"Billy Don't Be a Hero" is a 1974 pop song that was first a UK hit for Paper Lace and then, some months later, a US hit for Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods. The song was written and composed by two British songwriters, Mitch Murray and Peter Callander.
I was 16 years old when this song came out. I was aware of what was going on in Vietnam and knew of people in town that were getting drafted or going to Canada or getting killed. I heard of one guy that shot himself in the foot with a nail gun to get out of going. The Don't be a hero song was well know in my circles anyway. It was protest in the finest fashion. A strange thing happened with my group of friends after that. I had to adjust to a new set of friends because we moved to a community that was totally non-protest oriented. These new friends thought this was a dumb song and I became a symbol of an outsider and something to be watched carefully and pre-judged on all occasions.
Many of the lyrics of songs, much like songs for kids today have a lasting impact on development of character. I guess that is why those trying to control our minds are so afraid of the "Jesus" movement or the "summer of love" stuff, marijuana and Timothy Leary. When really all we need is parents telling us the truth with respect and showing us love. Contrary to what Charles Manson babbled, music did not cause his actions, he found a song that validated his psychotic thoughts. If you look hard enough, you can find something to validate you.
Billy and his girl were honest to themselves.
I was 16 years old when this song came out. I was aware of what was going on in Vietnam and knew of people in town that were getting drafted or going to Canada or getting killed. I heard of one guy that shot himself in the foot with a nail gun to get out of going. The Don't be a hero song was well know in my circles anyway. It was protest in the finest fashion. A strange thing happened with my group of friends after that. I had to adjust to a new set of friends because we moved to a community that was totally non-protest oriented. These new friends thought this was a dumb song and I became a symbol of an outsider and something to be watched carefully and pre-judged on all occasions.
Many of the lyrics of songs, much like songs for kids today have a lasting impact on development of character. I guess that is why those trying to control our minds are so afraid of the "Jesus" movement or the "summer of love" stuff, marijuana and Timothy Leary. When really all we need is parents telling us the truth with respect and showing us love. Contrary to what Charles Manson babbled, music did not cause his actions, he found a song that validated his psychotic thoughts. If you look hard enough, you can find something to validate you.
Billy and his girl were honest to themselves.
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