Billy Joel - Goodnight Saigon (Official Video)
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2009
- In 1982, Billy Joel released an album titled The Nylon Curtain, which became a Billboard Top 10 album and was one of the first to be recorded, mixed, and mastered digitally. Watch the official music video for 'Goodnight Saigon', which became a Billboard Top 100 track and details life on the front lines during the Vietnam War.
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Chorus:
And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes, we would all go down together
Billy Joel's official UA-cam channel features music videos, live performances, interviews, TV appearances and more. Best known for his first hit song, 'Piano Man', in 1973, Billy has written and recorded thirty- three Top 40 hits in the UnitedStates. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner, a 23-time Grammy nominee and one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 150 million records worldwide. Billy Joel is the sixth-best-selling recording artist and the third-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
#BillyJoel #GoodnightSaigon #OfficialVideo
Billy Joel's official UA-cam channel features music videos, live performances, interviews, TV appearances and more. Best known for his first hit song, 'Piano Man', in 1973, Billy has written and recorded thirty-three Top 40 hits in the United States. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner, a 23-time Grammy nominee and one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 150 million records worldwide. Billy Joel is the sixth-best-selling recording artist and the third-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
My grandfather was a Marine Vietnam veteran. He passed away June 8th 2014 to colon cancer. Every memorial day he would drive to the cemetery and place flags at the graves of fellow soldiers all while his car radio was blaring this song aswell as a few others. He never spoke of his service but his brothers and sisters often spoke about how he had changed from before Vietnam as opposed to after. His little brother often got into fights because people would throw things at my grandpa shouting that he was a baby killer. My grandpa never retaliated nor did he speak I'll of anyone. It wasnt until I was 16 that I realized my grandpa would drive us to fireworks displays for the fourth but always stayed in the car. When I was 17 I sat with him and I watched as he flinched with every explosion that sounded off. I watched as his knuckles creaked and grew white from how hard he clenched the steering wheel. He was the greatest man I ever knew simply because he took his grandkids to something he knew would trigger his PTSD , never complained nor gave excuses, and never let us know so it wouldn't ruin our experience. I hope to one day be 1/10th the man he was. I miss him every day
Sorry to hear
❤
great story, really heartwarming. rest in peace to your grandfather.
I never understood the hatred to these fine young men!! I’m 56 and still don’t understand it!!
Good for your grandfather!! I’m sure he still loved America! And realized that not everyone felt that way.. but, I get it… may he rest in peace!!!❤️🤍💙🌷
❤️
My dad did 3 tours in Vietnam and he said that Billy Joel nailed it with this song.
Hello👋, how are you doing today?
I feel so sorry for that ! Much more as I know we are again very closed to that sit. Even worse...
I met a vietnam chopper pilot in California in 1996. Bob Caldwell was such a hero. I hope his sons Ian and Brett might someday stumble onto this memory of mine. I will never forget him.
God Bless your Father. Much more of a man than I'll ever be.
Can he (or you) shed some light on the significance of 'soft soap'... that lyric has always bothered me in that I get 100% of the rest of the song but what in the world is the significance of soft soap, so much so that Billy has it rounding out the first verse. And yes, I get that it works well with 'Bob Hope' that follows... but Billy Joel is such a meticulous (and f___ brilliant lyricist) that he I can't imagine him using 'soft soap' without it having... some sort of significance in that era.... thanks and god bless your pops and anyone who had to live through that hell for any amount of time
My older brother was a Marine in Nam. Thank God he made it home, but he was never the same. He withdrew from us because of the traumas he'd endured. So even though he survived, I still lost my brother. I love you, Alan. RIP big brother 😢
God loves you...God loves you all 🙏❤️❤️
I'm a Veteran and I can't listen to this without crying for my brothers and sisters in Arms.
Thank you for your service. Welcome home.
I love your for what you did and w hat you are. Stand tall
I'm not a veteran and cry every time I listen to this masterpiece.
I honor and support our veterans. Especially DAV.
Thank you for your service. 🙏 ❤️🇺🇲
Me too. RVN 1966
Thank you for your service sir
The older I get, the harder it is to listen to this masterpiece. Beautiful song.
😪😪😪😓
🇺🇸😔🙏🏽
Made me cry😢
This song honours the soldiers not the war. It is beautifully written.
Exactly. There were dumbass reporters who actually called this "obscene" for not taking a political side.
This is the war I watched as a child on TV every morning while eating my breakfast during the late 60's and early 70's. It is so strange to see these guys that were just ten years older than me in most cases now appear as old men when I see them talking about the experiences. As a kid it was the WWII vets that were mostly in the 50' and 60 that I saw as old and wise. The Vietnam vets will always be those young guys in their mid 20's and early 30's maybe. I know a few Vietnam war vets and most have never talked about Vietnam. Some of which I have known for 40 years. Only my old coworker and friend Vaughn Webb ever talked to me about his experiences and how it shaped his life. He is gone now too. Alcoholism ended his life to soon.
@Cody Melvin haven't a Scoobie have you?🙈
@@timg185 There's only losers in war. What's the price paid for eternal tragedy that can't be compensated for heartbroken families who never get to see their lost and fallen kids anymore? Tell me that if you can with some intelligent words from the heart and not some cliche from traditional American war policies.
@@timg185 I was actually quoting Bart Simpson in the ending of the "Bart the General" episode from the first season of the Simpsons, where he stated that there are no winners in war, only losers. But I meant no disrespect to the countless people who died and fought to keep freedom from giving out from under, you know. You're totally right about war being essential to freedom.
Billy Joel's greatest song. One of the greatest songs ever written.
ONE OF!?!?
@@albertstashin4371 its not THE greatest song ever written.. yes, its HIS greatest song and would be the song I would point to if asked what song made Billy Joel 'great'.
I am Vietnamese and there is a poem call “Đồng Chí” which means comrades by a poet named “Chính Hữu” that has the same meaning with this song, is about brotherhood during operation “Việt Bắc thu-đông” in 1947, when we were fighting against France.
I cant find the poem. Could you maybe link it or type it?
Thank you
How is this song regarded in Vietnam? There are some big nods towards the Viet side in the lyrics.
Its amazing to read this because I was just wondering if they sing songs similar to this one in Vietnam.
@@sunsetpark_fpvUnfortunately, they sing songs like this everywhere.
Goodnight Kabul.
#TalibanBlitzkrieg 😅🤣😅🤣
Exactly what brought me here too...
Listening in August 2021 too 🙋🇺🇲🛠️🇷🇺
Defintely a relevant song
@@srinagarpakistan3627 Are you German or Dutch? I would like to know becouse you basically use those mass killers as a security blanket becouse you don't want the responsibility.
That's my dad in the photograph at 2:50. He is the one smiling at the camera.
Moriyah Ramberg is he still alive
Moriyah Ramberg That is COOL !!!! :-)
Wow! Tell him I say welcome home :)
Lol
Tell him that we are grateful.
Billy Joel is my all time favorite artist. If I ever had the honor of meeting him I know exactly what I would say to him. Thank you for this song.
My favorite song of Joel
He is undoubtedly a very talented musician and entertainer.
Seeing those veterans singing the chorus is what makes this song so chilling and powerful.
I cry everytime I watch that did you see the video that was made with this song I really can't imagine how those young men got through that war worse than hell
Billy has a rule he will only allow Veterans to sing the Chorus as show of respect love Billy ❤
@@orendaniel6187
Have you seen the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors for Billy Joel? Garth Brooks sang the song, with a huge group of Veterans onstage to sing the chorus. Very powerful. The whole show is excellent.
Until now I wasn’t aware there were veterans involved
My Dad died in Vietnam at 24. I was 5, and I was the oldest of his 4 children. Miss you Dad...wish my brothers and sister and I could have had the chance to know you... Such a great sacrifice for nothing!!!!!!!!
it wasn't for nothing, don't believe 'the bleeding hearts'.
Thank you, Tammi.
May he Rest in Peace. RIP.
he died defending freedom and a way of life. god bless your dad and your family. you can be very proud of his courage.
Jeff Pehl was isn’t about freedom. It’s about money. And the civilians are the ones that suffer and sometimes even lose everything
I can't tell you how much this song means to me. My mother is a British army vet. She served in Iraq when she was only seventeen and has had PTSD and depression ever since. She's the most gentle and loving mother I could ever ask for, she's kind and she's so pretty but sometimes I don't know how to help her. She still has trauma from the war and still has nightmares about it. But when she heard this song today in the car she pulled over. I'd never heard it before, but she ended up crying and hugging me and we spent the rest of the evening together in each others arms. I haven't seen her so moved in years. I know my comment is poorly written, but I just want to say thank you to Billy Joel for giving me a memory I'll never forget.
I fought in different wars with the Foreign Legion, but this song always makes me cry. Touches every grunt, in any time period
@@jamestsiang3548 That couldn't be more true. She always told me that war is war, no matter what period or where it's fought.
I'm saying a prayer for you and your mom.
You have your endearing memory , my heart wishes for your Grandmother to divert memory to soften and mend her own heart ❤️
❤️
This hits a lot harder today..
I know dude we did the civilians dirty over there. We owed them more. There good people there government sucks but Man it hurts to see them running from there homes with those monsters hot on there heels.
Goodnight Afghan
Goodnight Kabul
Yes it does sweetie, my husband was a combat medic in Vietnam.This is tragic for our troops, No man left behind, what on Gods earth has that man done.
@@jennyhagemann5159 Exactly. And he's not the real president because he was installed like a toilet in the White House by the Democrats. Grrrrr.
Somehow or other, Billy Joel seems to have understood the Vietnam Veteran. He has captured the essence of what we were & who we are.
This song brings out an abundance of emotion, especially at a live performance, with the rotating beacon & the Huey rotor blades sound.
His friends who fought in Vietnam talked to him and told him about their experiences so he could write a song about it
Proud to say, I toured with Billy and the Band. And, I am in this video twice during the shots of the background singers. It was a powerful song.
What was your role?
@@unitedstatesofamerica9948 I was the show rigger, hanging lighting, audio, video, etc. over the band and audience. When Saigon was on the band list, I sang the chorus on stage in a pool of light... "and we will all go down together". For the NY show that was recorded in '82, I signed a waiver and got a check for $10.00. fun times.
Hello, how are you doing?
I am doing fine. Living in CA, not to far from where I started in San Francisco. Looking forward to seeing a live show soon. I'm typically in NY during April and hope that Billy will be playing at MSG. I saw Richie playing at the Bitter End last April. He had to take two looks before he figured out who I was. When people ask me what band did you like to tour with, I always say the Billy Joel band. Have two platinum albums on my wall to remind me.
Hey, cool of Billy to check in on the comments! I am from South- Africa. The song has a lot of meaning for me.
For those who never made it back....
And for those who came back to "state-side" ......
but still haven't "come home" yet.
I lost my husband this past April. He was a Marine. He served 13 months in Vietnam from April 1968 to May 1969. He was a Weapons Specialist and loaded all the different bombs on several types of planes. He also was a Gunner on a Huey helicopter along with being a Tunnel Rat. He died from coronary heart disease after 5 heart attacks. For 49 years I watched him suffer from PTSD and never fail to be the best husband and father that a wife could ask for. I have cried hundreds of times over the years just knowing what he and other brave soldiers went through over there. God Bless Them All!!
@vickimarten4222
Omg I'm crying! He is the epitome of what a survivor of Vietnam vet suffered through, yet went on to have a family. HE is one of the LUCKY ONES. He will R.I.P. along with his "brothers," relationships that we will never understand, but we know they are held together forever. God only knows how many lives your dearly departed husband saved.
God bless you
I’m so sorry for your loss
Salute!
💜🕊💜🙏🏼💜
Thank you Arne Espedal for your Service and your Writings. I miss you Dad. From June 2024. Mom is still Alive and doing well. Dinah and I are digging in and hanging on. She fought hard for you. when we knew what had happened We circled the wagons!! Your Grandsons are Strong and Clever as expected also now you also have More Great grandchildren!! Thank you for staying alive and saving others. - Your Son Joel
It's amazing how Billy Joel captures the feelings of fear, war and brotherhood. This song is remarkably the best he's written
I heard about this song in English class last year when I had to analyze the lyrics and I almost broke down to tear because I'm going to Paris island as well but this song is just so emotional
+Name Unknown it is ... and true for the blokes who went there -
+YathuS 78 what school are you from
+Susanmary Trescowthick I know
+Steven King And stupid as fuck as well
If you dont get chills from the "and we would all go down together" part you are not human
Right!
Billy Joel Goodnight Saigon 1982
I am just a young woman born in the early 2000's and this song, regardless of me never experiencing anyone going to war, still brings me to tears and sends chills up my spine and my whole body.
amen been there
U571.....Billy Joel is a fave ....this tune cracks me up everytime. ..and the show with vets as backing brilliant. ...not religious but bless you all and the brits.....I salute you ...British. ..proud...but we need to be stronger...oh putin. ..like our Corbyn. ..a pratt
My oldest brother served as a flight mechanic on Aircraft Carriers of the coast of Vietnam for several years during his navy career. He told me many times about pitching ten planes out, and only catching eight or nine back. They all knew what hell those downed flyers were looking at enduring, if they even survived the shoot down. Respect, Billy j.
😔🇺🇸🙏🏽✝️
Dear God...
Respect to your brother.
This is the absolute peak of Billy Joel’s songwriting. A masterpiece.
Even though Billy Joel didn't fight in Vietnam, he definitely seems to have captured the feel of the fighting.
jutubaeh U wot?
TeamGavino Pretty obvious weren't there either.
+TeamGavino He said that his veteran friends asked him to write this song. When he protested that he wasn't there, they told him what they wanted to say.
He was exempted because he was the sole provider for his mother.
Really? Wow.
This song is a masterpiece. I will never know how Billy was able to capture the experience the way he did.
Omg.....i get absolute chills every time i hear this song. So fucking powerful 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
This and Leningrad. Always makes me cry buckets
Because someone else wrote it.
Unless he's a Veteran himself he probably spoke with as many as he could find and then wrote about their experiences.
@@sadem1045 A Vietnam veterans organization wanted him to write a Vietnam song. He protested that he didn't serve but they insisted, and after urging from friends who were Marine vets he made the song from there.
One of the saddest songs ever written. I have never fought a war, nor lost a close relative in a war, so I cannot begin to understand the grief of someone who had to live through this, or any other war for that matter
As long as ordinary people die for other ordinary people who happen to be in power, songs like these will keep on being written.
You might notice the wrapping on Billy’s left thumb. He was riding his motorcycle on a winding road in Cold Spring Harbor and had to put the bike down. There was considerable concern whether he would be able to use that thumb again. I remember he wore splints and other protection for a long time after the accident. What a tremendous song to honor our soldiers coming home from Vietnam. I am thrilled that I got to go to high school with Billy. I was Hicksville High School, class of 1969; draft number 109. May you never have a draft number.
This song has always haunted me... I served in the Marines, but I was not in Vietnam. The first time I heard this song was October 21, 1983. October 21st was a Friday and I had the rare opportunity to be off the line and at the HQ building as my unit was to run a special mission the next morning. There was a small E-club set up in the basement of Battalion Landing Team 1/8 Headquarters building in Beirut, Lebanon. That night, I naturally found my way to the E-club for my 2 beer limit and some good times with friends. Billy Joel's new album played on the stereo system and when Goodnight Saigon played, everyone sang along with the chorus "and we will all go down together." I went on the mission the next day and returned to the line that evening. The next morning, Sunday, October 23rd, 1983... that HQ building, which people mistakenly refer to as a "barracks," was destroyed by a suicide truck bomb. Most of those friends that were there died... together.
The song is a masterpiece and as hard as that memory is, I treasure it. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Semper Fidelis
Semper Fidelis! I am so sorry for the loss you suffered. This song haunts me as well. I served in the military (Air Force) between 1983 and 2003. You guys are my heroes! I knew we were safer when you were there. Thank you for your service no matter when you served.
Pat Eroh
Thank you brother.
I served as a Marine (ComCam) and fought in the Battle of Najaf, Iraq while embedded with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in August 2004... This song always gets me.
I am sorry for your loss. No matter how many years pass, sometimes it feels like it just happened yesterday.
Semper Fidelis, Brother.
Ugly Molly
Semper Fi
As a Canadian with a military family, I'm thankful I never had to go through that. The values have been passed, and I am a regular volunteer for the Legion.
"They left their childhood on every acre."
This song is so sad and so beautiful. My dad fought with the British army in the Korean War. At night he would have nightmares and wake up screaming. No therapy in those days...
Salute to you/him. There was and is whiskey and solitude. Not as bad as you would think and so humbling that the people are completely worth it (nowadays). Vietnam Vets were spat upon. My first firefight was in 83 during the Grenada rescue and it just kept going until retirement. Served with many UK types. Loved it and man, we had it so much easier than my Fathers/Uncles.. Squad Leader to Command Sergeant Major were Vietnam Vets. My favorite CSM Berry did 10 tours in Vietnam. Anything I have done is sort of like "I swept the hallway."
@@geoffwalters3662 Thanks Geoff, but I'm sure you did more than just "sweep the hallway". Take care.
@@Brownalebelly Thank you for the kind words. Apparently, part of your father lives on with honor in you.
Thank you for your father.I can live a free and peaceful life in Korea.
@@user-lv5kn6ni7q Your kind message brought tears to my eyes this morning. Thank you so much. I hope to visit Korea one day.
Goodnight Kabul
My dad was a vietnam vet. he was drafted, he went in o his own because he felt it was his civic duty. He was a happy, upbeat, cheery fella who had no real health problems or mental problems. 3 years he served from 72-75 when it "ended" By ended I meant, the war of vietnam. The war for the soldiers never ended. Many still are fighting this "war" today. My father fought it until the day he died. In 1980, who took his revolver and ended the "war". War never ends for our vets.
I know this is 7 years later, and you probably might not remember this comment, but damn, that is deep
Same for my grandpa only he was in Stalingrad. It's a shame that mental health was such a taboo topic back then.
Agreed. The Government Sucks. Money Machine. I'm Sorry Your Father Held that for So Long. The Only Needed Wars are The Ones Fought Here on American Soil. It's coming again. And I Mean NO Disrespect for Those Who Died Abroad. War On Any Level Sucks.
I am so sorry for your loss. My cousin who was in Vietnam ended his war with the war the same way in 2001. Prayers for you and all the vets with PTSD who still fight the effects whether it is Vietnam or Iraq.
My father was in Vietnam. Late 60s.. I feel your pain and sorrow.. My father FIANALLY got help in 2000s.. He takes prozac to this day to ease the nightmares..
Billy Joel is simply a legend and among the greatest performers in the history of entertainment!
@lelwut Ron Jeremy - King of cock
I think he’s the greatest singer of all time.
I couldn't agree more
Seems like a good day for this song. Good Night kabul...
My stepfather asked me to look for a couple names on the Vietnam wall during a family trip to Washington D.C. . When my sons and I found the names, we had forgotten the paper and pencils to get a rubbing of his buddies. I found some torn scrap paper and a couple broken crayons in our backpack and we did the best we could. When my sons gave their grandfather the names he stared at the ratty, frayed papers as if they were dog tags or locks of hair. We all held him as a torrent of emotion flooded out. I am grateful to all who have served and the lessons Uncle Sam taught me. Please serve this nation in any capacity you can. Volunteer, do community clean ups, help your neighbors. This is the United States, and no matter where your ideologies fall, it takes all of us to make a nation.
Wow! I am speechless! Yes to every thing you shared!
The guys singing in the chorus are actual Vietnam vets and Vietnam War pictures are not that hard to find. My father and older brother served in Vietnam at different times and neither of them regret their service. But they lost respect for the leadership because of that war.
The Vietnam War ended in 1975 and this song came out on the 1982 album....not long after the war had ended. I see them all embraced and it's so genuine! Makes me weepy for them.
1982, many of them were only in early 30's and the War was still fresh in everyone's minds.
My cousin was in Vietnam. He actually looks like a young George Clooney in the pictures he brought back from NAM.
He never talks about it. Only says, he got to see Hell and survived. My Cousin sadly passed away since I posted this comment. But he will never be forgotten. Tom McDonald 12th Evac Cu Chi Vietnam 68/69
@a10warthog61 It's totally possibly if dad was career military, had kids young, and brother enlisted at 17 or 18.
So maybe we will be able to grapple with Afghanistan conflict in about 7 years? It does take a while for a society to want to really look at something that is so painful for so many... Please pray for veterans and women and girls that they can stay strong throughout those 7 years....
@@KayInMaine lllllllllll) lllllllllllllll0l
I was Army infantry in Vietnam in 1968 and this really hits home. We all really would all go down together if we had to. I'm glad we never did all go down but many were lost. Slow hand salute. HOOAH!!
Hope you are doing well
Thank you.
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it...
makes me think of Afghanistan. That now is our history's worse screw up. Biden left our people and our allies he wants us to forget.
'And prayed to Jesus Christ with all of our might' Amen
Makes me cry and remember friends we lost. It was a terrible time. This song is brilliant.
+Francine Jewett I agree
Same.
I had my draft card and was 2 months away from being drafted when the war ended. I knew a lot of friends who lost family over there, or were injured either physically or mentally. They damn sure do deserve respect and honor for their sacrifice!
I hear you brother, the war stopped my junior year in high school, and I was glad it ended. I had pretty much resigned myself to getting a shitty number and going, and since my Dad fought in France - I sure as hell had to follow suit, but damn - we were the lucky ones. I'm grateful for those who served.
The goosebumps I get when I listen to this…every time…
Amazing song. That's just Billy Joel. Our soldiers were only the average age of 19 in this conflict. WAR is HELL. God bless them.
My name is John, I was a member of the 1st Signal Brgd, attached to the 9th Infantry Div. Dong Tam, Mekong Delta. 1968-69. You can pick this song apart, or leave it together as a story, but by all means PLEASE believe ever word. Thank you for the upload, and thanks to you folks for your support.
Glad you came home ! Strength and Honor ! (24 September 2018 1915 hours)
BUTCHERING BASTARD
MI LAI 1968
2 IRAQ WARS.
Massive respect! If it wasn't for the Yanks getting involved. England Great Britain would be in trouble. America introduce everything from music to bubblegum. God bless America. X
Hi, John. Another 1st Sig Alumni here. Long Binh, Phuc Vinh '70-'71. Well said.
Thank you for your service...my father was USAF at Cam Rahn Bay 70 to 71
Not all of Billy's tunes are my cup of tea but this is a masterpiece. Extraordinary songwriting
Anyone else cry when they hear this song?
I was not in Vietnam, but served in Operation Desert Storm in the U.S. Air Force.
1986-1991.
007
yessir
007 - we served together brother...1/4avn regt, attached to 1st armored cav. "Apaches" 'shield/'storm '90-'91 yeah man, a few others that I get a lump in my throat: Jackson Brown FOR AMERICA . . .Midnight Oil THE FORGOTTEN YEARS . . .Roger Waters GOING HOME . . .and THE BALLAD OF BILL HUBBARD part I and II
Thank you for your service
Yes everytime 😥😭 xx
Thank You for your Service.
I cry everytime I watch this. My husband was a Mst Gunnery Sgt but after Vietnam. Still, I constantly show my 16 yr. old son how young these boys were and they got dumped in a rain forest. No apologies no thank yous.. I plan to bring him to the VETS HOSPITAL in Va. next year. I don't think he's ready for it yet. He's had a sheltered life. We talk about it a lot and how every war doesn't end with us being heroes, but how CRUEL our country is.
To every Vietnam Vet, I am a Mother of 2 sons. I have so much love and respect for all of you.
Trust me, its not the country thats cruel, just certian people. Mostly republicans.
Our country isn't cruel. Our country is full of people just like these men who served. We all need to do better, be better informed, and pick better representatives in every government position we vote for. We owe them that, and if we aren't doing it, then we are failing them and those we want to protect today. Your sons should grow up proud that we have the right to vote, and speak, and serve.
they left their childhood on every acre.... I play this over and over and cry like a baby
yes i could listen to this all day
🌸 "Goodnight Saigon"
We met as soul mates
On Parris Island
We left as inmates
From an asylum
And we were sharp
As sharp as knives
And we were so gung ho
To lay down our lives
We came in spastic
Like tameless horses
We left in plastic
As numbered corpses
And we learned fast
To travel light
Our arms were heavy
But our bellies were tight
We had no home front
We had no soft soap
They sent us Playboy
They gave us Bob Hope
We dug in deep
And shot on sight
And prayed to Jesus Christ
With all of our might
We had no cameras
To shoot the landscape
We passed the hash pipe
And played our Doors tapes
And it was dark
So dark at night
And we held on to each other
Like brother to brother
We promised our mothers we'd write
And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes we would all go down together
Remember Charlie
Remember Baker
They left their childhood
On every acre
And who was wrong?
And who was right?
It didn't matter in the thick of the fight
We held the day
In the palm
Of our hand
They ruled the night
And the night
Seemed to last as long as six weeks
On Parris Island
We held the coastline
They held the highlands
And they were sharp
As sharp as knives
They heard the hum of our motors
They counted the rotors
And waited for us to arrive
And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes we would all go down together
💜
Gail nice
Yes,it was lacking the first couple of verses' lyrics.
Thank you for putting the lyrics up. Really appreciate that
Six weeks at Parris Island makes me so sad because they were only given 1/3rd of the training at that time because they needed to ship soldiers in so quickly. They had no experience and lack of quality training. No match for the vietnamese soldiers who often shot them down before they even landed :( 😭
Unbelievable song. He had words for people who couldn’t speak..!!!🥰🥰🎶🎶🙏🙏🙏
Our English teacher played us that song in school when we were discussing the Vietnam war. That was about 15 years ago, but that song hasn't left me since. Such strong imagery!
You had an excellent English teacher.
It does not matter whether the war was wrong or right, this song is to honor those who were there. So let's leave it at that.
AMEN !
Michael Hillhouse 👍
Lmao of course that matters
Liam Gallagher our soldiers follow orders! The average citizen does not know if a war is worth fighting or not. We depend on our government to determine that. These soldiers deserve the same acknowledgement as any other soldier. You also have to remember the Vietnam conflict began only 10 to 20 years after World War II . Depending on what you consider the beginning to be. The threat and fear of communism and brutal dictatorships was fresh in the minds of the world. Something people can’t understand now because in comparison people are spoiled now. Vietnam was a much more complicated issue than people give it credit for. I heard a historian say that if we had achieved our goals the war would be seen now in a much different light.
@@WakaWaka2468 no, scumbag, it doesn't
Just found out this wasn't a hit in most countries. In the Netherlands it was a number 1 hit on the charts, and Billy Joel's biggest hit by far,
I was lucky enough to see this song performed live. He's got so many great songs it's too bad he can't play everything live.
It amazes me that billy managed to sing this and not break down in tears
It wasn't until the 1980's when the nation got their foot off our necks. By then too many Nam Vets were in prisons or graveyards. I will never forget or forgive those who abandoned my Brothers.
What was done to our Viet Nam vets was disgusting. An embarrassment that can never be erased. Thank you for your service, Warren. Very sorry for the hurt in your heart.
Welcome home, brother. Semper Fi.
That line 'and they ruled the night..." has stuck with me for 30 years
Surprising that an artist can write so eloquently about the lives and feelings of the grunt in any army, in any time period. I'm ex-Foreign Legion, not originally American, but this song always brings tears to my eyes
you read the real stories of every vietnam vet..and reports....and then the words keep rolling in....and you were tired and depressed..but the message must pass'throught for the generation to come...
My dad went to Vietnam Nam in 63 when it started, in the Army 🪖🎖️🪖🎖️ and came home with Agent Orange, now he is 78 still my dad is a live , I guess that a good thing.
Goosebumps every time I hear it. Beautiful, Billy. Thank you.
Same! Incredible song ✨
😔🇺🇸✝️
Saw him perform this song live...hearing the prelude with the choppers seeming to come from everywhere in a packed coliseum...then the roadies, some of whom were Viet Nam vets, coming out to sing with the chorus...totally awesome!
2024. It's still one of the most powerful songs ever composed and well sung. Respect to Billy Joel and to those that did their duty for their fellow friends and country.
If you've served, even if you havent seen combat, this will resonate, bigly. It does with me.
my uncle's remains were not found until about 15 yrs ago,this song always brings a tear to my eye and reminds me as is should all of us the bravery in our soldiers who certainly deserve the utmost respect for everything they do and have given up for us,God bless all of them and I'm praying that someday they will have the care they so need when they return,so many are just forgotten about and desperately injured mentally and physically,God bless
+Sharon Ross my love to the fallen,As a Irish man who thinks there is no god,I wish nothing but the best to you,May your god help you an yours .
+Des Perkins are you on any other things so we could talk? I'm on fb,Google plus
+Des Perkins there's a God and the evil will never know that,they don't want to know that,or are just too ignorant to see the good,these physco people attacking others are nothing more than people who have had no place in life and feel like joining a group of crazy people will give them a feeling of belonging to something or someone,I feel sorry for those who are fooled by joining arms with murderers as in the attacks on innocent people,they obviously have no guidance in life but it is not an excuse to murder,not in the past and not now! NEVER!!!!
all who fight for their country should be respected when they return home. Most of the wars we fight are not just and so many young men and women are political pawns but their mindset and bravery afford me the right to type this. I respect them even if i disagree with the battles they have engaged in.
+Sharon Ross "There's a god and evil will never know that."
People with this train of thought start wars.
People with this train of thought is why the troops are dying in the first place.
I'm a 17 yearold senior in highschool and my history teacher showed me this song. Still gives me chills
👍🇺🇸😔
My wife and I have a nephew who is a Sergeant in the Army and is stationed in South Korea. Thank you,Sgt Moore.
Thank you boys for serving our country when it wasn't popular to do so!
Billy Joel, legend.
To see the vets onstage, holding each other, singing.....brings me to tears every time. I always think of Big and Rich, the 8th of November when I see this, although this came many years earlier. It's beautiful.
I remember watching this in my history class since I was learning about the Vietnam war. So sad and what the soldiers went through. May they rest in peace
This song is an exceptional piece of music as to why there should be no more war
This song never fails to bring me to tears. God bless💜
Yep, if for some reason you need to feel sad, listen to this. What a beautiful masterpiece and tribute.
🇺🇸😔🥲
Platoon 3051 it was hard, but by the grace of God, I made it.
In basic, we had to have every word of this song memorized and we sang it in unison at lights out. Really hit home what we signed up for. This song holds a special place in my heart!
This is required song at each Marine Corps Ball. And YES junior Marines MUST circle up with everyone in their platoon along with their CO and enjoy this in the same way!
One of the better things about this song was how well received it was by Vietnam veterans groups. BJ was never in the service. Although Long Island was the region of the country that sent the highest percentage of people to the war, his number simply didn't come up. Still, many veterans consider this to be the song that portrayed their experiences the best.I saw him in concert at Madison Sq Garden when this album first came out. (New Years Eve 1982-83) People damn near wept when the spotlight shown on the roadies who sang the chorus...dressed like the sloppy dudes they were. It was quite the experience.
west virginia has the dubious honor of the largest number of young men killed in the vietnam war. 41% of the combat casualties in vietnam were from the states of the old confederacy.
This is BS. Most GI's in Nam were from PA or Ca.
Billy Joel wrote this song from our soldier's eyes. That's why it's so powerful and I can understand why the veterans love it.
West Virginia fought for the North. They got statehood in 1863. They never fought for the South and was NOT a part of the old Confederacy.
That's because the veterans from Vietnam helped Billy write this song by telling him what it was like and what happened!!!
Billy Joel is a once in a generation talent. Great player, singer, writer, arranger with big ass chops to back it all up.
Vietnam 1971-72 Medic and Dental tech. 37th Med. 2/11th ACR. This song is more accurate than any movie about Vietnam.
Another Memorial Day Weekend.. Once again I play this look at the video and remember with respect my ex Boss SSGT Gary Johnson who's pictured in the mix. He served several tours. Thank you Billy Joel for this song - they will not be forgotten!
My father was a Khe Sanh Marine, 3 tours. He would have loved this song. He passed away March 4, 2017. Thank you for this song Billy. I could listen to it over and over. God Bless you.
SammyBoyATP , my uncles were at Khe Sanh ! I glad your father got back home ! My uncles not so lucky , but I'll see them again one day . Strength and Honor (24 September 2018 1930 hours)
From a 17 year old kid in England, my deepest respects to all those who went out to Vietnam, from America, Australia, New Zealand, and all over the world. We shall never forget your sacrifice, nor that of the soldiers in any war. God bless you all.
Yeah but don’t forget, the French went in first sometime around 1946 until 1954 and even after the 8 years they spent there, they were no closer to bringing an end to the fight than the USA were in 1973. They had partially been involved since 1950 by providing military aid to the French forces stating at around $10M in the first year to 51 the rising gradually until by 1961, they had 1400 service men with boots on the ground in South Vietnam acting initially as advisors but that role very quickly changed as they started to come under fire from the Communist Forces of the Viet Minh at the time, fighting for Ho Chi Minh who was supported by the Soviet Union which then made the US Establishment worried about tipping the balance in then French IndoChina so they decided to start getting more involved in the actual fighting than they had done before which meant increasing the number of boots on the ground which they did year on year from then on until they realised it was a lost cause just creating serious disorder at home due to the Anti War Movement that had grown out of the disillusionment felt by the returning troops that actually made it home. That is why in 1973 they agreed to pull out their troops from South Vietnam and leave the civil war to rage on for a while after they got out. For many at the end, they barely made it out alive which must have been terrifying for the last few with boots on the ground at the time at the American Embassy there, including the Ambassador too. My respect goes out to all who fought in that war, whether they returned or didn’t as many who did return are still reliving what happened out there to this day, my heart goes out to you all. Thank you all for your service and that goes out to anyone who has served their country in conflict as war always leaves its scars on people, no matter how strong they appear to be on the outside! Be kind and take care of one another, no matter their race, colour or creed as remember, that person in need could be yourself someday! I am from the UK but since I was young, have always been interested in the events surrounding this particular conflict and as everyone has said, this song has been the best one ever to show what happens in conflict and how things go down from the soldiers perspective and is therefore enlightening yet heartbreaking too for all the needless slaughter of the brotherhood that is the War Machine as a whole. Bear in mind all servicemen and women, wherever they are serving at this present moment and keep them in your thoughts. Love to them all wherever they are now!
Stop glorifying tools of wars for greed.
Discern.
Don't be duped.
I mean it.
As a Veteran, this song just gets me every time. I love/hate it. Billy is amazing!
I wore a silver bracelet with the name of a POW in Vietnam. I cry like a baby every time I hear this.
Im 14 and i find this song amazing ❤️
ur 21 now:D
Yeah, now Im the 14 year old who finds it amazing.
@@bingekingo9040 same
@@ethanarnel9513 same
Cheers mate, drink to that
Everytime i hear this i cry. To the brave exceptional men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Thank you. You are amazing and will live forever in the air that we all breathe. My cousin was a veteran he sadly passed away, i know like all veterans they are in heaven looking down on us. Gra mhor.x
The GI Joes gave their lives for our (Europeans & Asians) freedom in WW2 (ty for that, I will never forget it as long as I live)) , in Nam not so much, they should have left immediately in '67 or whenever it started and let those Vietnamese sort themselves out
@@Blackadder75Vietnam communist party fell about 6 years after the US left. If the US left in 67’ Vietnam could still be communist today…… like North Korea. The only reason South Korea is a free and prosperous country is because we didn’t leave immediately when it started getting tough.
This song can be summarised in two words "Total madness". Billy Joel had the perfect type of wording to display that properly and when I listen to the lyrics I actually see myself standing there on the battlefield shaking in fear for what the enemy may do. I've never stood on a battlefield (and I hope it'll never happen). I'm not cut out to be a soldier, I'm honest on that one. This song makes me respect all soldiers who stand up for our safety (if there is an error about the war, it's not their fault, they just fulfil their duty). Now this song handles the Vietnam war, but some things he said can apply to other wars as well. For me this is one of the best songs depicting the madness of war out there (regardless of which war in particular), and I'm shivering every time I hear the lyrics.
I think it will be a very long time before Billy Joel will be topped on this achievement.
I don't think he can (especially now that he's not writing anything.) Everyone is right. I don't think he himself was in any war but this song makes it sound like he was. I've always wondered if he announced that he was making a video of this and invited vets to send in pictures.
you are so right. we all need to show our appreciation,respect and support for those who have have served our country
+TheRealTricky Yes, there's this thing called empathy, which means you can feel things that you have not experienced, at least not in this lifetime. I have the same reaction to this song, and I am a 52-year-old woman who hates war and has always acutely felt the pain of others. A psychic told me I was a warrior in a previous life (or maybe more than one) .... and I felt terrible about what I had to do. I think this is where our empathy comes from. May we all be headed for peace.
+TheRealTricky I first heard this song in Iraq in 2003, and it struck me as how hauntingly accurate it was in nailing the emotional stress brought on by war. When you see a piece of trash at the side of the road, and your first thought is "IED," or begin to calm after the insurgent's last mortar round for the night fell nearby the taxing feelings inside are so tense but at the same time equally soothing. This song just hits that like no other.
You mean you fought during the war that brought the downfall of Saddam Hussein? I'm short on words. It also gladdens me you can confirm the feelings I have when I hear this song.
I cry every time I hear this song. I'm so glad my Dad made it home and very sad for the Dads and Sons that didn't....... :(
I served in the USAF from January, 1965-November, 1968. This is the best Viet Nam song I've ever heard. Semper Fi to all my Marine buddy's, those still alive and those a long since dead.
Love you, Dad. USMC combat engineer in Vietnam. You served honourably then and after 9/11. I forever respect and love you, sir. OORAH!!!! 💕🇺🇸
Billy Joel is truly one of the best. And my 3.5 tours in Vietnam US Army Ret. husband says so. And we had our honeymoon in in Vietnam, too. There is great and undying love for Vietnam from many Veterans of the war.
why would you want to go back to that hell 2.5 more times.
Nr1from1978 That is where your brothers were.
Elisse my father was 3 tours there....
Today, 22 Nov. 2017, is exactly 50 years since my uncle, PFC Valdez Sharp, 173rd Airborne, was KIA,along with alot of his buddies, during the fighting at and around Hill 875 in Vietnam. I'm a former 3rd ACR Cavalry Scout, but before I ever even enlisted, this song always choked me up, mostly on account of Val, and today, at 53 years old, I sit here still bawling my damn eyes out.
PhlashRockinmann I'm so sorry for your loss
God bless.
i'm sorry for your loss. he was a marine: semper fi!. and god bless!
By the time he gets to : "And We would all go down together," if you don't have the chills and/or cry, you aren't human. I wasn't expecting to sob, I have heard this song many times before. But it's been a long time, and I am older and wiser. He's a legend.
The song says it all, what we went through. To my brothers who didn't make it home,"RIP" till the next formation..
thank you for your service
Ever since i was little this song brought tears to my eyes.
Ive been to Vietnam on vacation years ago and seen loads of war sights, so impressive, it must have been such a brutal war unbelivable
Got loads of documantary on the Vietnam war and the 2nd world war it is been such an interesting thing to learn about
I have been in the army for about 6 years in the Netherlands and i have great respect for every soldier fighting around the world, but not for the goverment hiding behind them
Wat een held! Thank you for your service.
Please pray for my friend Alpha, he is a vet from the 101st dealing with the complications of a wound he took protecting us.
You hurt others, you get hurt. Soldiers aren't invincible. Only one American soldier dies for every 100 innocent civilians
Thank you to all who have served both past and present
god this song has so much feeling in it I almost cry sometimes
The Vietnam war was very controversial but I respected every young man & women that served. I can only imagine what they saw & felt, this song is so powerful & I listen to it often.
God loves all of yall
Brings tears to my eyes
I'm crying