Interpretation
The lyrics of 'Vietnam Song' by
Country Joe and the Fish are a sharp critique of the Vietnam War and its associated consequences. The text is full of sarcasm and bitter irony.
In the song, a call is first made to 'all you big strong men' that Uncle Sam needs their help again, as he's in a terrible jam way down yonder in Vietnam: 'Well come on all of you big strong men, Uncle Sam needs your help again, He got himself in a terrible jam, way down yonder in Vietnam'.
This is a clear criticism of the US government of the time, which drafted young men for military service.
In the chorus, the question of what the war is for is asked, while also expressing indifference and resignation towards the war: 'And its 1,2,3 what are we fightin for? Don't ask me I don't give a damn, the next stop is Vietnam'.
Furthermore, the song lyrics criticize the war profiteers, particularly Wall Street and the arms industry, who make good money supplying the army with the tools of the trade: 'Now come on wall street don't be slow, why man this's war a-go-go, There's plenty good money to be made, supplyin' the army with the tools of the trade'.
Finally, the tragic reality of the war is highlighted by urging mothers to send their sons to Vietnam, only to have them come back in a box: 'Now come on mothers throughout the land, pack your boys off to vietnam... Be the first one on your block, to have your boy come home in a box'.
Overall, 'Vietnam Song' is a strong anti-war message that denounces the cruelty of war and the senselessness of the sacrifices associated with it.