3 Rock Songs From 1969 About the Vietnam War That Still Bring Tears to Listeners’ Eyes

The article highlights three 1969 rock songs that captured opposition to the Vietnam War and the emotions it stirred. It presents them as reminders of the era’s debates over military service, peace activism and the lasting effects of war.

John Fogerty wrote Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” after being drafted, taking aim at people who could avoid service through privilege; the article says he wrote it in about 20 minutes. John Lennon’s “Give Peace A Chance”, his first release after The Beatles, was recorded during his and Yoko Ono’s peace-promoting “bed-in” and intended as an anthem for demonstrations. Jimmy Cliff’s “Vietnam” draws on his friend’s experience of being drafted and returning profoundly changed.