“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.”
–President Abraham Lincoln from his Gettysburg Address
Memorial Day was established to honor American men and women who have perished while in military service to their country*. That said, please indulge me while I post three songs about soldiers who survived combat, only to come back to the States and find themselves still fighting. In the spirit of recognizing those who have served and continue to serve our country, I’d like to think that it’s not who we remember, it’s that we remember.
Townes Van Zandt – Ballad Of Ira Hayes [buy]
Tom T. Hall – Mama Bake A Pie [buy]
Bill Withers – I Can’t Write Left-Handed [buy]
* Technically, Memorial Day began as Decoration Day and was established specifically to honor fallen Union soldiers of the US Civil War. It evolved into what we now consider the “traditional” Memorial Day, honoring casualties of all wars, by 1971.
I love that version of Ira Hayes. Not saying it’s better than Cash, but it’s different in a good way.
Here’s a good bio of the songwriter: Peter La Farge bio
I was *this close* to posting Cash’s version when I remembered I had the Townes version. I’m glad I did. I love love love Johnny, but honestly, I’m not sure he was ready to sing this song in the same way Townes was. Hayes’ story is terribly tragic and I think Townes … for all the reasons we know now … was able to draw upon the appropriately mournful pathos. Cash’s version almost sounds like the cavalry’s gonna come in and kick some ass, which given the lyrics, is misleading. What I would’ve loved hearing was Johnny tackling the song on one of his American Recordings, just him, an acoustic guitar, and his sad, weathered voice. If “Delia’s Gone” or “Hurt” are any indication, I think it would’ve been epic.
By the way, just yesterday I realized I failed to include “purchase” links on both this post and the Six Degrees post. I know, I’m a dumbass. That oversight has thankfully been rectified. Let’s get to shopping, people!