Playlist:
Buffalo Springfield "For What It's Worth"
Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Fortunate Son"
Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On"
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young - "Ohio"
Bill Withers - "I Can't Write Left-Handed"
The Byrds - "Turn! Turn! Turn!"
SSgt Barry Sadler - "Ballad of The Green Berets"
Edwin Starr - "War"
Bob Dylan - "All Along The Watchtower"
Simon and Garfunkel - "The Sound of Silence"
The Temptations - "Ball of Confusion"
Barry McGuire - "Eve of Destruction"
Bob Dylan - "Blowin' In The Wind"
Bobby Darin - "Simple Song of Freedom"
The Doors - "The Unknown Soldier"
Louis Armstrong - "What A Wonderful World"
Jefferson Airplane - "Volunteers"
Jackie DeShannon - "What The World Needs Now"
Country Joe and The Fish - "I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die"
Artist: Buffalo Springfield
Title: "For What It's Worth"
Record Company: Atco
Catalog #: 33-200
Published: 1967
What is considered one of the top songs of the 1960’s, “For What It’s Worth” is a protest song commonly used in movies that are associated with the Vietnam War. Examples include Forrest Gump and Tropic Thunder. The slow, steady base drum paired with a simple electric guitar riff during the introduction and at various points during the song provide the listener with a sense of anticipation and fear. The lyrics describe feelings of protest and national realization of the War.
This song was chosen to be the first song on the time playlist because of the powerful message of protest it sent to Americans during the Vietnam era, as well as the prolific use of the song.
Title: "Fortunate Son"
Album: Chronicle - The 20 Greatest Hits
Record Company: Fantasy
Catalog #: FCD-623-CCR2
Published: 1976
This classic rock n’ roll song has an upbeat and powerful instrumental element. The song is usually played on the Fourth of July, which why people believe this song is a patriotic theme. In fact, this is a commonly misconceived understanding of the song, as it is actually a protest song, which is why I have selected the this song to be included.Sung by John Fogerty, the lyrics describe how working class citizens were usually the ones drafted for the war while the wealthy generally were not. “It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t know millionaire’s son” is an example of this belief. Although Fogerty was drafted, he was later discharged.
Artist: Marvin Gaye
Title: "What's Going On"
Album: What's Going On
Record Company: TamlaCatalog #: T 54201
Published: 1970
One of Marvin Gaye’s most memorable songs, he sings about the entire Vietnam War atmosphere through a slow and serene Motown-sounding feeling. I have chosen this song because it is one of the most powerful songs ever written, and will always remain popular. He describes young men dying in the War, mothers crying at the loss of their sons, protests, and the hairstyle of men during this era. Much of the lyrical stories are derived from Gaye’s brother, Frankie, who fought in the Vietnam War. The song has various bridges in between verses, as Gaye croons over the voices of men talking in the background. One must listen closely to understand that they are saying “Hey, what’s happening?” and “Hey man, what’s you’re name?” These two examples show how Gaye was trying to convey a message to the American public that everyone should live in peace and harmony rather than fight each other.
Title: "Ohio"
Album: 4 Way Street
Record Company: Atlantic
Catalog #: SD 2-902
Published: 1971
This is an anti-Vietnam War song about the killings at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio in 1970. The song was against President Richard Nixon, since the four deaths of students were caused by his announcement of the invasion of Cambodia just days before the shooting. The students, who were killed by the National Guard, are remembered through this song. I have chosen this song because of the powerful story the band tells through this song, and how they were telling the nation that something had to change.
“Ohio” became stapled as the central protest song, as portrayed through the lyrics “Tin soldiers and Nixon coming, we’re finally on our own.” In the liner notes of the album Decade, Neil Young describes how "It's still hard to believe I had to write this song. It's ironic that I capitalized on the death of these American students. Probably the most important lesson ever learned at an American place of learning. David Crosby cried after this take."
Title: "I Can't Write Left-Handed"
Album: Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall
Record Company: Sony
Catalog #: B000002ALR
Published: 1973
This song is about a young soldier who is wounded during the Vietnam War. Withers describes his conversation with this young man over slow humming in the background. This narrative has been included in my playlist because it tells a factual story of the tragedies experienced by the men and women who fought in Vietnam. Withers portrays his anger of the War through his emotional voice and powerful lyrics about a man who is unsure of how long he will live. The man cannot write a letter to his mother because he was shot in the shoulder by a “strange little man over here in Vietnam” and consequently has it amputated. The calm sounds of the song make the message even more powerful.
Title: "Turn! Turn! Turn!"
Album: The Byrds' Greatest Hits
Record Company: Columbia
Catalog #: CS 9516
Published: 1967
A song originally based off of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from the Old Testament and sung by Pete Seeger, the song reminds people that everything happens for a reason. It is interesting to note the contradictions mentioned by The Byrds. For example, there is a “time of love, a time of hate, a time of war, a time of peace.” This was an extremely popular song during the Vietnam era. The song upholds the stereotypical 1960’s beat, which has a steady drum part and a frontal guitar portion. I have used this version song because The Byrds had definitely popularized the song, and that there is a season for everything, whether we want it or not.
Title: "Ballad of The Green Berets"
Album: Ballads of the Green Berets
Record Company: RCA Victor
Catalog #: 1124984
Published: 1966
Published: 1966
Written by a wounded Staff Sergeant in the Vietnam War, Barry Sadler sings optimistically about the Vietnam War. This song became surprisingly popular in the United States, considering the majority of the nation was against it. SSgt Sadler sings over a ballad that consists of a marching drumbeat. I have included this song because it is one of the more optimistic and patriotic songs written in this era - a type of song that was essentially unheard of during the War.
Title: "War"
Album: War & Peace
Record Company: Gordy
Catalog #: Gordy 7101
Published: 1970
One of the most popular protest songs, Edwin Starr uses his Motown style to blatantly claim that war is “good for absolutely nothing.” The syncopated rhythm is paired with a horn section to make Starr’s point even more prominent, as he exclaims his powerful disapproval of the Vietnam War over the rests in the song. I have included this song because of it's popularity and distinct beat. Most people can recognize the line, "War, huh, good God, ya'll."
Title: "All Along The Watchtower"
Album: John Wesley Harding
Record Company: Columbia
Catalog #: VCK9604
Published: 1968
Using the most popular folk instruments, the acoustic guitar and harmonica, Bob Dylan uses his distinct voice to use metaphors to provide the listener with various meanings to the song. Although there is no direct reference, one could argue that the line, “’There must be some way out of here,’ said the joker to the thief” is the American government trying to figure out a way to pull out of Vietnam. The song is actually repeated twice, with a short interlude in between the verses, although you cannot hear it in the sample. I have included it because of it's hidden relevance to the Vietnam War.
Title: "The Sound of Silence"
Album: Sounds of Silence
Record Company: Columbia
Catalog #: 10047
Published: 1966
The song, commonly misconceived to be about the Vietnam War, is actually about the assassination and the aftermath of John F. Kennedy. Paul Simon describes this almost depressing song as “a societal view of the lack of communication.” This song was included in the playlist because it appears to be an anti-war song, although it is not. I think that the message sent by the duo could have been used to prevent a lot of violence. For example, if the protestors used silence rather than loud protests, such as the ones at Kent State University, perhaps the National Guard would not have shot the four students.
Title: "Ball of Confusion"
Album: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Record Company: Gordy
Catalog #: G 7099
Published: 1970
A popular Motown-style song of the 1970’s, “Ball of Confusion” describes all the problems that the United States was facing during this era. The lyrics “Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation” portray just a few aspects that the group presented in the song. At the end of the song, the Temptations say “People all over the world, are shoutin' ‘end the war!’ And the band played on” to state that even though there were so many problems, America still had music as an outlet to all of the confusion. I have included this song because of the distinct Motown style of The Temptations and how they do such a magnificent job in conveying a large amount of issues in the United States.
Title: "Eve of Destruction"
Album: Lighten Up
Record Company: Myrrh
Catalog #: MSA 6531
Published: 1974
Barry McGuire’s raspy voice strengthens one of the main points that he is trying to convey – “You’re old enough to kill but not for votin’.” This rock guitarist’s song was referenced in the Temptation’s “Ball of Confusion,” as population believed “eve of destruction” is coming as a result of the Vietnam War. I have included this song because of the country-feel to the song, as well as the fact that he believed that America was on the "eve of destruction" while others, specifically the government, did not.
Title: "Blowin' In The Wind"
Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Record Company: Columbia
Catalog #: B0000024RQ
Published: 1963
Although this song is not directly considered a protest song, Bob Dylan, one of the most prolific anti-war figures, wrote the tune. The slow, folk style of Dylan is portrayed in this song, as Dylan tells the nation that the answer to all the questions is “blowin’ in the wind,” right in front of us, but we do not recognize it as an answer since wind is invisible to us. I have included this song because it is one of the most popular songs of all-time, and that the meaning, although it is essentially hidden, is so significant to everyone who listens to it.
Title: "Simple Song of Freedom"
Album: Live! At The Desert Inn: Bobby Darin
Record Company: Neon Tonic
Catalog #: B0007DBJTQ
Published: 1971
Written in 1969, Darin’s message is simple – America is about freedom, and that the Vietnam War is not representative of the beliefs of our founding fathers. The song begins with a slow acoustic guitar, with a folk style. As the song moves on, the pace seems to pick up as more instruments join in behind Darin. In the end, the song erupts into a big band and the crowd cheering loudly, which clearly portrays how they believe that they are entitled to freedom. I included this song because it was a peaceful protest, as Darin explains "that we people here, do not want a war."
Title: "The Unknown Soldier"
Album: Waiting for The Sun
Record Company: Elektra/Asylum Records
Catalog #: 7559-74024-2
Published: 1968
“The Unknown Soldier” tells a story of a soldier who is shot and killed in Vietnam, so the war is over for him. In the middle of the song, singer Jim Morrison goes into a soldier’s march, exclaiming “Hut, hut, hut.” Meanwhile, the drummer maintains a steady syncopated beat. In the video, one can also see a representation of the extremely controversial “Black Power” salute by John Carlos and Tommie Smith during the 1968 Summer Olympics. I have included this song because The Doors were such an influential band in the 1960's, and this song is extremely emotional and powerful.
Title: "What A Wonderful World"
Album: What A Wonderful World
Record Company: Verve
Catalog #: B000003N4G
Published: 1968
Recorded in 1968, Louis Armstrong reminds Americans “What a Wonderful World” we live in and that we should enjoy life as it is. The song was featured in the film Good Morning, Vietnam, and can be considered one of Louis Armstrong’s best recordings ever. The slow and relaxed beat provides the listener with happiness and joy, no matter what the occasion. I have included this song because Louis Armstrong took a unique position and wrote about all the joys of the world rather than all the protest.
Title: "Volunteers"
Album: Volunteers
Record Company: RCA
Catalog #: 4238-2-R
Published: 1969
The groovy sounds of Jefferson Airplane mixed with the rock n’ roll era make this song unique. This song is about the men and women who were drafted for the Vietnam War and the band’s protest against the draft. The tune is extremely catchy, as Jefferson Airplane portrays their beliefs about the draft. I have included this song because of the unique style of Jefferson Airplane paired with the lyrics of protest make for a very interesting outcome.
Album: The Best of Jackie DeShannon
Record Company: Rhino
Catalog #: R2 70738
Published: 1965Similar to Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World,” this song is slow and reminds everyone that people we do not need anything else but love. In a time of hippies and the baby boom, love seemed to be all around. I included this song for the same reason as "What A Wonderful World" - DeShannon takes a negative belief and turns it into a positive and optimistic viewpoint. However, DeShannon points out that we do not need to artificially add to the world, because love “is the only thing, that’s there’s just too little of.”
Title: "I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die"
Album: I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die
Record Company: Vanguard
Catalog #: B000000EJS
Published: 1967
Originally sung at Woodstock in 1969, Country Joe sarcastically sings about Vietnam. He sings, “What are we fighting for? Don’t ask me, I don’t give a damn…. We’re all gonna die!” This song was chosen for the playlist because it is so unique in the fact that it essentially mocks the United States of America in it’s extreme sarcasm, pointing out how many people rebelled against the thought of the Vietnam War. As seen in the video, Country Joe uses a lot of vulgar language to express his truthful viewpoints.
Title: "The End"
Album: The Doors
Record Company: Elektra
Catalog #: EKS-74007
Published: 1968
This elongated song is used in the film Apocalypse Now, which is a war film based in Vietnam. The film was originally based off of Joseph Conrad’s novel, Heart of Darkness. The movie is essentially a journey through the mysterious jungles of Vietnam. This song was perfect for the movie; as the ominous atmosphere of the way the lyrics are sung combined with the psychedelic guitar in the background make for an adventurous journey through music. At some points, the song explodes and picks up the pace, which can relate to soldiers unexpectedly fighting in action. This song was placed last on the playlist since it is commonly used as a closer for both Doors' concerts as well as movies. I think this song is important because it is related to "Eve of Destruction," as The Doors believe that the world is coming to an end.
