Billy had several friends who fought in Vietnam who begged him to tell their story. He said he wouldn't know what to say because he didn't fight. They told him they would tell the story and all he needed to do was set it to music. This is the result. Magnificent...
My Dad R.I.P was in Nalm, He never talked about it but when he was drunk he would play this song and sing at the top of his voice. I do not know what he went through there but i have a small idea of it.
This song always brings tears to my eyes 😢. Thanks to all the men and women who fight to protect us I love you. I will never forget. You’re all heroes in my eyes ! ❤
So happy you reacted to Goodnight Saigon. It's my favorite Billy Joel song! His song writing is unmatched! Every concert he performs he always has veterans on that stage to sing the chorus! I cry every time I listen to this one! So powerful! Thank you for sharing your personal story. ❤ God bless America 🇱🇷
I am Billy fan from the 70’s til now in 2024. I play his music almost daily. This song was written for his buddies who served and asked him to tell about I. A song. You should listen to Billy from his first album “Cold Spring Harbor” and listen to his interviews on RUclips. Watch his concert at Shea Stadium !!!
I was a Huey door gunner with the 20th SOS MACV/ SOG - we were jumping the fence into Cambodia and Laos where we officially were not suppose to be. I sometimes get in a mood where I will obsess on this song. It is the sound of those rotors - there is no other sound like a Huey.
Thank you for sharing that anecdote about your brother and I hope he's been well. This song came out in the early '80s, so Vietnam wasn't even a distant memory yet, the aftermath was still a very present thing, you know? The background is that Billy had second thoughts about writing this song, because he wasn't a soldier, so he felt he had no right to say anything. But he had veteran friends who urged him to do it -- I guess they trusted him because he had the talent and the heart to tell their story. Billy has always been the voice of the common people in his songs. Others in a similar vein are "Allentown" (unemployed steelworkers and the disillusionment with the American dream) and "The Downeaster Alexa" (independent fishermen being driven out of work). The music video is especially beautiful and complements the song's haunting tone.
Love the reaction. I get emotional listening every time and my dad served in WWII not Vietnam. It doesn't matter tho. The song is for every single veteran past and present.
To answer your question in the video, the group of guys singing on the chorus were part of Billy’s road crew that were Vietnam vets. Since 9/11, he usually has first responders (police, fire fighters) from whatever town he’s playing in onstage to sing the chorus.
The best Vietnam song ever written as far as I'm concerned. Recently, it has taken on new meaning as my boy is set to go into basic training in June (Army Reserves). When Billy performed this song, more often than not he'd bring Vietnam vets on the stage with him. Most moving and remains one of my favorites of his entire catalog. But I've never gone through it with dry eyes.
He doesn’t “allow” veterans to sing with him. He ALWAYS invites veterans to sing this song with him wherever he is. And they always do. Even NYPD and FDNY people after 9/11.
It’s appalling how we treated those people who served in Nam They went over to get involved in a fight we didn’t belong in because it was the right thing to do . When these Brave boys came back with PTSD some affected by Agent Orange and a lot missing limbs how did we treat them like garbage. The problem was the people in the US didn’t know the horrors that our soldiers went through. We should have been more understanding God bless all the boys who served in that awful war.
While this is a song about America and sacrifice, it seems to me Billy Joel casts as the enemy not the Vietnamese soldiers but the American leadership who fired up youth to think they were fighting for a noble cause, when the truth was very different: the Vietnamese had for a century fought for independence from French colonization before American advisors and soldiers replaced the French -- until the American arrived, the Vietnamese had looked upon George Washington as inspiration for their fight for liberty and independence. That's why Joel uses his lyrics to paint American and Vietnamese soldiers in the same light -- both sharp as knives, both facing overwhelming odds depending upon the location and timing of the fighting. "And who was wrong? And who was right? It didn't matter in the thick of the fight." In the decades since, Vietnam has remained fiercely independent and eventually economic and diplomatic allies of America. Great music and lyrics from Joel; he used the music to place listeners in the battlefield, building up the dread and fear, and the lyrics to explain the consequences.
Thanks for the great reaction. I love that you appreciate Billy’s talent as much as I do. You are right, he does not miss. A great song and demonstration of his performing ability is “New York State of Mind” video from The Old Grey Whistle Test 1978. His “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is an absolute masterpiece. An example of his rock style is “Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “You May Be Right”. Any song of his is worth a listen. Thanks for going down the rabbit hole of Billy’s music.
Great reaction! This song has very powerful lirycs, as you said. Next song you should react to is "Downeaster Alexa", great storytelling as well, featuring "the greatest world's violinist in incognito"...
Billy Joel, on "Inside the Actor's Studio" (GREAT interview) said "C is like Wonder Bread. Kinda boring, but it's always there!) He's a genius. Highly recommend you checking out the interview. Talks about how he writes, relative keys, plays live, just brilliant.
A very genuine reaction, my brother. Respect to your brother and the others in your family that served. I pray they are all well in mind, body and spirit. This was an absolutely insane performance. This man is a legend for a reason and this is just a sample of his talents. Have you reacted to that new song yet that's taking the world by storm? Oliver Anthony - Rich Men North Of Richmond. Oh my...it's a must see, my friend. Peace, and God bless you as well. ✌❤
Just found your channel, and I'm really enjoying what ive seen. Billy Joel is one of my favorite artists, and am glad to see you enjoying him as well. Some recommendations are his duet with Ray Charles, 'Baby Grand', 'Lullabye', and 'And So It Goes'. Truthfully, you can not go wrong with any of his music, even his classical compositions. Good luck, and great listening!
Haha loved the Benny Hill reference. When I was 7 or 8 years old, circa 1977 or 1978, my dad would let me stay up late so we could watch NWA wrestling first, then roller derby and then Benny Hill. I was too young to get any of it, no harm done. I haven't heard that name in decades. Anyway, I really appreciate your love for America and for your heartfelt and personal reaction. My dad was an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam, so this song guts me and brings me to tears every time. My dad lost his best friend over there. I grew up hearing the stories he could tell, but there are many he couldn't. He's 76 now and has really bad PTSD. So many people don't realize or appreciate the sacrifice that every one of those kids and their families made. The ones who never came home and the ones who came home but brought the war back with them and who were never the same after, the generational wounds left by that war are still playing out in families today. Anyway, not to ramble here. But I appreciate it when someone takes the time to shine a light on this painful, dark event that left this country with a wound so deep that it has taken decades for some to recover, even if just partially. So much was lost. God bless all those who served, those who gave their lives or had it taken from them, and those who survived. NEVER FORGET.
Those boys are now the old men you see at the grocery store moving slow. I lose a couple buddies a year to Agent Orange. "They were killed in Vietnam, they just havent died yet".
I love your reaction to Goodnight Saigon. Just watching you made me feel good. I was born the same year as Billy Joel, and we got to see clips from Vietnam and it was awful. Such a great song and a nod to the veterans. I recommend "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," too.
Listen to And So It Goes, A Minor variation, Two Thousand Years, Summer Highland Falls, James, Tomorrow is Today, Keepin The Faith, This Night, Easy Money, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, live, or just watch his full concerts live from Long Island is great Make sure you check out Until The Night live from the same concert that’s not on the same concert footage for some reason. You have barely scratched the surface my friend.
Great reaction, and so nice seeing you taking in the lyrics! For songs like these, the storytelling is paramount. For another great artist, check out James Blunt and his song "No Bravery" in which he covered his experiences in the Kosovo War in the late 90s while servicing in the British Army under NATO. It's brutal and frustrating that it's still relevant today. Great to hear about your brother getting home. I hope he's doing well. Definitely keen to see more of your content, subscribed!
New sub here! I happened to stumble onto this reaction and had to subscribe. Love your style of reviewing. So educational and fun! I would love if you reacted to Billy Joel's song Downeaster Alexa. One of his most underrated songs, IMO. But you need to watch the official video with it. Another side of him to admire! His songs were the soundtrack of my youth!
One of our biggest sins was how those brave soldiers were treated by those who opposed the war. Those who sacrificed most were sacrificed again... blamed and punished when they were doing what they believed was the right thing. The only silver lining in the price they have paid has been the about-face on how those at home have treated who serve -- we have learned (at least I hope we have) to separate how we feel about who is responsible for starting the aggression and why it's happening, from those who have pledged to lay down their lives. It doesn't answer nearly enough (veterans don't get the care they need at even the most minimal level), but at the very least we have come some way toward saying "thank you" to those who need it most.
Not only does he have local veterans sing.. he refuses to sell seats in the front few rows.. he sends his ‘people’ to find fans in ‘regular’ seats & bring them to the front row.. he got sick of seeing nothing but wealthy people who were not particularly interested in the first place.. New York State of Mind is in my top five of all time list..
Since you ALSO love Billy Joel, I encourage you to go to RUclips and watch the briliant bio of him (and him performing and explaining his music) in an hour and a half: Type in: ----- "Billy Joel on Inside the Actor's Studio - 1999 (Full Episode with Performances)". ---- Peace.
Who was wrong and who was right, it didn’t matter in the thick of the fight. No, not when you’re there. You stick up for your bros, everyone does. But afterwards… The guys did good. The politicals? Ouch. I’m depressed by how wars are always started over very unchristian values, which are nevertheless supported by supposedly christian values. We’re being made fools of. And that’s not going against any other religion. Buddha, Hindu, Muslim. Everyone describes God in his or her own way. It’s the devils that make war that do us in. Their god is the Baäl. It’s always about wealth, capital, oil, might. Never about people.
Piano Man unico artista che ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio.... Dal vivo poi da giovane un vero portento ... Vedere Scenes from an Italian.... Angry young Man.... Leave a tender moment alone duet with Tootsie Tielemans HarmonicaMan
To this day (2024)when Billy Joel performs this song live he always recruits a group of Vietnam vets to sing the chorus,
Billy had several friends who fought in Vietnam who begged him to tell their story. He said he wouldn't know what to say because he didn't fight. They told him they would tell the story and all he needed to do was set it to music. This is the result. Magnificent...
This isn’t true. But okay, we can go with it. The only true part is Billy’s number was never called for the draft so he didn’t fight.
It didn’t say he fought. It says he was asked to write this at the request of many who did.
Billy Joel is the greatest contemporary American songwriter
My Dad R.I.P was in Nalm, He never talked about it but when he was drunk he would play this song and sing at the top of his voice. I do not know what he went through there but i have a small idea of it.
I saw him perform 10 years ago- and he brought a whole group of currently serving and veterans on stage- it was so moving!
This song always brings tears to my eyes 😢. Thanks to all the men and women who fight to protect us I love you. I will never forget. You’re all heroes in my eyes ! ❤
So happy you reacted to Goodnight Saigon. It's my favorite Billy Joel song! His song writing is unmatched! Every concert he performs he always has veterans on that stage to sing the chorus! I cry every time I listen to this one! So powerful! Thank you for sharing your personal story. ❤ God bless America 🇱🇷
I am Billy fan from the 70’s til now in 2024. I play his music almost daily. This song was written for his buddies who served and asked him to tell about I. A song. You should listen to Billy from his first album “Cold Spring Harbor” and listen to his interviews on RUclips. Watch his concert at Shea Stadium !!!
Billy is definitely a writer. I've always thought of him as a storyteller who is fortunate to have the ability to sing his stories.
I was a Huey door gunner with the 20th SOS MACV/ SOG - we were jumping the fence into Cambodia and Laos where we officially were not suppose to be. I sometimes get in a mood where I will obsess on this song. It is the sound of those rotors - there is no other sound like a Huey.
Thank you for sharing that anecdote about your brother and I hope he's been well. This song came out in the early '80s, so Vietnam wasn't even a distant memory yet, the aftermath was still a very present thing, you know? The background is that Billy had second thoughts about writing this song, because he wasn't a soldier, so he felt he had no right to say anything. But he had veteran friends who urged him to do it -- I guess they trusted him because he had the talent and the heart to tell their story.
Billy has always been the voice of the common people in his songs. Others in a similar vein are "Allentown" (unemployed steelworkers and the disillusionment with the American dream) and "The Downeaster Alexa" (independent fishermen being driven out of work). The music video is especially beautiful and complements the song's haunting tone.
My childhood friend had two of her brothers who went to Vietnam, they never ever spoke about their time there. I was so glad they both returned.
Another great Billy Joel song is “The Downeaster Alexa”. 💜💕💜💕💜💕
He did have Vietnam vets join him on stage for this song at concerts. After 9/11, he included 1st responders as well, at least in NYC.
This song always gives me goosebumps
Love the reaction. I get emotional listening every time and my dad served in WWII not Vietnam. It doesn't matter tho. The song is for every single veteran past and present.
I just love you. Have u done “we didn’t start the fire”? Pleased do that one. Please
To answer your question in the video, the group of guys singing on the chorus were part of Billy’s road crew that were Vietnam vets. Since 9/11, he usually has first responders (police, fire fighters) from whatever town he’s playing in onstage to sing the chorus.
The best Vietnam song ever written as far as I'm concerned. Recently, it has taken on new meaning as my boy is set to go into basic training in June (Army Reserves). When Billy performed this song, more often than not he'd bring Vietnam vets on the stage with him. Most moving and remains one of my favorites of his entire catalog. But I've never gone through it with dry eyes.
He doesn’t “allow” veterans to sing with him. He ALWAYS invites veterans to sing this song with him wherever he is. And they always do. Even NYPD and FDNY people after 9/11.
It’s appalling how we treated those people who served in Nam They went over to get involved in a fight we didn’t belong in because it was the right thing to do . When these Brave boys came back with PTSD some affected by Agent Orange and a lot missing limbs how did we treat them like garbage. The problem was the people in the US didn’t know the horrors that our soldiers went through. We should have been more understanding God bless all the boys who served in that awful war.
Billy is extremely eclectic in his writing, no matter what emotion you're trying to stir up, there's a song written just for you in his repertoire
Always bring tears to my eyes.
Glad your brother came home safe and sound. 'Keepin the Faith' - Billy professes love of Rock'n'roll
My Dad is a Vietnam Vet. He also doesn’t really ever discuss it. He wears his vet hat all the time when he is out of the house though.
An Innocent Man.
Lyrics are amazing.
Only The Good Die Young.
It's Still Rock And Roll To Me.
Watched this video many many times. First chills, than tears, every time!
Beautiful story about your brother.
While this is a song about America and sacrifice, it seems to me Billy Joel casts as the enemy not the Vietnamese soldiers but the American leadership who fired up youth to think they were fighting for a noble cause, when the truth was very different: the Vietnamese had for a century fought for independence from French colonization before American advisors and soldiers replaced the French -- until the American arrived, the Vietnamese had looked upon George Washington as inspiration for their fight for liberty and independence.
That's why Joel uses his lyrics to paint American and Vietnamese soldiers in the same light -- both sharp as knives, both facing overwhelming odds depending upon the location and timing of the fighting. "And who was wrong? And who was right? It didn't matter in the thick of the fight."
In the decades since, Vietnam has remained fiercely independent and eventually economic and diplomatic allies of America.
Great music and lyrics from Joel; he used the music to place listeners in the battlefield, building up the dread and fear, and the lyrics to explain the consequences.
Absolutely this. The song wasn't about right or wrong, it was about the human experience, which Billy really has a knack for expressing.
Thanks for the great reaction. I love that you appreciate Billy’s talent as much as I do. You are right, he does not miss. A great song and demonstration of his performing ability is “New York State of Mind” video from The Old Grey Whistle Test 1978. His “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is an absolute masterpiece. An example of his rock style is “Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “You May Be Right”. Any song of his is worth a listen. Thanks for going down the rabbit hole of Billy’s music.
Great reaction!
This song has very powerful lirycs, as you said.
Next song you should react to is "Downeaster Alexa", great storytelling as well, featuring "the greatest world's violinist in incognito"...
Billy Joel, on "Inside the Actor's Studio" (GREAT interview) said "C is like Wonder Bread. Kinda boring, but it's always there!) He's a genius. Highly recommend you checking out the interview. Talks about how he writes, relative keys, plays live, just brilliant.
And the back up singers are Vets from Vietnam in this performance.
God Bless You and Yours!
It was shameful that Vietnam vets came home critism, he had vets singing the chorus, thank you to all who serve ❤
A very genuine reaction, my brother. Respect to your brother and the others in your family that served. I pray they are all well in mind, body and spirit. This was an absolutely insane performance. This man is a legend for a reason and this is just a sample of his talents.
Have you reacted to that new song yet that's taking the world by storm? Oliver Anthony - Rich Men North Of Richmond. Oh my...it's a must see, my friend. Peace, and God bless you as well. ✌❤
My first time watching one of your reactions. I like your vibe.
Just found your channel, and I'm really enjoying what ive seen. Billy Joel is one of my favorite artists, and am glad to see you enjoying him as well. Some recommendations are his duet with Ray Charles, 'Baby Grand', 'Lullabye', and 'And So It Goes'. Truthfully, you can not go wrong with any of his music, even his classical compositions. Good luck, and great listening!
The men singing together were all Vietnam veterans. 🕊❤️🎼
Always listen to the SOLDIER not Politicians!
Haha loved the Benny Hill reference. When I was 7 or 8 years old, circa 1977 or 1978, my dad would let me stay up late so we could watch NWA wrestling first, then roller derby and then Benny Hill. I was too young to get any of it, no harm done. I haven't heard that name in decades. Anyway, I really appreciate your love for America and for your heartfelt and personal reaction. My dad was an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam, so this song guts me and brings me to tears every time. My dad lost his best friend over there. I grew up hearing the stories he could tell, but there are many he couldn't. He's 76 now and has really bad PTSD. So many people don't realize or appreciate the sacrifice that every one of those kids and their families made. The ones who never came home and the ones who came home but brought the war back with them and who were never the same after, the generational wounds left by that war are still playing out in families today. Anyway, not to ramble here. But I appreciate it when someone takes the time to shine a light on this painful, dark event that left this country with a wound so deep that it has taken decades for some to recover, even if just partially. So much was lost. God bless all those who served, those who gave their lives or had it taken from them, and those who survived. NEVER FORGET.
This is so much better when you listen to the live version, my Dad who served in Korea loved this song
I just think you’re a great guy! God bless!
Those boys are now the old men you see at the grocery store moving slow.
I lose a couple buddies a year to Agent Orange.
"They were killed in Vietnam, they just havent died yet".
I did 3 tours, Love the appreciation of those who were called, more to it than that though. God Bless Church Boy reactions...
I love your reaction to Goodnight Saigon. Just watching you made me feel good. I was born the same year as Billy Joel, and we got to see clips from Vietnam and it was awful. Such a great song and a nod to the veterans. I recommend "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," too.
Listen to And So It Goes, A Minor variation, Two Thousand Years, Summer Highland Falls, James, Tomorrow is Today, Keepin The Faith, This Night, Easy Money, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, live, or just watch his full concerts live from Long Island is great
Make sure you check out Until The Night live from the same concert that’s not on the same concert footage for some reason.
You have barely scratched the surface my friend.
"Open the door, foo, IT'S COLD!"
ROTFL!
Sounds like a Soldier
When I hear the Benny Hill music it still makes me giggle!
Listen to the night is still young by billy
Great reaction, and so nice seeing you taking in the lyrics! For songs like these, the storytelling is paramount. For another great artist, check out James Blunt and his song "No Bravery" in which he covered his experiences in the Kosovo War in the late 90s while servicing in the British Army under NATO. It's brutal and frustrating that it's still relevant today. Great to hear about your brother getting home. I hope he's doing well. Definitely keen to see more of your content, subscribed!
❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊
New sub here! I happened to stumble onto this reaction and had to subscribe. Love your style of reviewing. So educational and fun! I would love if you reacted to Billy Joel's song Downeaster Alexa. One of his most underrated songs, IMO. But you need to watch the official video with it. Another side of him to admire! His songs were the soundtrack of my youth!
Love those little bells
Michael Jackson and Barry Gibb of the BeeGees
All In Your Name.
BeeGees younger brother Andy Gibb on Midnight Special
I Just Wanna Be Your Everything.
We're losing Vietnam veterans every day to Agent Orange.
"They were killed in vietnam, they just havent died yet".
They were in his unit. Rebook at the picture. Billy was in them.
YES they are ALL Viet Nam VEts
Not American. Not soldier. When the choir comes in, I... I... I don't know... So emotional
One of our biggest sins was how those brave soldiers were treated by those who opposed the war. Those who sacrificed most were sacrificed again... blamed and punished when they were doing what they believed was the right thing. The only silver lining in the price they have paid has been the about-face on how those at home have treated who serve -- we have learned (at least I hope we have) to separate how we feel about who is responsible for starting the aggression and why it's happening, from those who have pledged to lay down their lives. It doesn't answer nearly enough (veterans don't get the care they need at even the most minimal level), but at the very least we have come some way toward saying "thank you" to those who need it most.
Not only does he have local veterans sing.. he refuses to sell seats in the front few rows.. he sends his ‘people’ to find fans in ‘regular’ seats & bring them to the front row.. he got sick of seeing nothing but wealthy people who were not particularly interested in the first place.. New York State of Mind is in my top five of all time list..
Its true
Benny Hill was a hoot in the day
Great reaction. He had 33 top 40 hits and some of his best songs weren't hits. Like this one.
Since you ALSO love Billy Joel, I encourage you to go to RUclips and watch the briliant bio of him (and him performing and explaining his music) in an hour and a half: Type in: ----- "Billy Joel on Inside the Actor's Studio - 1999 (Full Episode with Performances)". ---- Peace.
I was 18 and sent to HELL to kill WHY ? Songs like this doesn't even come close to what my BROTHER S and I went through.
We gave up Mickey Mouse for Charlie. It's the price we pay, to stay free.
Allentown (?)
i know what you're saying. you didn't have bone spurs
Who was wrong and who was right, it didn’t matter in the thick of the fight. No, not when you’re there. You stick up for your bros, everyone does.
But afterwards… The guys did good. The politicals? Ouch.
I’m depressed by how wars are always started over very unchristian values, which are nevertheless supported by supposedly christian values. We’re being made fools of.
And that’s not going against any other religion. Buddha, Hindu, Muslim. Everyone describes God in his or her own way. It’s the devils that make war that do us in. Their god is the Baäl. It’s always about wealth, capital, oil, might. Never about people.
Piano Man unico artista che ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio.... Dal vivo poi da giovane un vero portento ... Vedere Scenes from an Italian.... Angry young Man.... Leave a tender moment alone duet with Tootsie Tielemans HarmonicaMan