Troops in Vietnam. (Photo/Leroy Lawson)
First, let me apologize for the extra time it took to upload this article. The original article only included a list of songs, I added the videos so you can actually listen to the music.
Throughout history, music has covered an array of subjects, such as war and peace. There are songs that are more broadly patriotic and songs that highlight critical problems in our country. During the Vietnam War, we saw music mimic the public’s support, disillusionment and then rising disapproval. The Vietnam era set a precedent for music as a public space to reflect perspectives on war, with critical perspectives being acceptable and even popular.
Here’s a splattering of the popular music of the time:
1. “We Gotta Get Outta This Place” – The Animals (1965) – while not explicitly about Vietnam, the song’s themes became a popular anthem with the troops.
2. “Feel Like I’m Fixin To Die Rag” – Country Joe McDonald & The Fish (1965) – Written by a former Navy man, this satirical song became an iconic protest song of the Vietnam era.
3. “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane” – Peter, Paul, & Mary (1967) – Not written about the war directly, but it again became a song associated with departure for Vietnam.
4. “War” – Edwin Starr (1970) – A clear anti-war song which rose in popularity at the height of the Vietnam War.
5. “Give Me Love (Peace on Earth)” – George Harrison (1973) – While written about the war in Bangladesh, the song became an anthem of peace at the end of the Vietnam War.
6. “Susan On the West Coast Waiting” – Donovan (1969) – About a young man who is drafted into Vietnam.
7. “Going Home” – Normie Rowe (1967) – From an Australian pop star, a song associated with coming home from service in Vietnam.
8. “Chicago” – Graham Nash (1971) – A song about the 1968 protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
9. “Nineteen” – Paul Hardcastle (1985) – An anti-war song, the title refers to the average age of a soldier in Vietnam.
10. “Vietnam” – The Minutemen (1984) – A strong statement against the political motivations for the Vietnam War.
12. “Run Through the Jungle” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1970) – Though written about the prevalence of guns, the song’s lyrics lead many to associate it with Vietnam.
13. “Ballad of the Green Berets” – Barry Sadler (1966) – A steady ballad about the heroism of the Green Berets.
14. “Still in Saigon” – Charlie Daniels Band (1982) – Song tells the story of a man who was drafted into Vietnam, returned to a divided nation, and is plagued by memories of his time in the war.
15. “7 O’Clock News /Silent Night” – Simon and Garfunkel (1966) – Covering the current events at the time, including Nixon’s urge to escalate the war effort in Vietnam.
16. “All Along the Watchtower” – Bob Dylan (1967) – Many have interpreted the song’s lyrics as a reflection of the desire to end American fighting in Vietnam.
17. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” – Paper Lace (1974) – Though released after the war’s end, the song tells the story of a woman learning how her love has died in war.
18. “Bungle in the Jungle” – Jethro Tull (1974) – Because of the song’s lyrics about spending time in a jungle, many interpret the song to be about Vietnam.
19. “Draft Morning” – The Byrds (1968) – A song that refers to the absurdity of the draft.
20. “Give Peace a Chance” – John Lennon (1969) – An anthem for peace at the height of the Vietnam era.
21. “Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones (1969) – About the unique circumstances of the Vietnam war and the scramble to survive.
22. “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” – Phil Ochs (1965) – A strong anti-war song released as American involvement in Vietnam began to escalate.
23. “I Want To Come Home For Christmas” – Marvin Gaye (1972) – A song in tribute to the troops in Vietnam for the holidays.
24. “Masters of War” – Bob Dylan (1963) – A song condemning the rapidly growing military-industrial complex.
25. “Ohio” – Neil Young (1970) – A song about the killing of 4 students in an anti-war protest at Kent State University in 1970.
26. “Peace Train” – Cat Stevens (1971) – A message of peace as the war in Vietnam continued.
27. “Search and Destroy” – The Stooges (1973) – Song’s title and lyrics refer to a military strategy common in the Vietnam War.
28. “Sky Pilot” – Eric Burdon and The Animals (1968) – A song about a chaplain who blesses troops before going out on a mission.
29. “Straight To Hell” – The Clash (1982) – References to the fate of children fathered by American soldiers in Vietnam.
30. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye (1971) – A song lamenting the fate of Vietnam era youth and the great divisions the war sparked in society.
31. “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy” – Pete Seeger (1967) – A song interpreted to refer to the escalation of the war in Vietnam.
32. “The Unknown Soldier” – The Doors (1968) – A song that tells the story of news reports on Vietnam.
33. “Question” – The Moody Blues (1970) – A peace song about the futility of the Vietnam War and war in general.
34. “Okie from Muskogee” – Merle Haggard (1969) – A song to support the sacrifices of the troops fighting in Vietnam.
35. “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon (1972) – A popular anti-war song, preceded by an anti-war campaign led by Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono.
Since the Vietnam era, music has been used to reflect a range of perspectives on war, a tradition that continues into the 21st century. This dialogue has included reflections on the post-war experience of remembering the fallen at The Wall. In 2014, Bruce Springsteen released a song titled “The Wall” which tells the story of visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to reconnect with a friend. The song was written after Springsteen visited the Memorial and decided to write a song in honor of his friends and fellow musicians Walter Cichon and Bart Haynes who died in the war.
I published two earlier articles about music during the Vietnam War. The first illustrates examples of the changes in music during the era, and the second are actual videos of the top patriotic songs during the war.
https://cherrieswriter.com/2017/10/17/music-during-the-vietnam-war/
https://cherrieswriter.com/2014/10/28/10-american-patriotic-songs-videos/
Can you think of songs that were not included on this list that mimicked public opinion at the time? Please list them in the comment section.
This article originally appeared on the VVMF website on May 9, 2017. Here is the link: https://vvmf.wordpress.com/2017/05/09/35-songs-about-the-vietnam-era/
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CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website 
Although I was there (1970)…. I really wasn’t ‘into’ much of the music mentioned in your article until later… I do remember “We gotta get outta this place” played one night by a Vietnamese rock band in the Officers club of the 11th Aviation Battalion… Surrounded by dozens of well lubricated helicopter pilots who were stomping and singing along…. could barely hear the music…. Thanks!
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Great list. Vietnam 1968-1969 served in country
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How did you leave off The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” – -” I see a red door and I want it painted black…”?!!
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sgt ted mcelravy 1967 -1968 in country great songs
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Green green grass of home
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Good bye my Sweetheart, hello Vietnam! Johnny Wright
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🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸. Hanoi Jane is another good song…
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‘Gimme shelter’ actually is not about Vietnam (yes, I always thought so as well): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimme_Shelter… it was about… a storm.
And (though definitely not my favorite): Billy Joel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjzjhl-QztE – left out for a reason?
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Goodnight Saigon is on a different page. See the links at the bottom of the post.
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good article. Heard more after back in the World. Still bring back memories, good and bad.
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Flying Fish records released an entire CD of songs written by veterans about their experiences. Called “In Country,” it’s out of print now, but it contains some really beautiful, insightful songs by men who were there. One of my favorites is “Will There Be a Tomorrow?” by a pilot who’s taking off on a mission, and he wonders if he’ll ever come back.
Michael Jerling, a singer/songwriter from Saratoga Springs, New York, wrote a touching song called “Long Black Wall” (bring Kleenex if you Google it), with these lyrics in the chorus: “Long black wall, shining in the sun…long black wall, nothing is undone…” Joel Mabus of Michigan also wrote a song about the wall called “Touch a Name on the Wall,” which is also quite moving. Tom Paxton wrote “Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation”: “Lyndon Johnson told the nation, have no fear of escalation, I am trying everyone to please. Though it isn’t really war, we’re sending 50,000 more to help save Vietnam from the Vietnamese…” (It’s kind of like “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy” in many ways.
While he was in Vietnam, my husband wrote two songs, one called “Boots of Canvas and Leather,” the other called “The Four Beer Blues.” Neither has been recorded.
Most of the songs on your list are the ones I know from commercial radio; the ones I know are from folk radio and from the folk music festivals I attended. I do have a copy of “In Country.” I frequently include it on my radio show on Memorial Day and/or Veterans’ Day.
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I have a copy of that album and usually listen on the 4th of July.
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Michael–It’s a very rare CD. Flying Fish records is out of business now. Take good care of it.
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Proud Mary by Credence Clearwater Revival was popular amongst PBR sailors
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Phil ochs Draft Doger Rag
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Alice’s Restaurant
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One glaring omission; “Ruby Dont’ Take Your Love to Town”
by the late Kenny Rodgers.
The first song I know of to talk about the plight of disabled vets.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kenny+rogers+ruby+don%27t+take+your+love&&view=detail&mid=35200380AA0998C1C22035200380AA0998C1C220&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dkenny%2520rogers%2520ruby%2520don%2527t%2520take%2520your%2520love%26qs%3DMM%26form%3DQBVR%26sp%3D2%26ghc%3D1%26pq%3Dkenny%2520rodgers%2520ruby%26sk%3DMM1%26sc%3D8-18%26cvid%3DAFA2F5F3B4824495BD204CD2F7C92FA5
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No 7 on the list by Normie Rowe he actually was a national Serviceman who served in SVN on APC’s, funny thing was that he should not have been called up it was supposed to be a political decision (I Believe)
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“He’ll Be Back” by The Players (1966)
About a a girl’s boyfriend who received his notice for Vietnam.
“a letter has come, and now he must join the boys in Vietnam …”
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John Prine,. Sam Stone.Ar
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“Sam Stone” by John Prine (72’0 and Goodnight Saigon by Billy Joel(83)
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On of the most memorable is “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield – 1966.
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You really missed a big one from my time 68-69.
CALIFORNIA DREAMING.
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Tiffany Bolling – artist
Tiffany- album
One Part – Two Part
Thank God the War Is Over – my favorite
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Freda Payne’s Bring the Boys Home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–fFhunuUJM
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Another outstanding edition….
How about Barry McGuire’s ” The Eve of Destruction”
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/barrymcguire/eveofdestruction.html
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CCR “Fortunate Son” gotta be on that list. Country Joe, Fixin, right on.
>
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Excellent. Great list of songs bringing back lots of memories. Vietnam 1970, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, 11 Bravo 40.
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good article, brought a lot of the music from memory. Don’t listen to much of it normally because thoughts get to real. I was surprised that there were a number of songs I had never heard before; guess I spent to much time in country and some of it came went before I got home.
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Born in the USA Bruce Springsteen 1984
2+ 2 = Bob Seeger System 1967
San Francisco Scott Mackenzie 1967
The Letter The Box Tops 1967
Times They are a Changin’ Bob Dylan 1964
War Pigs Black Sabbath 1970
D/2/16, 1st Inf Division 1967-68
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Thank you for all your hard work you put into this historic time of my life and so,so many other’s, my friends and all the unknown to me that lost there lives it was a cruel time for us but we had one good thing in our daily lives and that my friend was the music of our time that was the only thing that would take our minds off the the day’s events.So 😊.
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Thank you for all your hard work you put into this historic time of my life and so,so many other’s, my friends and all the unknown to me that lost there lives it was a cruel time for us but we had one good thing in our daily lives and that my friend was the music of our time that was the only thing that would take our minds off the the day’s events.So thank you.I served on the ground from 1967,68,69
27th combat engineers A company stationed in Hue got out of the Army in 72 and joined the Navy completed 21 year’s altogether. Retired in 87 😊.
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Good job. Great effort. Thanks
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There was an Australian song, called “God help me, I was only 19.” I cant remember who wrote it, but I think it was Normie Rowe.
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Was doing some research and “stumbled” on this article. Thank you! Thought someone out there might enjoy this middle school performance done for their 2020 Veteran’s Day concert. My grandkids attend this awesome school. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Parma+id+middle+school+choir+youtube+%22Ballad+of+the+Green+Berets%22&docid=608009254255294171&mid=7DF90E0B9D4A79A9AEFD7DF90E0B9D4A79A9AEFD&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
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They left out a good one “Fire Lake “ by Bob Seger. Uncle Joe was LBJ and Aunt Sally was Ladybird
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I would also posit that a great song to discuss the futility of war would be Uriah Heep’s “Come Away Melinda”
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i was in thailand two years and we heard alot of these songs also in the club and from the bands . those also were some times to remember.
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Probably the best mix of Vietnam Folk Songs was a CD “In Country Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War”. This album is part of an ongoing undertaking by the Vietnam Veterans Oral History and Folklore Project to collect, preserve and make more widely known the folksongs of the Vietnam War. Available on a CD thru Amazon.
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“Snoopy and the Red Barin” and “Woolly Bully” were sung at Ky Ha (Chu Lai) Marine helo pilots O’club hooch in 1966-67. The whole room would stop and sung as a group.
I was a pilot with HMM-362, “The Ugly Angels”.
You soon learned if you stayed in your hooch, and wrote letters home at night, the Duty Officer would find you (sober) for all the night medevacs. It ended up that everyone cane to the club and drank…and yet the Duty Officer followed.
This is a poem about going from drinking, singing, and partying to pre-flighting your medevac bird under red flashlights, and flying as a single bird to a tacan radius/distance from Landshark Alpha, then turning off external lights, keeping the glowing radial-engine exhaust stack turned away from the enemy, letting down on radar altimeter with the crew chief and gunner hanging out and calling trees and obstacles.
Preface to 48 Dodge Poem
Back at Ky Ha base at night, you learned not to stay in your hooch, writing letters home. You learned that if you didn’t want all the night Medevacs, every night, you had to go to the club and drink.
Pilots who didn’t drink, or were trying to write a quiet letter to a loved one, would find the Duty Officer in their face for emergency night medevacs. Many of these involved picking up the dead. Although these should have been routine pickups in the morning, and only Urgent or Priority calls for pickup made, pilots didn’t mind, because we realized it affected the morale of the living, and the ability of the unit to move freely, and especially because we felt kinship for each Marine.
This unfairly put an additional load on those not wanting to drink. It ended up that everyone went to the club every night. We drank heavily without regard for tomorrow. We whooped and partied. We sang “Snoopy and the Red Baron” and “Wooly Bully” as a unit….. and still the Duty officer would come.
I remember turning around on the bar stool to find him staring at me. “Got an emergency Medevac for you; can you hack it?”
“Hacking it” involved leaving your drink on the counter, and the ‘rah-rah!’ espris de corps white light party atmosphere, for the pitch black walk to the flight line. Pre-flighting involved using a red flashlight, and changing the cockpit gauges to red, so as not to destroy night vision. Most missions were flown by a single engine UH340 helicopter flown by pilot, copilot, crew chief and gunner. Now flying without running lights to a radial and distance on the TACAN, then calling the company radio man on the FM for a sitrep.
Grunts were supposed to have a four-light night landing kit, but rarely did. Instead we landed on their hand-held single white flashlight, while turning the glowing engine stack away from the enemy as possible. (A single point of light is useless to the depth perception of the human eye, as it could be one hundred feet or twenty miles away depending on its intensity.)
They, not being pilots, frequently didn’t know or remember whether any tall trees were nearby or what direction the wind was from. Luckily, the crew chief and gunner hung way out, and called obstacles. We also had a reliable radar altimeter we could trust to assist us let down the last 100 feet through fog, rain or pure blackness. We got turned into the wind, figuring it out by interpreting ground movement.
Pilots developed a sixth sense of the aircraft’s much larger ‘airprint’. We couldn’t risk objects touching the main or tail rotors, which spun fairly invisibly, and created a much larger ‘airprint’ than the body itself. Pilots needed this overall ‘aircraft body sense’ to let down through trees, or land on carriers close to adjacent landing aircraft.
Back in college after the war, I drove a ’48 Dodge, and used it as a metaphor for life.
Here is one remembrance written as a poem in 1970:
Driving in the ‘48 Dodge
Drivin’ in the ‘48 Dodge
I see many sights—like you.
Stopped to see if this pen worked.
Remembering Vietnam and the people I love…
Humanity.
The flight officer would tiredly traverse
Late night, to where we drank and roared
and waited.
In monsoon days of death.
Fatigued by duty and responsibility
After a day’s work (you work too) it was
The Marine chopper pilot’s escape club.
Inevitably he’d arrive to ask
“How’re you feeling? Are you sober?
Emergency medevac for you…
Can you hack it?”
Sure.
(Been busted on a blood test sure
back In Pennsylvania)
Landing on a flashlight
Pinpoint of light, black box of night
I felt comradeship for the dead—
Loaded aboard in black plastic bags and blankets
Bodies all, who’ve said it all
I took special care of them, as they would’ve me.
American traffic, gas-rich
Passes this point in time
Passing roadside fruit stands
we thought we fought for
Shading the sun with visors
Saying, “Look honey—-there’s a deer!”
I reiterate, stateless, but not lost
(I shall not litter on you, America)
“Yes, yes again— and please
Don’t ignore the dear”.
i have not the money
To buy one boxcar on this railroad
But I’m talkin’ for you.
Ask no more.
Share with me
The autonomous power of freedom
Sunday mass of traffic passing
An outpost Dodge and me….
Who stopped along this road to pay passage
For the sun, given free.
My pen is down.
How to survive, Socrates?
1967
Captain Don Funk USMCR
HMM-362, “The Ugly Angels”
FAC/ALO 7th Marines
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