50 Songs About the Vietnam War
A poignant image from the Vietnam War, reflecting the tension, bravery, and heartbreak that inspired a generation of musicians to create unforgettable songs.
There's a profound old adage that suggests music is the universal language of mankind, a language that goes beyond the semantics of spoken word and delves deep into the realm of emotions, experiences, and collective histories.
The Vietnam War, a period marred by violence, political unrest, and the sacrifice of countless lives, was a time that showcased the impact and strength of this universal language. As guitars twanged, drums beat, and voices echoed, songs emerged from the chaos and confusion, serving as powerful manifestations of human sentiment surrounding the war.
Whether these songs were performed on the front lines by soldiers longing for home, echoed through the halls of anti-war protests, or played on radios reaching out to the heartland of America, they became significant touchstones that painted an audio landscape of the time. They voiced resistance, love, loss, frustration, and hope, encapsulating the bitter sweetness of a tumultuous era.
Let's journey back to this transformative period through the lens of these poignant songs about the Vietnam War.
1. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Willy and the Poor Boys
Released: 1969
Released during the height of the Vietnam War, "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a powerful statement on the socio-economic disparities that became evident in the draft system. The song's lyrics bring to light the reality of a 'fortunate son', who, blessed with wealth and status, does not have to face the horrors of war.
The music, charged with a raw, hard-hitting energy, and John Fogerty's passionate vocals, helped the song resonate with a generation. This emblematic anti-war anthem remains a touchstone in the American rock canon, its message echoing through time.
2. "War" by Edwin Starr
Album: War & Peace
Released: 1970
Edwin Starr's potent anti-war anthem, "War," came to life during a time when the nation was deeply divided over the Vietnam War. The song lays bare the tragic cost of conflict with the repetitive, emphatic chorus, "War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing."
Starr's soulful, stirring rendition was a massive hit, reaching number one on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1970. His performance, coupled with an arrangement that skillfully incorporates a vibrant horn section and a rhythmically propulsive beat, brings to life the fervent plea for peace that was sweeping across America.
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3. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
Album: What's Going On
Released: 1971
Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" emerged as a compassionate plea for understanding and peace during the turbulent early 70s. While it addresses numerous societal issues, the Vietnam War forms a central theme in the song, reflecting the anxieties of the era.
The song was inspired by a letter Gaye received from his brother, Frankie, who was serving in Vietnam. "What's Going On," with its soulful harmonies and Gaye's heart-rending vocals, brought home the emotional turmoil faced by those directly and indirectly affected by the war.
4. "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" by Country Joe and the Fish
Album: I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die
Released: 1967
Country Joe McDonald's anti-war anthem, "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag," is remembered for its grim humor and direct commentary on the Vietnam War. The song's jovial ragtime melody and the morose lyrical theme create a jarring contrast, highlighting the grim realities of war in a way that is both memorable and provocative. Despite its controversial content, or perhaps because of it, the song became a prominent fixture in the anti-war movement.
5. "The Ballad of the Green Berets" by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler
Album: Ballads of the Green Berets
Released: 1966
Offering a contrasting perspective, "The Ballad of the Green Berets" by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler is a tribute to the men serving in the Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Sadler, a Green Beret medic, wrote the song while recovering from a punji stick injury he received in Vietnam.
The song is a homage to the bravery and sacrifice of his fellow soldiers, celebrating the valor of those who served. Its soaring melody and Sadler's heartfelt vocals made the song a substantial hit, giving voice to those supporting the troops and the war effort.
6. "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Album: Single release
Released: 1970
A visceral response to the tragic Kent State shootings in May 1970, "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young served as a searing indictment of the violence unleashed on anti-war protesters. Neil Young penned the lyrics after seeing photos of the incident, and the song's raw emotion and powerful message came together in a recording session just a few weeks later.
The haunting refrain, "four dead in Ohio," encapsulates the shock and heartbreak felt across the nation. Its timely release, its stark and moving lyrics, and its fierce, impassioned delivery by the band members helped the song become a defining anthem of protest during the Vietnam era.
7. "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield
Album: Buffalo Springfield
Released: 1966
While "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield wasn't written directly about the Vietnam War, its theme of youth-led protest and social tension resonated deeply with the sentiments sweeping across the country during the war years.
Inspired by the 'Sunset Strip curfew riots' that took place in Los Angeles, Stephen Stills penned the song as a plea for harmony and comprehension. Its catchy, haunting melody and thoughtful lyrics about a 'battle line being drawn' struck a chord with those opposed to the escalating conflict in Vietnam, quickly turning it into an unofficial anthem of the anti-war movement.
8. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan
Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Released: 1962
Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," although penned before the Vietnam War, emerged as a significant anthem for peace during the tumultuous 1960s. The song's series of rhetorical questions pointedly address the ongoing struggle for freedom and peace, becoming a rallying cry for civil rights and anti-war activists alike. Dylan's soulful rendition and the poignant, thought-provoking lyrics encapsulate the hope and yearning for a world free from war and oppression.
9. "Born in The U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen
Album: Born in the U.S.A.
Released: 1984
Despite its anthemic chorus and patriotic sounding title, "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen tells a bleak tale of a Vietnam War veteran who returns home only to face unemployment and indifference.
The powerful narrative, delivered with Springsteen's signature energy, paints a stark picture of disillusionment and the harsh realities faced by many returning veterans. While the song was released years after the war's conclusion, it remains an evocative exploration of the conflict's lasting impact on American society.
10. "Give Peace a Chance" by Plastic Ono Band
Album: Single release
Released: 1969
"Give Peace a Chance" by Plastic Ono Band, fronted by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, was a clarion call for peace amidst the escalating Vietnam conflict. Recorded during their famous 'Bed-In for Peace' in Montreal, the song quickly became an anthem for the anti-war movement.
Its simple, powerful message, combined with an easy-to-sing-along chorus, resonated with people across the world, and the refrain "all we are saying is give peace a chance" was frequently heard at protests and rallies.
11. "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" by The Animals
Album: Animal Tracks
Released: 1965
While not originally intended as a war song, "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" by The Animals became an anthem for U.S. troops serving in Vietnam. Its themes of desperation, confinement, and the desire for a better life struck a chord with soldiers longing for home and safety. Over the years, the song's pulsing rhythm and evocative lyrics have continued to symbolize the yearning for escape during difficult times.
12. "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire
Album: Eve of Destruction
Released: 1965
"Eve of Destruction" is a protest song that encapsulates the fear and frustration of the mid-60s. Barry McGuire's gritty voice delivers poignant lyrics that reflect on the pressing issues of the time, including the Vietnam War, racial inequality, and the nuclear arms race. Its provocative lyrics and catchy folk-rock melody helped the song climb to the top of the charts, and it remains an iconic piece of the 60s protest music movement.
13. "Machine Gun" by Jimi Hendrix
Album: Band of Gypsys
Released: 1970
As a former soldier himself, Jimi Hendrix was deeply affected by the Vietnam War, which served as the inspiration for "Machine Gun." The song, renowned for its guitar solos mimicking the sounds of warfare, is a powerful indictment of the violence and suffering caused by the conflict.