Vietnam

samedi 22 janvier 2022
par MmesS

Protest songs have always been associated with a movement for social and political changes. They are part of a counterculture movement. Although they did not originate in the 60’s, that period was fertile for the genre with protest singers like Bob Dylan, who wrote songs denouncing the Vietnam War and racism. "Blowin’ in the Wind" (1962)

and "The Times They Are A-Changin’ "(1964) became the rallying cry of a generation of antiwar campaigners.

Among them, Country Joe Mc Donald sang "The Vietnam Song" live at Woodstock.

Well, come on all of you, big strong men, Uncle Sam needs your help again. He’s got himself in a terrible jam Way down yonder in Vietnam So put down your books and pick up a gun, We’re gonna have a whole lotta fun.

And it’s one, two, three, What are we fighting for ? Don’t ask me, I don’t give a damn, Next stop is Vietnam ; And it’s five, six, seven, Open up the pearly gates, Well there ain’t no time to wonder why, Whoopee ! we’re all gonna die.

Come on Wall Street, don’t be slow, Why man, this is war au-go-go There’s plenty good money to be made By supplying the Army with the tools of its trade, But just hope and pray that if they drop the bomb, They drop it on the Viet Cong.

And it’s one, two, three, What are we fighting for ? Don’t ask me, I don’t give a damn, Next stop is Vietnam. And it’s five, six, seven, Open up the pearly gates, Well there ain’t no time to wonder why Whoopee ! we’re all gonna die.

Well, come on generals, let’s move fast ; Your big chance has come at last. Now you can go out and get those reds ’Cause the only good commie is the one that’s dead And you know that peace can only be won When we’ve blown ’em all to kingdom come.

And it’s one, two, three, What are we fighting for ? Don’t ask me, I don’t give a damn, Next stop is Vietnam ; And it’s five, six, seven, Open up the pearly gates, Well there ain’t no time to wonder why Whoopee ! we’re all gonna die.

Come on mothers throughout the land, Pack your boys off to Vietnam. Come on fathers, and don’t hesitate To send your sons off before it’s too late. And you can be the first ones in your block To have your boy come home in a box.

And it’s one, two, three What are we fighting for ? Don’t ask me, I don’t give a damn, Next stop is Vietnam. And it’s five, six, seven, Open up the pearly gates, Well there ain’t no time to wonder why, Whoopee ! we’re all gonna die.