Playlist:
The Rolling Stones - "Gimme Shelter"
John Lennon - "Imagine"
Cat Stevens - "Peace Train"
The Animals - "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place"
Paul Hardcastle - "19"
Elton John - "Daniel"
Billy Joel - "Goodnight Saigon"
Peter and Gordon - "A World Without Love"
Bob Marley - "Buffalo Soldier"
Paper Lace - "Billy, Don't Be A Hero"
John Lennon - "Give Peace A Chance"
Original Caste - "One Tin Soldier"
Sodom - "Agent Orange"
The Rolling Stones - "Paint It Black"
Bob Dylan - "Hurricane"
The Moody Blues - "Question"
Title: "Gimme Shelter"
Album: Let It Bleed
Record Company: Decca
Catalog #: 1877-18004-2
Published: 1969
This ominous sounding hard rock/heavy metal song portrays how the world is essentially falling apart as a result of the Vietnam War. The line that is repeated throughout the entire song is “war, children, its just a shot away.” The song is upbeat and has a few solos, which is commonplace for the Rolling Stones. This song was included in the playlist because of how the Rolling Stones portray the frightening feeling of the Vietnam War through their instrumentals, and how love is so close to us whether we notice it or not, as this instruments alone tell a story.
Title: "Imagine" Album: Imagine
Record Company: Apple Emi
Catalog #: 1C064-04914
Published: 1971
John Lennon, hailing from Great Britain, was one of the world’s greatest peace activists. This simple song, played with a repeating piano line, portrays Lennon’s believe that the world could live as one, without separation. The way the instruments are played are so peaceful, one can listen to this song and “imagine” all of which Lennon speaks. “I hope some day you join us, and the world will live as one” is an example of a simple lyric that translates powerfully to the listener. I have listed this song because it is one of the best-written songs about peace and freedom, as well as one of the most popular songs ever written.
Title: "Peace Train"
Album: Teaser and The Firecat
Record Company: A&M
Catalog #: CM 4313
Published: 1971
This London, England native wrote one of most famous war-protest songs ever. Although there is no direct reference to Vietnam in the song, the song follows suite with John Lennon’s beliefs of peace and happiness, “cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train.” This song will brighten the mood of any gathering, as Stevens sings with such graceful emotion and bliss, and thus was added to the playlist for this reason.
Title: "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place"
Album: The Singles Plus
Record Company: EMI
Catalog #: CDP 7 46605 2
Published: 1965
The rhythm and blues of America was a major influence to the Animals. Although this song was not directly about the Vietnam War, this classic British rock n’ roll band tells us how “there is a better life for me and you.” I have added this song because it was considered an anthem to the Vietnam War, as Americans, amongst others, wanted to get out of Vietnam.
Title: "19"
Album: The Definitive Paul Hardcastle
Record Company: Atlantic
Catalog #: VSOP CD 186
Published: 1985
This song, written in the 1980’s is a recollection of the Vietnam War and about how the average age of the soldier was nineteen years old. This song is a classic example of a dance song from the 1980’s, with a hypnotic beat and groovy bass guitar. Hardcastle, who is British, describes the struggles obtained by these young soldiers, stating that “perhaps the most dramatic difference between World War II and the Vietnam was coming home – none of them received a hero’s welcome.” I used this song because of the unique style that was portrayed to send a powerful message.
Title: "Daniel"
Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
Record Company: MCA
Catalog #: MCAD-
Published: 1973
Sir Elton John of Great Britain is considered one of the best musicians in the 20th century. “Daniel” is about a Vietnam veteran who returned home and lost his eyesight. Referencing Spain, “Daniel says it’s the best place he’s ever seen” even though his “eyes have died.” Sir Elton John’s song is almost reggae, as there is an echoing guitar in the background. I have included this song because most people do not see it being about Vietnam, rather, a friend who is leaving and never coming back.
Title: "Goodnight Saigon"
Album: The Nylon Curtain
Record Company: CBS
Catalog #: CK38200
Published: 1982
This song, written by the American-born Billy Joel in 1982, is one of the best-known songs about Vietnam War, and thus was included in my playlist. Although this song is not foreign, it is included in this playlist because it was written a few years after the war had ended, showing the impact the war had on Americans long after it was complete. The way Joel plays the piano, paired with the somber background instruments (guitar, maracas, drums); the song makes the listener fill with sorrow. The introduction and conclusion of the song include a helicopter blade spinning, along with noises of the jungle, such as a frog. In the middle of the song, a large chorus exclaims, “We will all go down, together,” sending a chill down your spine. This song is perhaps one of the most moving songs on the playlist; a definite must to listen to all the way through.
Title: "A World Without Love"
Album: A World Without Love
Record Company: Columbia
Catalog #: 2717
Published: 1964
The soothing guitars of Peter Asher and Gordon Waller in this song became the British duo’s hit that helped them achieve fame. The song became a #1 hit in the United States and the United Kingdom in 1964. The line, “I don’t care what they say I won’t stay in a world without love” shows how Peter and Gordon agreed with John Lennon’s believe that the world should be a peaceful place to live. This song was included because of the simple message it sends.
Title: "Buffalo Soldier"
Album: Legend
Record Company: Island Records
Catalog #: 610255
Published: 1984
This reggae song from Jamaica was recorded in 1980 is about African-American regiments. This song was included in the playlist because it can be related to the draft of the Vietnam War, when young men and women were taken from their lives and were “fighting on arrival, fighting for survival.” Most people would not look at this song and relate it to the Vietnam War, but in fact the two are very similar.
Title: "Billy, Don't Be A Hero"
Album: Paper Lace
Record Company: Mercury
Catalog #: SRM-1-1008
Published: 1974
The band Paper Lace hails from Nottingham, England. This song, recorded in 1974, is associated with the Vietnam War. Although it was never mentioned that it was about the Vietnam War, some references can be made to the groovy, smooth, 1970’s hit. “Billy, don’t be a hero, don’t be a fool with your life” can describe how Billy is making an incorrect decision by going to fight in the war, whichever war it was. However, this song was included in the playlist because of the ironically angry message it sends. As Billy dies in the end, his fiancée receives a letter saying that Billy was in fact a hero, and she is upset that he did not listen to him. In the end, the drum becomes prominent during the instrumental section with a marching band beat.
Title: "Give Peace A Chance"
Album: Shaved Fish
Record Company: Capitol
Catalog #: B000002UCG
Published: 1975
Perhaps one of John Lennon’s most popular songs, other than “Imagine,” the live version of “Give Peace A Chance” is a simple song – Lennon on the guitar, with surrounding people singing the chorus and making the beat with their feet and hands. This song was included because of it's prominence during the 1970's and how it affected millions of people before Lennon was murdered - the opposite of peace. Lennon makes references to what everyone is talking about all over the world, such as “revolution, evolution,” two concepts that were hot topics. However, he points out that everyone is not looking at peace as an option during the Vietnam War. It is interesting that Lennon lists Bob Dylan in his fourth verse. Dylan is an anti-war folk musician who is discussed later.
Title: "One Tin Soldier"
Album: One Tin Soldier
Record Company: Universal Japan
Catalog #: B0009V1G44
Published: 1969
This upbeat but soothing song is written by a band from Canada in 1969. Original Caste almost sarcastically points out that the war is acceptable if you “do it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end. The music of the song seems optimistic, however, the lyrics seem to contradict this feeling as because on “the bloody morning after, one tin soldier rides away.” There was a message, “Peace On Earth,” which was destroyed because the victors of the war were looking for treasure and consequently broke the stone. This song was included for its concealed message, which can be deciphered in any way the listener desires.
Title: "Agent Orange"
Album: Agent Orange
Record Company: Steamhammer
Catalog #: 7597
Published: 1989
This hardcore German rock band sings about napalm, which was commonly used in the Vietnam War and nicknamed “Agent Orange.” The singers of this song have an almost uncomfortably raspy voice, and he sings about the aftermath of napalm as he sees it almost twenty years after the Vietnam War had ended – “Cancer creeps into their innocent souls, memorials of flesh and blood.” This song was included because of the hardcore heavy metal style, the most extreme genre on my playlist.
Title: "Paint It Black"
Album: Aftermath
Record Company: ABKCO
Catalog #: 844 466-2
Published: 1966
Published: 1966
A band that made their mark on America during the British Invasion, “Paint It Black” is an up-tempo song that has some morbid feelings about it, considering black is generally a depressing color. “Maybe then I’ll fade away and not have to face the facts, it’s not easy facin’ up when your whole work is black” is a key example of a line that portrays anger and confusion. Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist of the Rolling Stones, exhibits extreme emotion throughout the entire song. For example, Jagger will almost whisper the lyrics and then be screaming in the next verse. This song was included in the playlist because of the “black” feeling that everyone had about the Vietnam War, and it was exposed through this song.
Title: "Hurricane"
Album: Desire
Record Company: Columbia/CBS Inc.
Catalog #: CK 33893
Published: 1975
Dylan, one of the most prolific singer-song writers in the 20th century, controversially sings about the falsely convicted Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, an African-American boxer in the 1960’s. Dylan sings about how everyone except the authorities states that Carter did not commit the murder. “Why did you bring him in here boys? He ain’t the guy.” This folk-rock song has a constant beat that will make the listener imagine him or herself in western-like cowboy chase. This song was chosen for this playlist because it was written during the era of the Vietnam War, but was a protest song about Civil Rights and how Carter’s life was ruined as a result. Songs such as “Hurricane” should be recognized as important because of the Civil Rights Movement was happening as the same time as the Vietnam War. This movement is often secondary to the Vietnam War, and Dylan reiterates the importance of the movement.
Dylan, one of the most prolific singer-song writers in the 20th century, controversially sings about the falsely convicted Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, an African-American boxer in the 1960’s. Dylan sings about how everyone except the authorities states that Carter did not commit the murder. “Why did you bring him in here boys? He ain’t the guy.” This folk-rock song has a constant beat that will make the listener imagine him or herself in western-like cowboy chase. This song was chosen for this playlist because it was written during the era of the Vietnam War, but was a protest song about Civil Rights and how Carter’s life was ruined as a result. Songs such as “Hurricane” should be recognized as important because of the Civil Rights Movement was happening as the same time as the Vietnam War. This movement is often secondary to the Vietnam War, and Dylan reiterates the importance of the movement.
Title: "Question"
Album: A Question of Balance
Record Company: Threshold
Catalog #: 820 211-2
Published: 1970
The Moody Blues are an English rock band that sings about the thoughts of many young people who are questioning the importance of the Vietnam War. This song was included in the playlist because the questions asked are mainly the listener expanding on a lyric. For example, “Why do we never get an answer…with a thousand million questions about hate and death and war?” This song is soft on the ears with a relaxing violin and acoustic guitar, before it picks up the pace and only then enhances the message of confusion surrounding the Vietnam War. The lead vocalist, Justin Hayward, sings about finding love in life, especially after he had “lost the love he once knew.”
The Moody Blues are an English rock band that sings about the thoughts of many young people who are questioning the importance of the Vietnam War. This song was included in the playlist because the questions asked are mainly the listener expanding on a lyric. For example, “Why do we never get an answer…with a thousand million questions about hate and death and war?” This song is soft on the ears with a relaxing violin and acoustic guitar, before it picks up the pace and only then enhances the message of confusion surrounding the Vietnam War. The lead vocalist, Justin Hayward, sings about finding love in life, especially after he had “lost the love he once knew.”
