War Throughout American History
and it's effect on classic rock music
By Rayanne Lilley
Driving Question
How are the difficulties of war throughout American history reflected in classic rock music?”
Two soldiers, Boston, 1994 (Blue Eyed Boston Boy)
“Two Soldiers” is a song by Bob Dylan about a man fighting in the American Civil War. In the song The speaker is talking to a friend who is also fighting and asks if he will tell his family if he is killed in war and that he would do the same for him, but in the end they both pass so there’s no one to tell their loved one’s that they died in battle.
Metallica - One
“One” is a song by Metallica about a man confused about reality because he has PTSD from fighting in World War One. Many soldiers throughout history have suffered the negative mental effects of participating in the horrors of war.
Johnny Cash...The Ballad of Ira Hayes
“Ballad of Ira Hayes” is a song by Johnny Cash about a Native American who volunteered to fight in World War Two and when he came home, wasn’t celebrated by the other Native Americans.
The Beach Boys - Student Demonstration Time (Memorial Montage Project)
“Student Demonstration Time” is a song by The Beach Boys about demonstrations on college campuses that ended in violence such as Kent State and Jackson State, where students were protesting the draft during Vietnam.
RAMONES - Bonzo Goes To Bitburg (My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down)
“Bonzo Goes To Bitburg” is a song by The Ramones about diplomacy and how Reagan is “hiding behind politics” in the context of the Cold War. It condemns Reagan for visiting a Nazi cemetery in Bitburg. They were still angry with Reagan because of the Cold War and the fear it brought and then he made this gesture to honor Nazis - obviously controversial. Most songs about war only allude to the actual history, while the Ramones almost explicitly call out Reagan for his actions.
Prince Cinnamon Girl
“Cinnamon Girl” is a song by Prince about people that blame all Muslims for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and a specific girl holds that burden and just wants everyone to be safe and prays for peace.