Pro-Vietnam War Songs in the 1960s: An Insight into Supportive Voices
The Vietnam War, which had a significant impact on American society and culture in the 1960s, was marked by a diverse range of responses from both supporters and critics. Contrary to the more prominent anti-war songs of that era, there were several pro-Vietnam War songs that resonated with those who believed in the righteousness of U.S. involvement in the conflict. This article explores a selection of these songs, which often served to boost morale among supporters and troops stationed in Vietnam.
Narrative of Support Through Song
Support for the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War was a complex phenomenon, often portrayed in music by artists who found a way to articulate national pride and the perceived necessity of the war effort. These songs, while less prominent than their anti-war counterparts, played a crucial role in maintaining public support and troop morale.
The Ballad of the Green Berets by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler
The Ballad of the Green Berets (1966) by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler is perhaps the most iconic of these pro-Vietnam War songs. The catchy tune garnered widespread popularity, helping to boost the morale of both the soldiers and those at home who supported the war. Sadler, a former Green Beret, penned the lyrics, creating a narrative that celebrated the bravery and heroism of the U.S. Special Forces. The song’s refrain, 'Kiss me goodbye, and write me while I'm gone. Goodbye my sweetheart, hello Vietnam,' became a cultural touchstone of the era.
Many could sing snatches of this song, evoking a sense of patriotism and commitment to the cause. The tune's catchy melody and straightforward message of support and duty resonated deeply with a significant portion of the American public.
America Has Heard the Bugle Call by Johnnie Wright
America Has Heard the Bugle Call (1966) by Johnnie Wright is another example of a pro-Vietnam War song from that era. The lyrics of this song emphasize the call to duty, with lines like, 'Kiss me goodbye, and write me while I'm gone. Goodbye my sweetheart, hello Vietnam,' echoing the theme of the Green Berets song. The song captures the spirit of patriotism and the national duty that many felt compelled to fulfill during the war.
The chorus, 'Hello Vietnam, goodbye my sweetheart. There is fighting that will break us up again,' reflects the reality of the conflict while also reinforcing the idea that the fight against communism was necessary to preserve freedom.
What We're Fighting For
What We're Fighting For (1966) by Dave Dudley is a country hit that articulated the reason for U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The song emphasizes the struggle against communism, stating, 'Or we'll lose the fight we've been in, freedom will start slipping through our hands.' This song helped to galvanize support for the war by highlighting the ideological battle that the U.S. was engaged in.
These songs, along with other pro-war anthems, played a significant role in the public discourse of the time. They helped to shape the narratives and emotions surrounding the war, offering a counter-narrative to the growing anti-war movement.
Additional Notable Examples
While The Ballad of the Green Berets and America Has Heard the Bugle Call were immensely popular, several others made an impact during the 1960s. For instance, Lee Greenwood's I Love You, Vietnam (1984) became emblematic of the sentiments prevalent during the Vietnam War era, though it was released later. Another notable song is Hi Ho Vietnam by Johnnie Wright, whose lyrics celebrate the idea of serving and fighting in Vietnam, further cementing the duty to the nation.
These songs, though often overshadowed by the anti-war movement, served as powerful reminders of the support for the war and the belief in its righteousness among segments of the American population.
Conclusion
Pro-Vietnam War songs in the 1960s were a vital part of the cultural landscape during this turbulent period in American history. They provided a voice for those who supported the war and helped to maintain a sense of unity and purpose among soldiers and civilians alike. While these songs may not have been as celebrated as their anti-war counterparts, they played a crucial role in shaping the public’s perception of the conflict.
The music of the 1960s provides a rich tapestry of the social and political movements of the era, and the pro-war songs offer a unique insight into the complex emotions and ideological divides that characterized the period.