Back in 1965, singer/songwriter Tom Paxton wrote about LBJ's plan to escalate the American effort in Vietnam, from the point of view of a soldier called up to serve. And, this will be no surprise for those who have followed Tom's career, he's back with a timely revision....
George W Told The Nation.....
Paxton's 1965 song, "Lyndon Johnson Told The Nation," became one of Paxton's most requested, and helped secure his image as a topical songwriter (though most of his great songs, like I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound, and Ramblin' Boy, are timeless). The "Lyndon Johnson" chorus echoed LBJ's speeches and suggested the futility of the war:
Lyndon Johnson told the nation, "Have no fear of escalation. I am trying everyone to please. Though it isn't really war, We're sending fifty thousand more, To help save Vietnam from VietNamese."
Fast-forward 42 years. Tom Paxton has rewritten and re-recorded the song:
George W told the nation, "This not an escalation, this is just a surge toward victory. Just win my little war, I'm sending twenty-thousand more, just to save Iraq from Iraqis."
He posts it as a "short shelf life" song on his website, www.tompaxton.com
The direct link is here.
Topical songs can still be an important method of spreading awareness. Wouldn't you enjoy seeing this become one of those You Tube style viral videos?