From American Songwriter · Em Casalena · · 40s
Vietnam War Veterans' 1968 Anthems
Vietnam veterans recall three 1968 songs that eased their trauma.
In brief
Vietnam veterans recall three 1968 songs that eased their trauma. Vietnam War veterans alive in 1968 remember 'The Unknown Soldier', 'Draft Morning', and 'Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues' as comfort anthems. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
The Unknown Soldier
Vietnam War veterans recall The Doors' 1968 song as a stark reflection on media's portrayal of the war.
“The Unknown Soldier was clearly Jim Morrison's view of the Vietnam War, particularly in terms of how it was perceived in the media at the time.”
Draft Morning
The Byrds' 1968 song depicts a soldier's draft experience with raw honesty.
“Today was the day for action / Leave my bed to kill instead / Why should it happen?”
Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues
Tom Paxton's 1968 song offers light-hearted comfort for veterans during the war's turmoil.
“Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues references smoking p*t to Hare Krishna to finding comfort in a tumultuous time.”
The short version
Vietnam War veterans alive in 1968 remember 'The Unknown Soldier', 'Draft Morning', and 'Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues' as comfort anthems.
