Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Roy Rolling

(7,635 posts)
32. The Anthem of my Youth
Thu Apr 2, 2026, 03:06 PM
Thursday

Draft Age is something meaningless to youth today and inconceivable to even half of the population back then. Though thousands served courageously in Vietnam, women weren’t issued draft cards for compulsory military service. They faced their own battles of discrimination, something men were largely unaffected.

To the point: these lyrics were what was on every teenager’s mind in the 60s and early 70s. And to those old enough to remember, Johnny Carson had country Joe and the fish perform this song on the tonight show. The audience was stunned, as I remember. But it was an important point for the anti-war movement.

Recommendations

4 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Well come all you big strong men [View all] 303squadron Thursday OP
Brilliant. Diamond_Dog Thursday #1
Excellent! Country Joe would be proud. Ocelot II Thursday #2
Nice Prairie Gates Thursday #3
Excellent, I've been thinking of this song a lot great lyrics you wrote Walleye Thursday #4
Brilliant! PittBlue Thursday #5
TY. Nice work. quaint Thursday #6
Highly recommended democrank Thursday #7
Wow... Thank you. Half-step Thursday #8
Excellent. niyad Thursday #9
All my life the US has been at war or conducting armed 'excursions' somewhere. travelingthrulife Thursday #10
I have likened US history to 303squadron Thursday #15
Good lyrics Wild blueberry Thursday #11
Standing "O" Mblaze Thursday #12
Great job 👍 MustLoveBeagles Thursday #13
Same as it ever was orangecrush Thursday #14
Anyone sing and play guitar? Need this out there. Auggie Thursday #16
I don't think Joe McDonald would have minded. JohnnyRingo Thursday #17
That is awesome... Spazito Thursday #18
Love this! Thanks for doing this! highplainsdem Thursday #19
Great verses! kimbutgar Thursday #20
Whoa! Outstanding!!! My pals and I bring our instruments and play at our protests. Do we have your permission to sing KitFox Thursday #21
A million times yes!!!! 303squadron Thursday #22
Wonderful! Again, thank you so much!😊 KitFox Thursday #26
I want to sing this. bluescribbler Thursday #30
For the love of god DO IT! And record it and upload it to YouTube--- Jack Valentino Thursday #41
The Vietnam and Civil Rights songs and battlles have returned. usonian Thursday #23
Well I got a letter from DJT, it says that I'm no longer free... Xavier Breath Thursday #24
🎶 🎸 🥁 Country Joe and the Fish, Vietnam Song! 🎶 🎸 🥁 CoopersDad Thursday #25
War. Huh. What is it good for. uppityperson Thursday #27
Say it again! BidenRocks Thursday #29
"Old Iran" BidenRocks Thursday #28
Outstanding!!! tazcat Thursday #31
The Anthem of my Youth Roy Rolling Thursday #32
I pray some one will find the song Frank Sinatra sung during civil rights Oppaloopa Thursday #34
Here ya go dpibel Thursday #44
Well Done!!! NewLarry Thursday #33
Well done! 11 Bravo Thursday #35
I wasn't able to just read this. calimary Thursday #36
gimme an eff! struggle4progress Thursday #37
What's that spell? Dear_Prudence Thursday #38
As would have been said back in the day, fanfuckingtastic! madamesilverspurs Thursday #39
Gosh, I know the original so well, so at first I didn't read through your lyrics--- Jack Valentino Thursday #40
domg. this. do it please. AllaN01Bear Thursday #43
hehe arlo guthurie AllaN01Bear Thursday #42
Well done and thank you. I remember the voice. nt Ilsa Thursday #45
Fantastic! A new classic for another insane war. Timeflyer Yesterday #46
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Well come all you big str...»Reply #32