Home » Asia » How many songs were written about the Vietnam War?
Fifty years on, more than 5,000 songs have been recorded about the war, forming an international conversation about a conflict that tore apart the fabric of politics, society and culture.
Contents
- 1 What songs were written about Vietnam?
- 2 Why were so many songs written about the Vietnam War?
- 3 Are there any songs that commemorate the Vietnam War?
- 4 What song was written in support of the Vietnam War?
- 5 Who wrote songs about Vietnam War?
- 6 Who wrote songs to protest the Vietnam War?
- 7 Are there any pro war songs?
- 8 Did Tom Paxton fight in the Vietnam War?
- 9 What music did Vietnam soldiers listen to?
- 10 What was the famous anti war song during the Vietnam War?
- 11 Which song was a rallying call for the protests of the 1960s?
- 12 Who sang about the Vietnam War?
- 13 What’s that iconic Vietnam song?
- 14 Did they really play Fortunate Son in Vietnam?
- 15 Who wrote most of Creedence Clearwater Revival songs?
- 16 Did CCR go to Vietnam?
- 17 Is Paint It Black about the Vietnam War?
- 18 Did the Beatles write any songs about the Vietnam War?
- 19 What popular song was used in the Civil War Movement?
- 20 What was the first anti-war song?
What songs were written about Vietnam?
9 of the Best Songs Associated With the Vietnam War
- House of the Rising Sun – The Animals.
- All Along the Watchtower – Bob Dylan / Jimi Hendrix.
- Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones.
- Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival.
- For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield.
- Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding.
Why were so many songs written about the Vietnam War?
“Music gave soldiers a way to start making sense of experiences that didn’t make a lot of sense to them,” Bradley says. Songs that spoke directly to the war were proof that people were talking about this cataclysmic event, and a way to safely express the ambivalence that many in the field felt.
Are there any songs that commemorate the Vietnam War?
“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.
What song was written in support of the Vietnam War?
Merle Haggard said he wrote his 1969 hit song “Okie From Muskogee” to support U.S. soldiers who “were giving up their freedom and lives to make sure others could stay free.”
Who wrote songs about Vietnam War?
The Twenty Best Vietnam Protest Songs
- Sunday marks fifty years since the first U.S. combat troops arrived in South Vietnam.
- Bob Dylan, “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963).
- Phil Ochs, “What Are You Fighting For” (1963).
- Barry McGuire, “Eve of Destruction” (1965).
- Phil Ochs, I Ain’t Marching Anymore (1965).
Who wrote songs to protest the Vietnam War?
In the 1960s and early 1970s many protest songs were written and recorded condemning the war in Vietnam, most notably “Simple Song of Freedom” by Bobby Darin (1969), “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” by Ochs (1965), “Lyndon Johnson Told The Nation” by Tom Paxton (1965), “Bring Them Home” by Seeger (1966), “Requiem for the
Are there any pro war songs?
Pro-war songs are climbing the charts
- ”Have You Forgotten,” Darryl Worley.
- ”We Ain’t Scared of You,” Bo Diddley.
- ”I Raq and Roll,” Clint Black.
- ”Red, White and Blue,” Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Did Tom Paxton fight in the Vietnam War?
Tom Paxton is an American folk musician, active during the Vietnam War era as both a singer and a songwriter.Paxton’s song emphasised the double talk of the US president, who denied escalation while sending more and more soldiers.
What music did Vietnam soldiers listen to?
Songs Vietnam Veterans Remember Most
- Green Green Grass of Home by Porter Wagoner. (1965; No.
- Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin.
- The Letter by The Box Tops.
- 7. (
- Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)
- Purple Haze by Jim Hendrix Experience.
- Detroit City by Bobby Bare.
- Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary.
What was the famous anti war song during the Vietnam War?
Antiwar Songs
- Joan Baez, “Song for David” (1969).
- Buffalo Springfield, “For What It’s Worth” (1967).
- The Byrds, “Draft Morning” (1968).
- Chad Mitchell Trio, “Business Goes on as Usual” (1965).
- Chicago, “It Better End Soon” (1970).
- Jimmy Cliff, “Vietnam” (1969).
Which song was a rallying call for the protests of the 1960s?
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
The song became closely linked with the civil rights movement of the 60s. Part of what led Sam Cooke to compose “A Change Is Gonna Come” was Bob Dylan’s 1963 classic protest song, “Blowin’ In the Wind,” which motivated Cooke to compose his own statement for change.
Who sang about the Vietnam War?
1. Johnny Cash, “Singin’ in Vietnam Talkin’ Blues” The Man in Black recorded this folk music-style tale of playing for the troops in 1971. Johnny and his wife June Carter Cash had achieved spectacular fame after they went to Folsom Prison (against record company wishes) and recorded a legendary live album.
What’s that iconic Vietnam song?
The hits were our hits: “I Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” “Fortunate Son” — and the song more than one Vietnam veteran has called “our national anthem,” the Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”
Did they really play Fortunate Son in Vietnam?
“Fortunate Son” appeared in an episode of “American Dad!” set at a Vietnam reenactment. It was also used in the soundtrack of the Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Vietnam videogame. “It’s gotten really difficult to place music in scenes about Vietnam and come up with something really fresh, you know?” says Sill.
Who wrote most of Creedence Clearwater Revival songs?
List
| Song | Writer(s) | Original release |
|---|---|---|
| “Walk On the Water” | John Fogerty Tom Fogerty | Creedence Clearwater Revival |
| “What Are You Gonna Do” | Doug Clifford | Mardi Gras |
| “Who’ll Stop the Rain” | John Fogerty | Cosmo’s Factory |
| “(Wish I Could) Hideaway” | John Fogerty | Pendulum |
Did CCR go to Vietnam?
They didn’t go to Vietnam because that’s what they wanted to do, but they did it. And they should be proud, but they came home to a country that wasn’t.
Is Paint It Black about the Vietnam War?
In the late 1980s, “Paint It Black” became associated with the Vietnam War due to its use in both the ending credits of the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket and its use as the theme song for Tour Of Duty, a CBS-TV show about the Vietnam war which ran from 1987-1990.
Did the Beatles write any songs about the Vietnam War?
The Beatles opposed the war in Vietnam and were avid participants in the anti-war movement; by trend setting, not being afraid to speak their mind, and writing songs including: “Give Peace A Chance,” “Revolution,” “All You Need Is Love,” and many more.
What popular song was used in the Civil War Movement?
We Shall Overcome
Many people, when asked to name a song that encapsulates the civil-rights movement, will pick “We Shall Overcome.” It was, indeed, the movement’s theme song, sung by countless people all over the world.
What was the first anti-war song?
Many of these songs are considered protest songs, and some have been embraced by war-weary people, various peace movements, and peace activists.
General peace / anti-war songs.
| Year | Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)“ | George Harrison |
| 1969 | “Give Peace a Chance” | Plastic Ono Band, John Lennon |
About Shelia Campbell
Sheila Campbell has been traveling the world for as long as she can remember. Her parents were avid travelers, and they passed their love of exploration onto their daughter. Sheila has visited every continent on Earth, and she's always looking for new and interesting places to explore.
FAQs
How many songs were written about the Vietnam War? - 2023? ›
Fifty years on, more than 5,000 songs have been recorded about the war, forming an international conversation about a conflict that tore apart the fabric of politics, society and culture.
How many songs are about the Vietnam War? ›Fifty years on, more than 5,000 songs have been recorded about the war, forming an international conversation about a conflict that tore apart the fabric of politics, society and culture.
What was the #1 song during the Vietnam War? ›We've Gotta Get Out of this Place, The Animals
It was frequently played by US Forces Vietnam Network disc jockeys, and in 2006 an in-depth survey of Vietnam veterans found that it was the song they most identified with: We had absolute unanimity is this song being the touchstone. This was the Vietnam anthem.
- The Ballad of Ho Chi Minh (Ewan McColl, 1954)
- Eve of Destruction (Barry McGuire, 1965)
- Universal Soldier (Donovan, 1965)
- Draft Dodger Rag (Phil Ochs, 1965)
- Lyndon Johnson told the Nation (Tom Paxton, 1965)
- The Universal Coward (Jan Berry, 1966)
- Ballad of the Green Berets (Barry Sadler, 1966)
Songs that spoke directly to the war were proof that people were talking about this cataclysmic event, and a way to safely express the ambivalence that many in the field felt. Even songs that weren't directly about the war — like “Chain of Fools” — could take on new meaning in Vietnam.
What song ended Vietnam War? ›“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.
Are there any pro Vietnam War songs? ›The Spokesmen's pro-Vietnam ballad “Dawn of Correction” insisted on the “need to keep free people from red domination,” while “The Battle Hymn of Lt. Calley,” performed by C Company and Terry Nelson, topped Billboard charts. (The song defended Lt.
What is the oldest song in the United States military? ›The "Marines Hymn" is the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps. Introduced by the first director of the USMC Band, Francesco Maria Scala, it is the oldest official song in the United States Armed Forces. The "Marines Hymn" is typically sung at attention as a gesture of respect.
What is the most viewed song in Vietnam? ›- Ben Tren Tang Lau (The Floor Above) | Tang Duy Tan. ...
- Y Chang Xuan Sang (Exactly Like Spring) | Nal. ...
- Yeu duong kho qua thi CHAY VE KHOC VOI ANH (If Love Hurts Too Deeply Come Crying To Me) | ERIK. ...
- Co Khong Giu Mat Dung Tim (Don't Regret Over Lost Love) | Truc Nhan.
They listened to the radio, or on cassette desks or reel-to-reel tape players. They loved Hendrix and Nancy Sinatra, and especially songs that had anything to do with going home, because that was their main goal.
What are war songs called? ›
Martial music or military music is a specific genre of music intended for use in military settings performed by professional soldiers called field musicians.
When did Vietnam War end? ›Having rebuilt their forces and upgraded their logistics system, North Vietnamese forces triggered a major offensive in the Central Highlands in March 1975. On April 30, 1975, NVA tanks rolled through the gate of the Presidential Palace in Saigon, effectively ending the war.
When did Vietnam War start? › Why couldn t we beat Vietnam? ›The US army had superior conventional weapons but they were ineffective against a country that was not industrialized and an army which employed guerrilla tactics and used the dense jungle as cover.
What singers were against the Vietnam War? ›In the early 1960s, before the antiwar movement gained a measure of popularity, folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary (Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers), Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, and others spread the antiwar message through their music.
What was the famous protest song against the Vietnam War? ›Vietnam War Protest Songs
Phil Ochs wrote “What Are You Fighting For?” in 1963 and “I Ain't Marching Anymore” in 1965. Other songs whose very titles were a protest themselves included Pete Seeger's “Bring 'Em Home” (1966) and Joan Baez's “Saigon Bride” (1967).
How Creedence Clearwater Revival Became the Soundtrack to Every Vietnam Movie. From Forrest Gump to The Post, music supervisors can't let go of Creedence. We trace the history of this cinematic cliché. John Fogerty claims he wrote “Fortunate Son” in just 20 minutes.
What war is White Christmas? ›From that point on, “White Christmas” became an instant classic and one of the most patriotic songs of World War II.
Did the Beatles write a song about the Vietnam War? ›"Revolution" Meaning and Analysis
John Lennon, the lead singer for The Beatles, wrote the song in the summer of 1968 as a political statement opposing the Vietnam War.
Though not written about the Vietnam War, the Peter, Paul and Mary cover of the song was interpreted by at least one writer to be a protest song about a soldier leaving his partner, unsure if he would return.
Did US helicopters play music in Vietnam? ›
Helicopters were also deployed at times to broadcast recordings in which the pre-recorded voices called on their "descendants" in the Việt Cộng to defect and cease fighting. The United States would also use patrol boats going up and down the river playing the ghost tape.
Did the Air Force draft during Vietnam? ›In 1969, dropouts accounted for 27 percent of the enlisted force, ranging from a high of 42 percent in the Marine Corps and a low of eight percent in the Air Force. More than anything else, it was the Vietnam War that ended the draft. Inductions had fallen to 82,060 in 1962, but then soared to 382,010 in 1966.
What song is played for dead military? ›"Taps" concludes military funerals that are conducted with honors at Arlington National Cemetery and elsewhere. The tune is also sounded at memorial services in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater and at grave sites throughout the cemetery.
What song is played at U.S. military funerals? ›The use of “Taps” is unique to the United States military, as the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies and memorial services. “Taps” originally began as a signal to extinguish lights.
Do soldiers still sing? ›They perform all over the world, inspiring troops and civilians alike. (The Marine Band, which Congress founded in 1798, has the distinction of being America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization.) At times today, service members still simply sing to stave off boredom or entertain each other.
What is the most listened to song in the world ever? ›"Blinding Lights" by the Weeknd (pictured) is the most-streamed song on Spotify, with over 3.5 billion streams.
What is the most searched Vietnam? ›In 2022, the search queries "Xổ số" were searched the most in Vietnam, followed by the search queries "Xổ số miền" and "Dịch". "Xổ số" is a Vietnamese word for lottery and has consistently been among the most popular search queries on Google in the country.
What was the biggest offensive in the Vietnam War? ›| Date | Phase 1: January 31 – March 28, 1968 (1 month and 4 weeks) Phase 2: May 5 – June 15, 1968 (1 month, 1 week and 3 days) Phase 3: August 9 – September 23, 1968 (1 month and 2 weeks) |
|---|---|
| Location | South Vietnam 11°N 107°E |
| Result | South Vietnam military victory (see aftermath for details and long-term consequences) |
The tense atmosphere and frustrating nature of the war eventually caused a significant decline in the motivation and performance of American forces in Vietnam. Some American soldiers reacted to their situation by lashing out violently against the Vietnamese, while others took out their anger on U.S. military leaders.
Which army unit saw the most action in Vietnam? ›The 199th Infantry Brigade is most notable for its participation in combat operations during the Vietnam War.
How many songs were written about the Civil War? ›
The Civil War drove a boom in American songwriting: Historian Christian McWhirter estimates that between 9,000 and 10,000 songs were published as sheet music during the war, including some 2,000 in the first year of the conflict alone. Sheet music cover of The Battle Cry of Freedom.
Did the Beatles write any songs about the Vietnam War? ›The Beatles opposed the war in Vietnam and were avid participants in the anti-war movement; by trend setting, not being afraid to speak their mind, and writing songs including: “Give Peace A Chance,” “Revolution,” “All You Need Is Love,” and many more.
What songs during the 1960s 70s supported the Vietnam War? ›Among the hit songs were Edwin Starr's “War!” (1969) and Crosby, Stills and Nash's “Ohio” (1970), which captured the nation's grief over the killing of students at Kent State, and Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” (1971).