Vietnam War! So many of the young men in the previous high school classes before mine(74) served in that war. Some did not come back. Still breaks my heart. But I will always be grateful for their service.
@jesterger, oh wow! I never knew Paper Lace did this. I just gave it a listen. This one from Bo Donaldson was definitely the popular one that got tons of airplay when I was a kid.
@@ruthannsmith8771yes!! That one was in my mom’s 45 record collection! I remember pausing the record time after time so I could write the lyrics down so I could sing along. 😊
This can be applied to all wars, but in this case the song is referencing the US Civil War. This was recorded during the 5 year Centennial celebration. Great song.
I remember this song from when it came out. I wasn’t in my teens yet, and it made me feel sad. As far a whether to say ,” I hope you enjoyed that” , maybe next time say something like “I hope that made you think. And maybe more grateful .” Or “I hope you got something from listening to.” Thanks for sharing ❤❤
"Who Do You Think You Are" is another great song of theirs!! A perfect pop song in sound, structure and great chorus!! Top 20 song in the US and Canada.
I loved this song when it came out, still do! Such memories it recalls to mind.. it was my last year of Junior High school and me & my friends were really into this song... 🥰
This song is written about the United States Civil War but seeing your honest take on the song and that it is a multi generational message that many of us who have served went through the same thing just in a different time and different place.
The follow-up hit for Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods was (to me) the more enjoyable song. "Who Do You Think You Are" was a Top 10 hit, although not quite as big as "Billy."
If you're going down this rabbit hole, you need to check out The Blind Man in the Bleachers by David Geddes, Shannon by Henry Gross, and of course The Night Chicago Died, another gem by Paper Lace.
Someone needs to make a video of this song. This group had wonderful white and glittery outfits like Elvis or The Osmonds, and with long flowing hair. They appeared on TV pretty frequently back in 1974 and 1975 on shows like American Bandstand. They were really something to see. I was only 10 or eleven but I was quite a fan and had all their 45's including the exact record you picture. I remember members Rick Joswick and Nicky Brunetti and Scott Baker among others. After about 1976 or 1977 the hits were over and they pretty much vanished without a trace. I believe Bo Donaldson still does some oldies shows, but the lineup is completely and totally different.
Wow Harri; too funny. You took a few of us back w/ this. Reading the early comments here is cool. Surely many will remember the titular lyrics dubbed into a pre Weird Al parody named Mr. Jaws. Wild times being a 70's punk! Good health to all!!
Please react to the original UK version too by Paper Lace....the drumming is more 'military' for want of a better word...i used to love it as a kid...x just subbed to you too x
There was a sitcom called Get a Life about a 30 something paperboy who lived with his parents. In one episode, he went to see a supermodel at an autograph signing. She took one look at him and fell in love. She then asked him, "What's your favorite song?" He said "Billy Don't Be a Hero." She looked at him lovingly and said, "Mine too."
Yeah, sadly there were thousands of people that got letters like that. This was toward the tail end of the Vietnam war so it was pretty raw at that time.
Vietnam War! So many of the young men in the previous high school classes before mine(74) served in that war. Some did not come back. Still breaks my heart. But I will always be grateful for their service.
Paper Lace from the UK had a hit with this song, first.
My favorite of Paper Lace is The Night Chicago Died
@jesterger, oh wow! I never knew Paper Lace did this. I just gave it a listen. This one from Bo Donaldson was definitely the popular one that got tons of airplay when I was a kid.
@@ruthannsmith8771yes!! That one was in my mom’s 45 record collection! I remember pausing the record time after time so I could write the lyrics down so I could sing along. 😊
IMO this one is better than Paper Lace version.
The drums and flute make it sound like a marching band going into battle-reminds me of the US Civil War.
This can be applied to all wars, but in this case the song is referencing the US Civil War. This was recorded during the 5 year Centennial celebration. Great song.
Nailed it!
Awe the memories of that song. Haven't heard that in yrs.
I remember this song from when it came out. I wasn’t in my teens yet, and it made me feel sad. As far a whether to say ,” I hope you enjoyed that” , maybe next time say something like “I hope that made you think. And maybe more grateful .” Or “I hope you got something from listening to.” Thanks for sharing ❤❤
Another nice one and I remember this version but will listen to the other one to see if I remember it. Thanks Craig and Mr Best.
"Who Do You Think You Are" is another great song of theirs!! A perfect pop song in sound, structure and great chorus!!
Top 20 song in the US and Canada.
Had the 45 RPM... from a yard sale in the 70s...
Great song, enjoyed hearing it. Thanks!
The original version by Paper Lace leans into the wartime snare drum beat a lot more.
Such a sad song. It was a pretty big hit and sounded deceptively upbeat considering the tragic message. Great request and review. Thanks Craig 🌺✌️
Loved this catchy tune! I haven't heard it for many years. Thanks for the memories, Craig and Hari. I don't think this was the first time it was sung.
I loved this song when it came out, still do! Such memories it recalls to mind.. it was my last year of Junior High school and me & my friends were really into this song... 🥰
This song is written about the United States Civil War but seeing your honest take on the song and that it is a multi generational message that many of us who have served went through the same thing just in a different time and different place.
The follow-up hit for Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods was (to me) the more enjoyable song. "Who Do You Think You Are" was a Top 10 hit, although not quite as big as "Billy."
I'm more familiar with the Paper Lace version
The Night Chicago Died....
this song was from the viet nam war era when we still had the draft
If you're going down this rabbit hole, you need to check out The Blind Man in the Bleachers by David Geddes, Shannon by Henry Gross, and of course The Night Chicago Died, another gem by Paper Lace.
❤❤❤
Someone needs to make a video of this song. This group had wonderful white and glittery outfits like Elvis or The Osmonds, and with long flowing hair. They appeared on TV pretty frequently back in 1974 and 1975 on shows like American Bandstand. They were really something to see. I was only 10 or eleven but I was quite a fan and had all their 45's including the exact record you picture. I remember members Rick Joswick and Nicky Brunetti and Scott Baker among others. After about 1976 or 1977 the hits were over and they pretty much vanished without a trace. I believe Bo Donaldson still does some oldies shows, but the lineup is completely and totally different.
Wow Harri; too funny. You took a few of us back w/ this. Reading the early comments here is cool. Surely many will remember the titular lyrics dubbed into a pre Weird Al parody named Mr. Jaws. Wild times being a 70's punk! Good health to all!!
Clem Catini drums
Please react to the original UK version too by Paper Lace....the drumming is more 'military' for want of a better word...i used to love it as a kid...x just subbed to you too x
This is about the US Civil War
Decent though Paper Lace did a much better original version!
There was a sitcom called Get a Life about a 30 something paperboy who lived with his parents. In one episode, he went to see a supermodel at an autograph signing. She took one look at him and fell in love. She then asked him, "What's your favorite song?" He said "Billy Don't Be a Hero." She looked at him lovingly and said, "Mine too."
Chris Elliott ❤
@@mayabairey Yes. That show was ridiculous but very funny. Eleanor Donahue from Father Knows Best was the mom.
This song came out when I was in elementary school and I have always hated it.
not EVERYTHING from the 70’s was great,there was plenty of novelty crap too,and this is one of them.
Paper Lace is better
One of several oddly, tragic-sugar-pop tunes from the Vietnam war era.
Yeah, sadly there were thousands of people that got letters like that. This was toward the tail end of the Vietnam war so it was pretty raw at that time.