Saturday, November 7, 2009

Thoughts on the Eve of Veterans Day

Just a post to say that no matter what our political position is on the war overseas, let's remember what it must be like for our soldiers.

This song was written by Alice in Chains in 1992. The title comes from guitarist/songwriter Jerry Cantrell's father. "Rooster" was his nickname in Vietnam, where he fought in the war. The song is about some of his feelings and experiences, told from his perspective(www.songfacts.com). If you've never heard it, be warned that it is of the Grunge genre so the music is a bit harsh but you can hear it here. There is a very pretty acoustical version also but I couldn't find a good link.


The Rooster
Alice in Chains



Ain't found a way to kill me yet
Eyes burn with stinging sweat
Seems every path leads me to nowhere
Wife and kids household pet
Army green was no safe bet
The bullets scream to me from somewhere

Here they come to snuff the rooster, aww yeah, hey yeah
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain't gonna die
No, no, no, ya know he ain't gonna die

Walkin' tall machine gun man
They spit on me in my home land
Gloria sent me pictures of my boy
Got my pills 'gainst mosquito death
My Buddy's breathin' his dyin' breath
Oh God please won't you help me make it through
Here they come to snuff the rooster, aww yeah
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain't gonna die No, no, no ya know he ain't gonna die

6 comments:

shrink on the couch said...

I saw a documentary about returning Vietnam vets, which basically made the case that soldiers greeted at homecoming with protests and insults was very rare. The exception. That politicos on the right tried to paint anti-war movement as hateful and extremist, according to this film.

But your point is so true. no matter that political stripe, our soldiers are doing their job and following orders because their patriotism is amazing. I'm so proud and appreciative of their sacrifices.

Unknown said...

As most people know, us Viet Nam vets are the "forgotten heros". We didn't get a welcome home or a thank you from very many folks. Thank goodness that the tide has turned and our current generation of heros are being recognized as heros when they return home. Always remember, freedom isn't free. Someone paid the ultimate price for your freedom. Enjoy and embrace it. God bless the USA.

Peregrinus Viator said...

@stacie: thanks for this dove, it's even better than your chicken piccata.

@phd: that's odd, because most of the guys i've talked to who came back said they got harassed pretty much like everyone things. might have just been where they were or whatever, but I know coming back from my fourth tour in Kuwait/Iraq I saw kids in Austin, Tx in "Fuck the Soldiers" t shirts.

@Jim: You and the rest of the Nam vets are the very guys who made sure we wouldn't face what you did when we came home. So thanks to you and all the rest.

Unknown said...

phd, I am very sorry to hear about your experience. I thought Texans were better than that. I hope this was an isolated incident. Welcome home, soldier, welcome home. thank you for your service.

Stacie said...

I think Jim meant Peregrinus...

Louise said...

It is always good to remember. I think it is too easy to forget.