Despite the song’s release in 1968, The Doors didn’t write this song specifically about the Vietnam War. Especially during that time, many radio stations banned this song because of its violent anti-war message. The song examines the death of a face…
Despite the song’s release in 1968, The Doors didn’t write this song specifically about the Vietnam War. Especially during that time, many radio stations banned this song because of its violent anti-war message. The song examines the death of a faceless soldier and how life continues back home without a change. The song has violent themes but was popular among US soldiers in Vietnam.
5. Zombie by The Cranberries
Zombie by The Cranberries Music Video
Genre Alternative Rock, Grunge
Year Released 1994
Album No Need to Argue
The Cranberries wrote this song in response to the two bombing deaths of two children in March 1993. Two devices hidden in litter bins detonated to kill three-year-old Jonathan Ball and 12-year-old Tim Perry. This song speaks to the ongoing ethnopolitical conflict in Ireland.
6. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye Music Video
Genre Psychedelic Soul, R&B, Progressive Soul
Year Released 1971
Album What’s Going On
This song speaks about the experience that Vietnam soldiers had when they returned to the United States. Beneath the feelings of celebration, they experienced a deep uneasiness and hatred. This song especially found popularity in the African American community.
7. I Don’t Want to Go to Vietnam by John Lee Hooker
I Don’t Want to Go to Vietnam by John Lee Hooker Music Video
Genre Blues
Year Released 1969
Album Simply the Truth Album
The name of the song should speak for itself, and it’s a song about how many of the US soldiers in Vietnam had deep feelings against the war. Many of them were drafted into the war and had no choice but to fight. The song talks about the issues that many of them faced right at home without the need to go to war and multiply their problems.
8. Put Down That Weapon by Midnight Oil
Put Down That Weapon by Midnight Oil Music Video
Genre Alternative, Rock, Pop
Year Released 1987
Album Diesel and Dust
This song speaks about the threat that all of us face from nuclear weapons. The song talks about the Americans laying down their nuclear weapons, and it’s an Australian rock band that is telling Australia not to accept the ships full of nuclear weapons from the United States.
9. Masters of War by Bob Dylan
Masters of War by Bob Dylan Music Video
Genre Folk, Rock
Year Released 1963
Album The Freewheelin’
Another song that protested the buildup of nuclear weapons, this song happened three years before the United States made the decision to enter Vietnam. It references the protests against the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War. The song talks about the harsh realities of war, and it says how the elite who initiate these wars often stay back and safe while the everyday population must go out and fight in the war.
