I Wish I Could Say Hello - To the Boys in Vietnam

Annotation — US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]

I Wish I Could Say Hello - To the Boys in Vietnam Patriotic, anti-protest. Reference to WW1, WW2, Korea. Narrated from perspective of a disabled vet.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: I wish I could say hello to the boys in Vietnam / Wish I was in some small outpost near the city of Saigon / I know their hearts are heavy a million miles from home / That's why I'd like to say hello to the boys in Vietnam / I'd like to say let them have it, as that's what they want / I'd like to say we'll back you up... / All these folks that protest against our American way / I'd like to see them sent off to Vietnam today / We proved ourselves in World War One / Again in World War Two / We proved it again in South Korea, Vietnam we'll do it too / We'll prove we'll keep our commitment on the ground, air or sea / We'll keep old glory waving high and keep America free / I was a GI in World World Two / I served in the infantry / They sent me back disabled boys, but please don't pity me / I was proud to serve my country... / Just keep old glory waving high, keep America free / Boys let 'em have it / It seems that's what they want / We'll forever back you up... / When this thing is over how happy we'll be to see you boys come marching home / And know America is free

Notes

Ace ACE-572 (TSS 1670812.A/B in the deadwax), "Music by The Dixie Playboys"; the B-side is sung by R. B. Sullivent (Clau Dean-Lindsey sings the A-side). Copyright registration EU938868, 2 May 1966, words and music R. B. Sullivent; the A-side was registered 26 June 1967, so the single is 1967 or later. [From 45cat]

Themes

Patriotic · Anti-Protest · Disabled Vet · WW2 · Korea

In collections

US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]