As was noted by our (psuedo?) celebrity commenters last week, SXSW is nigh and the world is soon to descend.
Let'em have it, Johnny
In quasi-honor of this, I’ve concocted some posts that revolve around particular global locales. The first of the bunch, as you might have guessed, is Vietnam. And I promise, I ain’t gonna post a bunch of folky protest songs. Read on and see for yourself.
This first track is by my fellow Arkansan, Johnny Cash. Titled, “Talking Vietnam Blues,” it’s the closest to being construed as a “protest” song. It’s an easy, ramblin’ tune that speaks out against aggression and violence, not from a point of piety, but one of a calm passivity. If one person could toss aside the supposed screen of war as a prideful and glorious expression of masculinity, it’d be Mr. Cash.
While Cash relayed the story of Americans in Vietnam from his own perspective as a performer, Jimmy Cliff takes a more nuanced position in “Vietnam.” While both music and chorus are quite catchy, the song is rather morbid. Around his countless intonations of “Viet-nam,” Cliff relates two short anecdotes relating to a solider in Vietnam. The first is from the perspective of a friend who has received a letter from his pal telling him to make sure he lets everyone know that he’s coming home. The second verse is a telegram received by his mother informing her of his death. When I listen to the track, however, I never seem to realize this. I just bob my head and sing along to the chorus.
Steve Earle is an American institution. He’s had his ups and downs musically. He suffered through addiction and recovery, bouncing back to create stunning music (The Mountain, et al). Then, as George Bush’s reign in office took shape, we all suffered through his endless political haranguing. “Copperhead Road” ranks as one of the greatest songs he has recorded.
The majority of the song deals with runnin’ ‘shine in Tennessee, but its most pointed (and astute) moment comes with the specter of the Vietnam War. John Lee Pettimore kicks off the final verse with this pronouncement:
“I volunteered for the Army on my birthday
They draft the white trash first,’round here anyway”
True, unflinching, and incisive…It’s Earle at his best.
Wonderful Wednesday: Vietnam
As was noted by our (psuedo?) celebrity commenters last week, SXSW is nigh and the world is soon to descend.
Let'em have it, Johnny
In quasi-honor of this, I’ve concocted some posts that revolve around particular global locales. The first of the bunch, as you might have guessed, is Vietnam. And I promise, I ain’t gonna post a bunch of folky protest songs. Read on and see for yourself.
This first track is by my fellow Arkansan, Johnny Cash. Titled, “Talking Vietnam Blues,” it’s the closest to being construed as a “protest” song. It’s an easy, ramblin’ tune that speaks out against aggression and violence, not from a point of piety, but one of a calm passivity. If one person could toss aside the supposed screen of war as a prideful and glorious expression of masculinity, it’d be Mr. Cash.
Singing in Vietnam Talking Blues-Johnny CashWhile Cash relayed the story of Americans in Vietnam from his own perspective as a performer, Jimmy Cliff takes a more nuanced position in “Vietnam.” While both music and chorus are quite catchy, the song is rather morbid. Around his countless intonations of “Viet-nam,” Cliff relates two short anecdotes relating to a solider in Vietnam. The first is from the perspective of a friend who has received a letter from his pal telling him to make sure he lets everyone know that he’s coming home. The second verse is a telegram received by his mother informing her of his death. When I listen to the track, however, I never seem to realize this. I just bob my head and sing along to the chorus.
Vietnam-Jimmy CliffSteve Earle is an American institution. He’s had his ups and downs musically. He suffered through addiction and recovery, bouncing back to create stunning music (The Mountain, et al). Then, as George Bush’s reign in office took shape, we all suffered through his endless political haranguing. “Copperhead Road” ranks as one of the greatest songs he has recorded.
Copperhead Road-Steve EarleThe majority of the song deals with runnin’ ‘shine in Tennessee, but its most pointed (and astute) moment comes with the specter of the Vietnam War. John Lee Pettimore kicks off the final verse with this pronouncement:
“I volunteered for the Army on my birthday
They draft the white trash first,’round here anyway”
True, unflinching, and incisive…It’s Earle at his best.