Efforts to deepen my knowledge of the Vietnam War resulted in being introduced to some of the more significant pro-war and anti-war songs of the 1960s and 1970s. Currently I would have say “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag” by Country Joe & The Fish is one of the more provoking Vietnam-era songs. Musically the song leaves a lot to be desired, yet the sarcastic lyrics expunged enough power to help fuel the anti-war movement. That said, what are some other candidates for the best war related songs? Suggestions do not need to related to any specific war.
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The purpose of Thompson Werk is to present the musings of a US War and Society doctoral student. Discussion topics principally center around the World Wars and Vietnam.
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While not realted directly to any war but rather to the Cold War, my favourite has always been Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’.
Ross, I completely agree with your suggestion. I remember hearing “We Didn’t Start the Fire” in my 8th grade history class for every lesson related to the Cold War.
That is what I used it for when teaching the Cold War to ‘A’ Level students. I told them to use it a revision too.
A Classic Spanish-American War example…
Damn, damn, damn the Filipinos!
Cut throat khakiac ladrones!
Underneath the starry flag
Civilize ‘em with a Krag,
And return us to our own beloved homes.
To the tune of Tramp, Tramp, Tramp.
Let me correct myself: the Spanish-Cuban-American-Filipino War. And then subsequently the Philippine Insurrection.
Hey, Colin, about time you contributed something to this blog! That “Spanish-Cuban-American-Filipino War” ditty certainly says a lot about the American people of the late 91th-Century. Kinda catchy, too.
Of course there is ‘War’ by Edwin Starr, a blatant anti-Vietnam song. There is also ‘Stop the Cavalry’ by Jona Lewie. I have also just found an interesting album entitled NATO by a Slovenian band called Laibach. They cover ‘War’ and ‘The Final Countdown’.
Edwin Starr and Jona Lewie definitely need to be on the list. I’ve never heard of that Slovenian band, but I’ll fix that.
Not entirely sure if this song is pro-war, but it certainly comes close. Check out the song “I Want To Be In The Calvary” by Corb Lund.