The Meaning Behind The Song: Ohio by Crosby Stills Nash & Young
In 1970, Crosby Stills Nash & Young released “Ohio” in response to the tragic events that occurred at Kent State University on May 4th of that year. The song became a protest anthem, expressing the anger and frustration of a generation that had lost faith in their government’s ability to protect its citizens and uphold their basic rights.
The Tragic Events at Kent State University
On May 4th, 1970, students at Kent State University in Ohio gathered to protest the Vietnam War and the presence of National Guard troops on campus. The protest turned violent, with some students throwing rocks and bottles at the soldiers. In response, the National Guard opened fire on the crowd, killing four students and injuring nine others.
The shootings at Kent State shocked the nation and sparked outrage and protests across the country. Many people were appalled by the use of lethal force against unarmed students and felt that the government had overstepped its bounds in trying to suppress dissent.
The Inspiration for “Ohio”
The members of Crosby Stills Nash & Young were deeply affected by the events at Kent State and felt compelled to speak out against the injustice that had occurred. Neil Young, who wrote “Ohio,” was particularly moved by the tragedy and wrote the song in just a few hours.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Young said, “I was in a motel room, and the TV was on, and I saw this thing happening. And I thought, ‘What can I do, what can I write about this?’ And then it just came to me – the chorus, the melody, the whole thing.” The other members of the band agreed that they needed to record the song and release it as a single.
The Lyrics of “Ohio”
The lyrics of “Ohio” are a powerful indictment of the violence and brutality that occurred at Kent State. The chorus, which repeats several times throughout the song, expresses the shock and horror that many people felt in the aftermath of the shootings:
“Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We’re finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.”
The lines “Tin soldiers and Nixon coming” refer to the National Guard troops that were sent to Kent State, who were seen by many as pawns of the Nixon administration. The phrase “We’re finally on our own” suggests that the youth of America had lost faith in their government and needed to take matters into their own hands. The drumming in the summer is a metaphor for the impending violence that was felt by many.
The verses of the song focus on the events of May 4th and the tragedy that unfolded. Young sings about “Soldiers are cutting us down, Should have been done long ago,” referencing the larger war of Vietnam, which was the reason for the protests in the first place. He also mentions “Tin soldiers and Nixon’s coming, We’re finally on our own,” which again references the violence being visited upon American citizens by their own government.
The Legacy of “Ohio”
“Ohio” became an instant classic and remains one of the most powerful protest songs of all time. It was a rallying cry for a generation that had lost faith in its leaders and was determined to fight for change. The song was even banned from some radio stations because of its controversial message.
Over the years, “Ohio” has been covered by a number of other artists, including Pearl Jam, U2, and The Black Keys. It has become a symbol of resistance and hope for those who refuse to accept injustice and oppression.
The Importance of “Ohio” Today
In many ways, the message of “Ohio” is as relevant today as it was in 1970. We still live in a world plagued by war, violence, and political corruption. We still see our leaders making decisions that are harmful to our communities and our planet. And we still need music that speaks truth to power and inspires us to take action.
As Crosby Stills Nash & Young said in a statement released with “Ohio,” “We have to get down to it, without delay, and protest the immoral war that has been raging since 1963. We’ve got to eventually get out of Vietnam. We must stay human and refuse to become Pawns In The Pentagon’s war policies.” These words still resonate today and remind us that we have a responsibility to fight for what is right and just.
Conclusion
“Ohio” is a powerful reminder of the price we pay when we forget the value of human life and the importance of free expression. It is a call to action for all those who refuse to accept injustice and oppression. As Neil Young himself said, “It’s still the same old story…There’s just a different cast of characters today.” We must continue to be vigilant and to fight for a better world, one where peace, justice, and freedom are the norm, not the exception.
