere in Vietnam those boys they gave us thanks... / Their hearts were filled with happiness as they shook our spider hands / And then they stopped and wonder a while about our Aussie land / It was good to hear the Aussie slang all the time we roamed / And everywhere the boys just rang, remember us to home / Best regards from our troop who entertained the men / And if we get another chance we'll be back again / So until we see you Aussie mate, do the best you can / Our hearts go out to all the boys out there in Vietnam... / We are proud of all our boys, each one a fighting man / And some have many months to go out there in Vietnam... / The spirit of our fighting cause will keep all Aussie free... / We went to see our task force but they were in combat / In action well out there on the field... / We'd have liked to see you Aussie mate / But you'll understand why we couldn't get you with our Aussie show"

Notes

With the Garry Maiden Trio and Don Lewers. Produced for the Rotary Club of South Brisbane, which sold copies to pay for a concert tour entertaining Australian troops in Vietnam (The Rotarian, November 1969). This copy is inscribed on the label "Good luck fellows, from George Hill, 1968". AFS "Australian Forces Songs", 45 RPM microgroove, red labels marked "All Rights Reserved". Side 1 "To the Boys in Vietnam" (G. Hill), 3.07, Control; side 2 "Our Boys Are Over There" (G. Hill), 2.28, Control; both credited to George Hill with Garry Maiden Trio and Don Lewers. [From the record sleeve and labels]

About the artist

Australian singer-songwriter; wrote and recorded 'To The Boys In Vietnam' b/w 'Our Boys Are Over There' with the Garry Maiden Trio and steel guitarist Don Lewers, released on the Australian Forces Songs label (Australia, 1960s, undated). [Source: Discogs]

Themes

Patriotic · ANZUS

In collections

Australian & New Zealand Songs · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]