Anti-War | Vietnam - Jimmy Cliff

 Anti-War Song

Vietnam - Jimmy Cliff

Lyrics:

Hey, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam

Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam

Yesterday I got a letter from my friend fighting in Vietnam

And this is what he had to say

“Tell all my friends that I’ll be coming home soon

My time’ll be up sometime in June

Don’t forget”, he said, “To tell my sweet Mary

Her golden lips are sweet as cherry”

And it came from Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam

Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam

It was just the next day, his mother got a telegram

It was addressed from Vietnam

Now, Mistress Brown, she lives in the USA

And this is what she wrote and said

“Don’t be alarmed”, she told me the telegram said

“But Mistress Brown your son is dead.”

And it came from Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam

Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam, hey, Vietnam

Somebody, please stop that war now

Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam, oh Vietnam

Vietnam, oh Vietnam, oh oh, oh oh

Somebody, please stop it

Vietnam, Vietnam, oh Vietnam

Vietnam oh oh, oh oh Vietnam

Hey Vietnam, aha Vietnam, oh oh, yeah

I wanna say now somebody stops that war

What is the Message behind the song?

The song 'Vietnam' was a song written by Jimmy Cliff. The song is about one of the soldiers that are serving in The Vietnam War and writes a letter to his friends and family about him about to return home.  But, instead of receiving his letter, his mother receives a telegram notifying him about his death. According to Jimmy Cliff, the song was about an artist he knew who was drafted to fight in Vietnam. 

Significance of WW1 - The Last Post

 Significance of WW1 - The Last Post

When do you hear this song?

The song, The Last Post will most likely be heard when each and everyone is celebrating Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. It can also be played in services was everyone commemorates the people who have fought in the war and those who have passed away. 

Why is this song significant/important to New Zealand?

The Last Post is significant to New Zealand because it reminds us and honours the soldiers who have fought and died for our country. Everyone mourns for those who they have lost, but also the soldiers who did not have a burial and for the soldier who has not been found.

What is the History behind The Last Post?

The Last Post was originally signalled that the final sentry post had been inspected and the camp was secure for the night forward. But now, It is called to respect and honour the soldiers who fought and risked their lives for their country.

My Map:

Parihaka - Tim Finn and The Herbs

 Parihaka - Tim Finn and The Herbs

Parihaka Lyrics

What is the Main Message of this Song?

This song tells the story of the Parihaka Protests and the stealing of the Parihaka. The singer talked about the stealing of Parihaka because he thought it was still important for the Maori Tribes to reclaim their land.

What line explains their passive resistance method?

''Te Whiti he used the language of the spirit,

Then stood accused, the madman and his dream,¨

What does 'you can't pull out the roots' refer to?

I feel that the verse 'you can't pull out the roots' implies that they can't remove the way of life, culture or heritage from Parihaka. 

Another meaning can be that they can't pull up their soil, crops, plants or anything they have planted;.

Give evidence of their determination

Rise up, defend yourself, never give in

When the Europeans invaded Parihaka and tried to take control of the settlement. 

How does this song show the significance to Parihaka?

My friend, My friend, I hate to see you suffer,

Events conspire to bring us to our knees,

My friend, my friend, you've taken this the wrong way, 

Rise up, defend yourself, never give in,

Look to the sky, the spirit of Te Whiti,

The endless tide is murmuring his name. 

The song tells us how the Europeans wanted to take control of their land, people etc. But the song insisted them to not let them be controlled, and not let them be forgotten and remember who led them and forever remember him and what he did for them.