The article highlights three rock songs about the Vietnam War and its aftermath that it says continue to resonate with Generation X listeners. It argues that the songs remain affecting because they address veterans’ trauma, deaths in the conflict and the difficulties of returning to civilian life.

– “Born In The U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen (1984) examines the struggles faced by Vietnam veterans, including unemployment and post-traumatic stress; it reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
– “2 + 2 = ?” by The Bob Seger System (1968) is presented as a direct anti-Vietnam War song about young men killed in the conflict and the war’s apparent endlessness; it was chiefly a local hit in Detroit.
– “Walking On A Thin Line” by Huey Lewis And The News (1984), written by Andre Pessis and Kevin Wells, depicts veterans attempting to resume ordinary life after wartime atrocities.