Make Music, Not War
August 8, 2007 4:52 AM Subscribe
Anti-War Songs of the Vietnam Era
Alice's Restaurant [1] Ball of Confusion [2] Billy Don't Be a Hero [3] Blowin' in the Wind [4] Eve of Destruction [5] For What It's Worth [6] Fortunate Son [7] Give Peace a Chance [8] I Ain't Marching Anymore [9] I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixing-To-Die Rag [10] Imagine [11] Machine Gun [12] Masters of War [13] Ohio [14] One Tin Soldier [15] Stoned Love [16] The Unknown Soldier [17] War [18] War Pigs [19] What's Going On [20] Us and Them [21] Volunteers [22] With God On Our Side [23]
Alice's Restaurant [1] Ball of Confusion [2] Billy Don't Be a Hero [3] Blowin' in the Wind [4] Eve of Destruction [5] For What It's Worth [6] Fortunate Son [7] Give Peace a Chance [8] I Ain't Marching Anymore [9] I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixing-To-Die Rag [10] Imagine [11] Machine Gun [12] Masters of War [13] Ohio [14] One Tin Soldier [15] Stoned Love [16] The Unknown Soldier [17] War [18] War Pigs [19] What's Going On [20] Us and Them [21] Volunteers [22] With God On Our Side [23]
How could you make a list like that and leave out Waste Deep in the Big Muddy? So applicable to today, too.
posted by Mayor Curley at 5:10 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by Mayor Curley at 5:10 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Nice list, thanks for including for the Phil Ochs link.
posted by octothorpe at 5:12 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by octothorpe at 5:12 AM on August 8, 2007
Sorry about that, Mayor Curley... for the most part, I went by this list, so I think part of the blame falls on Wikipedia's editors.
posted by Poolio at 5:15 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Poolio at 5:15 AM on August 8, 2007
How is Blowin in the Wind an anti-war song of the Vietnam era? You must wear the Metafilter Blue letter on your petticoat for the rest of your days Poolio. FOR SHAME!
posted by poppo at 5:21 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by poppo at 5:21 AM on August 8, 2007
Anti-Vietnam soul songs.
My own favourite is Delia Gartrell's 'See what you done done (Hymn number 9)'.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 5:24 AM on August 8, 2007
My own favourite is Delia Gartrell's 'See what you done done (Hymn number 9)'.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 5:24 AM on August 8, 2007
For some reason I saw your title as "Make music, not water", and now I have to pee.
posted by notsnot at 5:24 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by notsnot at 5:24 AM on August 8, 2007
And pardon me, could you have picked a worse version of Ohio to present to us?
Neil, Graham, and David actually look at each other about ten seconds in, clearly wondering why they are fucking it up so badly.
NOW SEW YOUR LETTER ON
posted by poppo at 5:26 AM on August 8, 2007
Neil, Graham, and David actually look at each other about ten seconds in, clearly wondering why they are fucking it up so badly.
NOW SEW YOUR LETTER ON
posted by poppo at 5:26 AM on August 8, 2007
unfortunately, youtube doesn't seem to have 2 + 2= ? by the bob seger system
posted by pyramid termite at 5:28 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by pyramid termite at 5:28 AM on August 8, 2007
Oh dear I see With God On Our Side is on the list as well. But with a Blue M on your chest you are already living in shame. I will just not make eye contact with you. That's better than saying anything else.
posted by poppo at 5:31 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by poppo at 5:31 AM on August 8, 2007
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its way
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
Rape, murder!
Its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
Rolling Stones, 1969.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:32 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
Its just a shot away
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its way
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
War, children, its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
Rape, murder!
Its just a shot away
Its just a shot away
Rolling Stones, 1969.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:32 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
I'll be back later with my own Blue M on after I admit that the Viet Nam war officially started several years before I thought it did. Goodbye forever Metafilter. I must live in shame now.
posted by poppo at 5:33 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by poppo at 5:33 AM on August 8, 2007
I'd also forgotten about John Prine's Sam Stone, which along with the Delia Gartrell track forms the beginning of a 'Vietnam turns our loved ones into dope fiends' sub-genre.
Johnny Cash covers it here.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 5:34 AM on August 8, 2007
Johnny Cash covers it here.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 5:34 AM on August 8, 2007
This FPP could've been a success if poppo hadn't done so much to undermine it.
posted by Poolio at 5:34 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by Poolio at 5:34 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
I prefer the 'Pop Goes the Sixties' live version of Gimme Shelter.
posted by Poolio at 5:37 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Poolio at 5:37 AM on August 8, 2007
and for something a bit more contemporary: Patti Smith - Radio Baghdad (lyrics only, couldn't find video or legal download)
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:43 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:43 AM on August 8, 2007
No list is complete without Red Sovine's Vietnam Deck of Cards or Kristofferson's Vietnam Blues (ho chi who?!)
posted by the cuban at 5:44 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by the cuban at 5:44 AM on August 8, 2007
retrospective, but I Was Only Nineteen was a big hit down under, and pretty poignant.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:55 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:55 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
(oh, but none of america's allies were in vietnam, according to macnamara...)
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:56 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:56 AM on August 8, 2007
Yep...those were my generation's anti-war cries...I keep hoping the same-age artists of today would come up with something. Something that would ride the radio waves...and inspire young apathetic minds.
posted by rmmcclay at 6:07 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by rmmcclay at 6:07 AM on August 8, 2007
Ubu, I saw your guys there, funny hats and all. Also the Koreans, the Royal Thai Army, and one Canadian (Hi, Sparky!) There were others, but I didn't see them.
From much later: Lives in the Balance.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:14 AM on August 8, 2007
From much later: Lives in the Balance.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:14 AM on August 8, 2007
What, no Ballad of the Green Berets?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:14 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:14 AM on August 8, 2007
Here you go, mr_crash_davis.
I actually meant to include that.
posted by Poolio at 6:17 AM on August 8, 2007
I actually meant to include that.
posted by Poolio at 6:17 AM on August 8, 2007
You who build these altars now
To sacrifice these children,
You must not do it anymore.
A scheme is not a vision
And you never have been tempted
By a demon or a god.
You who stand above them now,
Your hatchets blunt and bloody,
You were not there before,
When I lay upon a mountain
And my fathers hand was trembling
With the beauty of the word.
Leonard Cohen, Story of Isaac, 1969
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:21 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
To sacrifice these children,
You must not do it anymore.
A scheme is not a vision
And you never have been tempted
By a demon or a god.
You who stand above them now,
Your hatchets blunt and bloody,
You were not there before,
When I lay upon a mountain
And my fathers hand was trembling
With the beauty of the word.
Leonard Cohen, Story of Isaac, 1969
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:21 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
Seems something's missing today...
posted by sourwookie at 6:29 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by sourwookie at 6:29 AM on August 8, 2007
Are there any Tom Lehrer songs in those links? I remember hearing a really great Tom Lehrer song about Vietnam when I was a kid but can't recall the title or the tune.
posted by chlorus at 6:31 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by chlorus at 6:31 AM on August 8, 2007
I keep hoping the same-age artists of today would come up with something. Something that would ride the radio waves...and inspire young apathetic minds.
idunno, it's going back a bit, but still pretty influential: US Forces give the nod, It's a setback for your country...played a lot in the leadup to the Iracle.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:36 AM on August 8, 2007
idunno, it's going back a bit, but still pretty influential: US Forces give the nod, It's a setback for your country...played a lot in the leadup to the Iracle.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:36 AM on August 8, 2007
Are there any Tom Lehrer songs in those links?
No, there aren't... and I'm not really familiar with his work.
posted by Poolio at 6:36 AM on August 8, 2007
No, there aren't... and I'm not really familiar with his work.
posted by Poolio at 6:36 AM on August 8, 2007
Neil Young 'Ohio' live at Massey Hall 1971
posted by Poolio at 6:49 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by Poolio at 6:49 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
And why not add Tim Buckley's "Once I Was" to the mix.
Set to some 60's Sci-Fi TV show for some reason that makes it both confusing and compelling.
posted by munchingzombie at 6:49 AM on August 8, 2007
Set to some 60's Sci-Fi TV show for some reason that makes it both confusing and compelling.
posted by munchingzombie at 6:49 AM on August 8, 2007
It's worth noting that the I Ain't Marching Any More wikipedia link is to the album rather than the song itself. There are plenty of other good Vietnam protest songs in Ochs's back catalogue including Draft Dodger Rag from that album.
posted by ninebelow at 6:52 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by ninebelow at 6:52 AM on August 8, 2007
One of few written about our current quagmire: Michael Franti and Spearhead : Time To Go Home
posted by octothorpe at 6:56 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by octothorpe at 6:56 AM on August 8, 2007
There was no page for the song itself, ninebelow... and I couldn't find 'Draft Dodger Rag' on YouTube.
The 'Volunteers' wiki links also goes to the album page for the same reason... and the 'I-Fell-Like-I'm-Fixing-To-Die Rag' wiki link goes to the Country Joe & the Fish page.
posted by Poolio at 6:57 AM on August 8, 2007
The 'Volunteers' wiki links also goes to the album page for the same reason... and the 'I-Fell-Like-I'm-Fixing-To-Die Rag' wiki link goes to the Country Joe & the Fish page.
posted by Poolio at 6:57 AM on August 8, 2007
How is Blowin in the Wind an anti-war song of the Vietnam era? You must wear the Metafilter Blue letter on your petticoat for the rest of your days Poolio. FOR SHAME!
Indeed. And these YouTube compilation links are really starting to get to me. Prettying it up with little Wikipedia links just seems to make it worse somehow.
posted by St Urbain's Horseman at 6:57 AM on August 8, 2007
Indeed. And these YouTube compilation links are really starting to get to me. Prettying it up with little Wikipedia links just seems to make it worse somehow.
posted by St Urbain's Horseman at 6:57 AM on August 8, 2007
And these YouTube compilation links are really starting to get to me. Prettying it up with little Wikipedia links just seems to make it worse somehow.
i guess that's the kind of sentiment that might explain why there's no decent protest music these days - "y'know, i would listen to your stuff, but i can't rss it from your myspace to my blackberry & share it with my livejournal friends..."
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:04 AM on August 8, 2007
i guess that's the kind of sentiment that might explain why there's no decent protest music these days - "y'know, i would listen to your stuff, but i can't rss it from your myspace to my blackberry & share it with my livejournal friends..."
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:04 AM on August 8, 2007
Oh man - Country Joe McDonald. I saw him play only a couple of months ago at the Wychwood Festival. Just him, a guy on washboard and another on spoons. Still gave an utterly superb performance which got all the old hippies going.
posted by bap98189 at 7:05 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by bap98189 at 7:05 AM on August 8, 2007
We don't need Neil Young around, anyhow.
That's blasphemy.
posted by Poolio at 7:05 AM on August 8, 2007
That's blasphemy.
posted by Poolio at 7:05 AM on August 8, 2007
Eddie Vedder covering Dylan's Masters of War
posted by Optamystic at 7:13 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by Optamystic at 7:13 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
Penny Evans - Steve Goodman
I think this might be a good contemporary counterpart to the songs you've listed.
posted by louche mustachio at 7:18 AM on August 8, 2007
I think this might be a good contemporary counterpart to the songs you've listed.
posted by louche mustachio at 7:18 AM on August 8, 2007
Eddie Vedder covering Dylan's Masters of War
that reminded me... Pearl Jam did a kick-ass updated version of Phil Ochs' "Here's to the State of Richard Nixon" during a VH1 special (StoryTellers, maybe) a few years ago... unfortunately, I can't find any video of it.
posted by Poolio at 7:25 AM on August 8, 2007
that reminded me... Pearl Jam did a kick-ass updated version of Phil Ochs' "Here's to the State of Richard Nixon" during a VH1 special (StoryTellers, maybe) a few years ago... unfortunately, I can't find any video of it.
posted by Poolio at 7:25 AM on August 8, 2007
We don't need Neil Young around, anyhow.
That's blasphemy.
Lynard Skynard can go fuck themselves. Neil Young is the man. Keep on Rockin in the Free World!
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:27 AM on August 8, 2007
That's blasphemy.
Lynard Skynard can go fuck themselves. Neil Young is the man. Keep on Rockin in the Free World!
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:27 AM on August 8, 2007
Is anybody else seeing munchingzombie's first "posted by" bit displayed in a weird way - flush against the left-hand side of the screen? Or has munchingzombie merely broken my own personal MetaFilter?
posted by flashboy at 7:30 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by flashboy at 7:30 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
I think munchingzombie screwed up some html trying to post a link, flashboy.
posted by Poolio at 7:34 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Poolio at 7:34 AM on August 8, 2007
Your flag decal still won't get you into Heaven.
posted by louche mustachio at 7:36 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by louche mustachio at 7:36 AM on August 8, 2007
Buffy St Marie's Universal Soldier was picked up by many - here's a Donovan version.
Tom Paxton's "Lyndon Johnson Told A Nation" was a big antiwar song, but I couldn't find a clip. Here he is singing Buy a Gun for Your Son.
Joan Baez had many peace and antiwar songs - many of them Dylan covers. Couldn't find a version from the 60s but she is still singing Where Have All the Flowers Gone.
Some others:
John Denver - The Strangest Dream
Jimmy Cliff Vietnam
Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Props to the marvelous Marvin Gaye who was not just singing antiwar things, but who was well ahead of his time with Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology Song).
posted by madamjujujive at 7:47 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
Tom Paxton's "Lyndon Johnson Told A Nation" was a big antiwar song, but I couldn't find a clip. Here he is singing Buy a Gun for Your Son.
Joan Baez had many peace and antiwar songs - many of them Dylan covers. Couldn't find a version from the 60s but she is still singing Where Have All the Flowers Gone.
Some others:
John Denver - The Strangest Dream
Jimmy Cliff Vietnam
Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Props to the marvelous Marvin Gaye who was not just singing antiwar things, but who was well ahead of his time with Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology Song).
posted by madamjujujive at 7:47 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
St Urbain's Horseman if you took it to meta we all tell you to piss off.
posted by adamvasco at 7:55 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by adamvasco at 7:55 AM on August 8, 2007
Chlorus, here is some Tom Lehrer for you. I don't think it's the one you mean, but it is pretty good.
posted by rmless at 8:01 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by rmless at 8:01 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
From yesterday's Boston Globe --
18 Minutes and 40 Years Later
posted by ericb at 8:05 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
18 Minutes and 40 Years Later
"In 1967, Arlo Guthrie was a hippie folkie doing what pleased him. Now he has four grown kids and a bunch of grandkids -- and life hasn't changed much."Audio: Arlo Guthrie talks about the genesis of "Alice's Restaurant"
posted by ericb at 8:05 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
I wonder if any anti-war music got published in the US during WWII.
There are several WWII anti-war songs on this compilation.
posted by rxrfrx at 8:06 AM on August 8, 2007
There are several WWII anti-war songs on this compilation.
posted by rxrfrx at 8:06 AM on August 8, 2007
Mod note:
I thought you meant this retrospective Vietnam War song "19."
Danger: Contains '80s Max Headroom-style rap.
posted by kirkaracha (staff) at 8:08 AM on August 8, 2007
retrospective, but I Was Only Nineteen was a big hit down under, and pretty poignant.
I thought you meant this retrospective Vietnam War song "19."
Danger: Contains '80s Max Headroom-style rap.
posted by kirkaracha (staff) at 8:08 AM on August 8, 2007
There was no page for the song itself, ninebelow...
Sorry, that wasn't meant as a knock, just trying to spread the Phil Ochs love. He is one of America's greatest singer-songwriters but he never seems to get the acclaim he deserves.
His introduction to the live version of Ringing Of Revolution is great too:
Sorry, that wasn't meant as a knock, just trying to spread the Phil Ochs love. He is one of America's greatest singer-songwriters but he never seems to get the acclaim he deserves.
His introduction to the live version of Ringing Of Revolution is great too:
"John Wayne plays Lyndon Johnson. And Lyndon Johnson plays God. I play Bobby Dylan. A young Bobby Dylan."posted by ninebelow at 8:13 AM on August 8, 2007
How could you make a list like that and leave out Waste Deep in the Big Muddy?
posted by Mayor Curley
Waste deep is a helluva lot deeper now than it was back then.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:15 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Mayor Curley
Waste deep is a helluva lot deeper now than it was back then.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:15 AM on August 8, 2007
weapons-grade pandemonium: "
Waste deep is a helluva lot deeper now than it was back then."
And the big fool is even more foolish.
posted by octothorpe at 8:31 AM on August 8, 2007
Waste deep is a helluva lot deeper now than it was back then."
And the big fool is even more foolish.
posted by octothorpe at 8:31 AM on August 8, 2007
Seems something's missing today...
posted by sourwookie at 9:29 AM on August 8 [+] [!]
You just have to look a little harder, but there are some good tracks out there.
Defiance Ohio's album The Great Depression has some decent anti-war tracks on it, and it's available for free on the internet archive. The first track, Petty Problems is a personal favorite.
And MC Frontalot's song "Special Delivery" from his old ass demo is another great song as well. He has a newer version of the song, but I prefer the original.
Anyone else got some modern anti-war tracks?
posted by SteveFlamingo at 8:36 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by sourwookie at 9:29 AM on August 8 [+] [!]
You just have to look a little harder, but there are some good tracks out there.
Defiance Ohio's album The Great Depression has some decent anti-war tracks on it, and it's available for free on the internet archive. The first track, Petty Problems is a personal favorite.
And MC Frontalot's song "Special Delivery" from his old ass demo is another great song as well. He has a newer version of the song, but I prefer the original.
Anyone else got some modern anti-war tracks?
posted by SteveFlamingo at 8:36 AM on August 8, 2007
Seems something's missing today...
I'm guessing you mean protest music? With just a perfunctory view of what I could find at work this morning, I'll add to the ones already here with this piece from PopMatters, an Independent Lens page listing the sites for The Not in My Name Project and Protest-Records.com (blocked at work for some reason), and John Vanderslice's last two albums have been about the war and its fallout. There are hundreds more I can think of right now, but I figure you've got a good start. That nobody-does-it-like-they-used-to baby boomer shit is tired.
on preview: There's SteveFlamingo's as well.
posted by sleepy pete at 8:39 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
I'm guessing you mean protest music? With just a perfunctory view of what I could find at work this morning, I'll add to the ones already here with this piece from PopMatters, an Independent Lens page listing the sites for The Not in My Name Project and Protest-Records.com (blocked at work for some reason), and John Vanderslice's last two albums have been about the war and its fallout. There are hundreds more I can think of right now, but I figure you've got a good start. That nobody-does-it-like-they-used-to baby boomer shit is tired.
on preview: There's SteveFlamingo's as well.
posted by sleepy pete at 8:39 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Previously in the blue: a compilation of over 2000 current protest songs, via Neil Young.
posted by Huplescat at 8:44 AM on August 8, 2007
If the game is to add to the list, the
http://www.jwsrockgarden.com/jw02vvaw.htm
and search about here
http://www.lacarte.org/songs/anti-war/
posted by Postroad at 8:46 AM on August 8, 2007
http://www.jwsrockgarden.com/jw02vvaw.htm
and search about here
http://www.lacarte.org/songs/anti-war/
posted by Postroad at 8:46 AM on August 8, 2007
Decemberists' "16 Military Wives"?
Eminim's "Mosh"?
Moxy Fruvous' "Gulf War Song" is about Gulf War I, but still applicable.
All of Neil Young's most recent album?
In fact, here is a McPaper Article about it.
posted by absalom at 8:46 AM on August 8, 2007
Eminim's "Mosh"?
Moxy Fruvous' "Gulf War Song" is about Gulf War I, but still applicable.
All of Neil Young's most recent album?
In fact, here is a McPaper Article about it.
posted by absalom at 8:46 AM on August 8, 2007
Also, nice post Poolio.
posted by sleepy pete at 8:47 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by sleepy pete at 8:47 AM on August 8, 2007
"Bring 'Em Home," by Pete Seeger. Updated by Bruce Springsteen.
posted by EarBucket at 8:55 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by EarBucket at 8:55 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Hey, any excuse to watch Grace Slick ...
posted by Relay at 8:59 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by Relay at 8:59 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
How come I'm not hearing any anti-war songs on the radio in the Iraq era? Some of the songs on the list were mainstream hits. Of course, the Dixie Chicks took a lot of heat, and I guess we can't expect much from today's pop stars. I think this is a sign that the recording industry is too cozy with government.
posted by Chinese Jet Pilot at 9:00 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Chinese Jet Pilot at 9:00 AM on August 8, 2007
Us and Them is not an anti-war song, just to clear things up.
posted by schlaager at 9:01 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by schlaager at 9:01 AM on August 8, 2007
Two more songs came to mind while working:
Zach De La Roca and DJ Shadow put together "March of Death" a while ago. I still wish they were able to do an entire album together, as I think it's a pretty interesting sound they've come up with.
Erik Petersen, of Mischief Brew is a self proclaimed local rebel rouser in Philadelphia. He put together some great anti-war songs with "Farewell Good Fellows" (live recording from the Internet Archive) being an excellent selection.
posted by SteveFlamingo at 9:15 AM on August 8, 2007
Zach De La Roca and DJ Shadow put together "March of Death" a while ago. I still wish they were able to do an entire album together, as I think it's a pretty interesting sound they've come up with.
Erik Petersen, of Mischief Brew is a self proclaimed local rebel rouser in Philadelphia. He put together some great anti-war songs with "Farewell Good Fellows" (live recording from the Internet Archive) being an excellent selection.
posted by SteveFlamingo at 9:15 AM on August 8, 2007
Neil Young is the man. Keep on Rockin in the Free World!
Hope I die before I grow old.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 9:20 AM on August 8, 2007
Hope I die before I grow old.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 9:20 AM on August 8, 2007
Why is there no music like this today?
Simple, one generation got old, one generation got sold.
posted by Relay at 9:20 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
Simple, one generation got old, one generation got sold.
posted by Relay at 9:20 AM on August 8, 2007 [2 favorites]
For sheer confrontationality (if that's a word), it's hard to beat David Peel's "Up Against the Wall". In case you've never heard it, the entire lyrics consist of "Up against the wall, m*****f*****s!" repeated in a variety of intonations, all angry. Though not about Vietnam in any overt way, it wouldn't exist if the Vietnam War hadn't.
posted by Creosote at 9:28 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Creosote at 9:28 AM on August 8, 2007
I wish I could find a free downloadable file of Allen Ginsberg and Philip Glass's collaborative setting for Ginsberg's "Wichita Vortex Sutra," his best Vietnam-era poem, and a lovely piece of music by Glass. I've been the voice of Ginsberg in a public performance of this work, and it was an extremely powerful experience. The only available YouTube links seem to be to the piano music only without the poem, but you can buy the album linked above at Amazon or on iTunes. I'm not a Glass fanatic, but it's a beautiful piece.
But here's a free MP3 of Ginsberg reading the poem solo at the Knitting Factory in 1995 [direct eSpew link], a couple of years before he died. The poet sounds tired at first, but his performance really picks up at about 2:47.
I lift my voice aloud,
make Mantra of American language now,
I here declare the end of the War!
posted by digaman at 9:28 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
But here's a free MP3 of Ginsberg reading the poem solo at the Knitting Factory in 1995 [direct eSpew link], a couple of years before he died. The poet sounds tired at first, but his performance really picks up at about 2:47.
I lift my voice aloud,
make Mantra of American language now,
I here declare the end of the War!
posted by digaman at 9:28 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Billy Don't Be A Hero? You put that one in as a joke, right?
posted by George_Spiggott at 9:38 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by George_Spiggott at 9:38 AM on August 8, 2007
Thanks for the post, Poolio, and to everyone who added to it. I love these songs and the spirit behind them. I wish today's protest songs were more mainstream (and I don't mean that in a "they don't make em like they used to" way, but in an "I wish more people would listen to them and really hear their message" way).
posted by amyms at 9:42 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by amyms at 9:42 AM on August 8, 2007
Billy Don't Be A Hero? You put that one in as a joke, right?
it's an anti-war song from the Vietnam era... albeit about a different era's war.
posted by Poolio at 9:43 AM on August 8, 2007
it's an anti-war song from the Vietnam era... albeit about a different era's war.
posted by Poolio at 9:43 AM on August 8, 2007
I love the song Ball of Confusion, and that despite the fact that it was written forty some years ago, almost all the lyrics are as relevant today as they were back then.
Anthrax did a reasonably good cover of it as well.
posted by quin at 9:57 AM on August 8, 2007
Anthrax did a reasonably good cover of it as well.
posted by quin at 9:57 AM on August 8, 2007
What, no Ballad of the Green Berets?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:14 AM on August 8
Here you go, mr_crash_davis.
I actually meant to include that.
posted by Poolio at 6:17 AM on August 8
Now you're joking for sure. "Ballad of The Green Berets" by Sgt. Barry Sadler was the most popular pro-war song of the Vietnam era.
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 10:04 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:14 AM on August 8
Here you go, mr_crash_davis.
I actually meant to include that.
posted by Poolio at 6:17 AM on August 8
Now you're joking for sure. "Ballad of The Green Berets" by Sgt. Barry Sadler was the most popular pro-war song of the Vietnam era.
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 10:04 AM on August 8, 2007
Joan Baez had many peace and antiwar songs - many of them Dylan covers. Couldn't find a version from the 60s but she is still singing Where Have All the Flowers Gone.
Marlene Dietrich sings it in 1963 and 1972. (Just to be clear, it's by Pete Seeger).
posted by liam at 10:04 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Marlene Dietrich sings it in 1963 and 1972. (Just to be clear, it's by Pete Seeger).
posted by liam at 10:04 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Now you're joking for sure.
Yes... I was joking about that. I assume that mr_crash_davis was too.
posted by Poolio at 10:07 AM on August 8, 2007
Yes... I was joking about that. I assume that mr_crash_davis was too.
posted by Poolio at 10:07 AM on August 8, 2007
Shit, missed that in the list. Sorry.
posted by Joeforking at 10:22 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Joeforking at 10:22 AM on August 8, 2007
Whew! *wipes forehead* Nice to know I'm not crazy. I figured crash was joking as well.
Good post, Poolio.
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 10:24 AM on August 8, 2007
Good post, Poolio.
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 10:24 AM on August 8, 2007
Thanks SteveFlamingo.
I knew some existed, but I wonder why they aren't a more ubiquitous part of the zeitgeist. Those Vietnam era songs were everywhere.
Love And Rockets also covered Ball Of Confusion.
posted by sourwookie at 10:24 AM on August 8, 2007
I knew some existed, but I wonder why they aren't a more ubiquitous part of the zeitgeist. Those Vietnam era songs were everywhere.
Love And Rockets also covered Ball Of Confusion.
posted by sourwookie at 10:24 AM on August 8, 2007
BTW... thanks to everyone who's said "nice post" (or variations thereof)... glad you liked it.
posted by Poolio at 10:30 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Poolio at 10:30 AM on August 8, 2007
Anyone who skipped Pyramid Termite's link to "2+2=?" just because it involved Bob Seger should give it another try. It's such a blistering song, and it's just begging to be rediscovered.
posted by Ian A.T. at 10:42 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Ian A.T. at 10:42 AM on August 8, 2007
What? I can't believe this hasn't been deleted yet! I mean, c'mon, a 23 Link YouTube Post?! At least TRY, Poolio! Jeez....
seriously, thanks, I haven't heard Eve of Destruction in awhile. I love that song!
posted by Debaser626 at 10:46 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
seriously, thanks, I haven't heard Eve of Destruction in awhile. I love that song!
posted by Debaser626 at 10:46 AM on August 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
sour,
As with most everything in the world the lack of todays anti-war songs taking root in the zeitgeist is probably due to a number of factors. If I had to guess though, I imagine it has something to do with the anti-war movement having little to no success in actually persuading any kind of change in the country. This doesn't help inspire people to go out and write songs because they feel defeated. And it certainly doesn't make the record companies think there's good money in the genre either, so they're not going to give any attention to anyone who might be doing it anyway.
posted by SteveFlamingo at 10:46 AM on August 8, 2007
As with most everything in the world the lack of todays anti-war songs taking root in the zeitgeist is probably due to a number of factors. If I had to guess though, I imagine it has something to do with the anti-war movement having little to no success in actually persuading any kind of change in the country. This doesn't help inspire people to go out and write songs because they feel defeated. And it certainly doesn't make the record companies think there's good money in the genre either, so they're not going to give any attention to anyone who might be doing it anyway.
posted by SteveFlamingo at 10:46 AM on August 8, 2007
Steve, probably the biggest difference is the lack of a draft. I'm pretty sure that if we had one there'd be a metric assload of antiwar songs being cranked out.
posted by George_Spiggott at 10:51 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by George_Spiggott at 10:51 AM on August 8, 2007
Anyone who skipped Pyramid Termite's link to "2+2=?" just because it involved Bob Seger should give it another try.
it's funny - i didn't notice this when i posted it, but the blog it's on belongs to a guy in queens calling himself jonmc
small world
and now another bonus anti-war track - last train to clarksville by the monkees
no, i'm serious
posted by pyramid termite at 11:08 AM on August 8, 2007
it's funny - i didn't notice this when i posted it, but the blog it's on belongs to a guy in queens calling himself jonmc
small world
and now another bonus anti-war track - last train to clarksville by the monkees
no, i'm serious
posted by pyramid termite at 11:08 AM on August 8, 2007
My favorite version of "One Tin Soldier." Watching this is a little like funnelling a big pitcher of gooey hippie syrup, but I like it anyway.
posted by Clay201 at 11:43 AM on August 8, 2007
posted by Clay201 at 11:43 AM on August 8, 2007
I'll toss in a couple more:
Edwin Starr - "Stop the War" ('71).
Richard Harris - "The yard went on forever" ('68).
Fugs - Kill for Peace ('66)
Laura Nyro - Save the Country ('71)
posted by Twang at 1:39 PM on August 8, 2007
Edwin Starr - "Stop the War" ('71).
Richard Harris - "The yard went on forever" ('68).
Fugs - Kill for Peace ('66)
Laura Nyro - Save the Country ('71)
posted by Twang at 1:39 PM on August 8, 2007
These are all cherished songs from my youth. (Too bad they were necessary.) I'm especially pleased that John Prine is included; he is a rare and underappreciated artist.
I'll add one more to the mix:
Donovan - Universal Soldier
posted by Benny Andajetz at 2:13 PM on August 8, 2007
I'll add one more to the mix:
Donovan - Universal Soldier
posted by Benny Andajetz at 2:13 PM on August 8, 2007
Sorry, madamjujujive - I missed your link above.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 2:16 PM on August 8, 2007
posted by Benny Andajetz at 2:16 PM on August 8, 2007
Great post, great thread—thanks, Poolio! And I'm glad someone else remembers Delia Gartrell.
posted by languagehat at 3:48 PM on August 8, 2007
posted by languagehat at 3:48 PM on August 8, 2007
Why is there no music like this today?
There are lots of people wrting anti-war songs today. There's a couple of thousand of them at Neil Young's Living With War Today. (I know Huplescat linked to it upthread, too, but one more time can't hurt...)
My own humble effort (Iraqi war-era anti-war song) can be heard right here at our very own Mefi Music. It's called "Undefined"
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:34 PM on August 8, 2007
There are lots of people wrting anti-war songs today. There's a couple of thousand of them at Neil Young's Living With War Today. (I know Huplescat linked to it upthread, too, but one more time can't hurt...)
My own humble effort (Iraqi war-era anti-war song) can be heard right here at our very own Mefi Music. It's called "Undefined"
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:34 PM on August 8, 2007
I dont think I've seen here one that was profound to me as a child, Pete Seeger's Waist Deep in the Big Muddy. The Wiki page.
posted by Kensational at 5:57 PM on August 8, 2007
posted by Kensational at 5:57 PM on August 8, 2007
Don't forget the Music Row Democrats that put out a bunch of very tasty current antiwar songs.
posted by seamallowance at 6:53 PM on August 8, 2007
posted by seamallowance at 6:53 PM on August 8, 2007
Anti-Vietnam Soul Songs
The Isley Brothers cover of Ohio should be on that list! Better than Neil Young's version, imho.
posted by BinGregory at 7:36 PM on August 8, 2007
The Isley Brothers cover of Ohio should be on that list! Better than Neil Young's version, imho.
posted by BinGregory at 7:36 PM on August 8, 2007
"Protest is futile. Nothing seems to get through. What's to become of our world? who knows what to do?"
Time for an anti-war Mefi music project?
posted by augustweed at 7:48 PM on August 8, 2007
Time for an anti-war Mefi music project?
posted by augustweed at 7:48 PM on August 8, 2007
What about Country Joe & The Fish with Whoopie, We're All Gonna Die?
(grrr, no link handy)
posted by routergirl at 8:15 PM on August 8, 2007
(grrr, no link handy)
posted by routergirl at 8:15 PM on August 8, 2007
routergirl, the song you're referring to is linked to in the FPP, by the OP. It's called "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag", and it originally appeared on this record.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:17 PM on August 8, 2007
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:17 PM on August 8, 2007
routergirl - that's no 9 "i feel like i'm fixing to die rag"
posted by pyramid termite at 9:19 PM on August 8, 2007
posted by pyramid termite at 9:19 PM on August 8, 2007
I musta been sleeping yesterday, because I forgot what I think is the best anti-war song of the era : Wooden Ships.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 6:10 AM on August 9, 2007
posted by Benny Andajetz at 6:10 AM on August 9, 2007
Oops. I posted too quickly. Must read posts before commenting.
/sheepish
posted by routergirl at 9:54 AM on August 9, 2007
/sheepish
posted by routergirl at 9:54 AM on August 9, 2007
I was listening to Radio Saigon while flying a combat assault into the Michelin Rubber Plantation near Dau Tieng in 1972 when Edwin Starr came on during final approach, singing "War!, Yea! Good God, Y'a'll, What is it Good for, Absolutely Nothing!" M-60's were chattering, rockets blazing, aholes puckering...
posted by JohnO at 5:57 PM on August 9, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by JohnO at 5:57 PM on August 9, 2007 [1 favorite]
Right-on poolio! You made it onto www.whatreallyhappened.com
posted by augustweed at 8:19 PM on August 9, 2007
posted by augustweed at 8:19 PM on August 9, 2007
Right-on poolio! You made it onto www.whatreallyhappened.com
Cool... I also got my first YouTube channel subscribers.
posted by Poolio at 9:10 PM on August 9, 2007
Cool... I also got my first YouTube channel subscribers.
posted by Poolio at 9:10 PM on August 9, 2007
In case anyone hasn't heard about it yet, Pearl Jam is claiming that AT&T censored some anti-Bush lyrics from their live Lollapalooza webcast.
posted by Poolio at 9:12 PM on August 9, 2007
posted by Poolio at 9:12 PM on August 9, 2007
I musta been sleeping yesterday, because I forgot what I think is the best anti-war song of the era : Wooden Ships .
Paul Kantner (Jefferson Airplane) playing 'Wooden Ships' with CSN.
posted by Poolio at 9:17 PM on August 9, 2007
Paul Kantner (Jefferson Airplane) playing 'Wooden Ships' with CSN.
posted by Poolio at 9:17 PM on August 9, 2007
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Well turn it up!
posted by Pollomacho at 4:59 AM on August 8, 2007 [14 favorites]