back to *pea*ality
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
Posts: 3,149
Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
|
Post by back to *pea*ality on Nov 12, 2014 17:57:10 GMT
Did anyone watch this live event on HBO last night? I found it very moving, shed a few tears and felt enormous pride for our veterans and active service people.
Last night was for them and their families - the crowd shots of the vets having a good time was great!
I have to say, I was taken aback by Springsteen's decision to perform "Fortunate Son" clearly an anti war song which may be especially sensitive to Vietnam veterans in particular.
I've lost respect for Springsteen. Equally disturbed by Eminem's F bombs as clearly there were families at the event.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
Post by oliquig on Nov 12, 2014 18:09:08 GMT
The song is actually not against war per se, but against the elitist class that could buy their way out of the Vietnam era war.
|
|
|
|
Post by annabella on Nov 12, 2014 18:15:54 GMT
You can watch the video clip here. link |
|
back to *pea*ality
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
Posts: 3,149
Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
|
Post by back to *pea*ality on Nov 12, 2014 18:29:42 GMT
The song is actually not against war per se, but against the elitist class that could buy their way out of the Vietnam era war. Yes, absolutely but taken in the context of the times, there was an anti Vietnam war sentiment in the Country and veterans were treated poorly when they returned home. There were older vets at the event. I didn't think this was the time and place. |
|
|
|
Post by oliquig on Nov 12, 2014 18:39:00 GMT
The song is actually not against war per se, but against the elitist class that could buy their way out of the Vietnam era war. Yes, absolutely but taken in the context of the times, there was an anti Vietnam war sentiment in the Country and veterans were treated poorly when they returned home. There were older vets at the event. I didn't think this was the time and place. The song was against the elitists who DIDN'T go to war. Not those that fought there. No matter how proud they are of their service, I am sure most Vets agree that war sucks, and Vietnam sucked in particular. I wouldn't think they'd have issue in hearing a song chastising those who could get out of it due to who their daddy was. |
|
|
|
Post by pierogi on Nov 12, 2014 20:20:15 GMT
You'd be surprised how strong the anti-war sentiment was among the soldiers drafted to serve in Vietnam. I categorize the Vietnam War with World War I in that both exacted such a terrible price on its soldiers, for what was an unwinnable goal buried in obfuscation and propaganda. (Gulf of Tonkin lies, Belgian children getting their hands cut off, etc.)
Anti-war also doesn't mean anti-soldier. Perhaps it did for some small-minded people who had no compassion for the returning soldiers in the late 60's/early 70's, but pretty much everyone understands now that most soldiers were put in an untenable situation by no choice of their own.
|
|
|
|
Post by SabrinaM on Nov 12, 2014 20:47:11 GMT
Was it my imagination, or did he get heckled in the very beginning?
I want crazy about Eminem's language either considering it was a family event.
|
|
peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,975
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on Nov 12, 2014 20:51:18 GMT
He was criticizing the rich who bought their kids their way out of serving but got to make decisions about poor kids who went to war. It's very much a song that empathizes with soldiers.
|
|
MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,615 
|
Post by MerryMom on Nov 12, 2014 20:57:49 GMT
Wife of a Vietnam War veteran and no, he wasn't offended. Most Vietnam War vets will be the first ones to tell you the "truth" about their feelings about "draft dodgers" and those who used the "going to college" exemption to get out of military service. Oh and the ones with money and contacts who served "state side" such as George W Bush.
Here are the lyrics:
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son Lyrics
Some folks are born, made to wave the flag
Ooo, their red, white and blue
And when the band plays "Hail to the Chief"
Ooo, they point the cannon at you, Lord
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no
Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, y'all
But when the taxman comes to the door
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yeah
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, no, no
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no
Yeah, yeah
Some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?"
Ooh, they only answer "More! More! More!", y'all
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, one
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no, no, no
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no, no, no
|
|
|
|
Post by mzza111 on Nov 12, 2014 21:31:57 GMT
Clearly another case of someone not knowing why they are getting their panties in a bunch over something.  |
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Nov 12, 2014 21:58:39 GMT
John Fogerty, who was part of CCR, played Fortunate Son in the small concert held at the White House last week. The audience was pretty much all active duty military in uniform or retired military, in addition to the President and Michele. No one was offended, and I'm 100% sure ALL of the songs performed that night were approved ahead of time. Since the concert was a "Salute to the Troops," nothing that would have been an insult would have been played.
I have to admit that I preferred Fogerty's version, but there is always something magical about the energy when you see something live.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tamhugh on Nov 12, 2014 22:11:57 GMT
I am a huge Bruce fan so my opinion is probably skewed. I always viewed that song as being about the burdens of the Vietnam War falling on the backs of the working class/poor while the wealthy bought their way out of the draft. It probably was because my dad and uncle were veterans of the US Military during this time frame and my dad loved that song. My earliest musical memories are of CCR. Also, everyone keeps saying Springsteen performed the song. I didn't see the concert, but from what I read, it wasn't during his set. He came out and performed with Dave Grohl and Zac Brown, so whose set was it?
I might also take the criticism a little more seriously if he wasn't being hammered for performing Born in the USA also. Several articles called it an anti-war, anti-military anthem. It is a criticism of the way our veterans were treated upon returning from the war, not of the military or veterans. I would think veterans would agree with those lyrics.
ETA, and Sabrina, the first time someone sees a Bruce concert, they always think he is being booed. They are actually chanting Bruuuuuuuce.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:15:22 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2014 22:24:58 GMT
Really? "Fortunate Son" offends some? A song about the cost of war offends people? I would think the only people that could possibly be offended would be if you are the son of a Senator who didn't serve in Vietnam because of who your parent was. Bruuuuuce......Bruuuuce......   |
|
|
|
Post by SabrinaM on Nov 12, 2014 23:27:34 GMT
Wife of a Vietnam War veteran and no, he wasn't offended. Most Vietnam War vets will be the first ones to tell you the "truth" about their feelings about "draft dodgers" and those who used the "going to college" exemption to get out of military service. Oh and the ones with money and contacts who served "state side" such as George W Bush. I have always found it in poor taste denigrate someone's service especially when we have members of our current administration who have never served in any capacity. |
|
MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,615
|
Post by MerryMom on Nov 13, 2014 14:17:18 GMT
Wife of a Vietnam War veteran and no, he wasn't offended. Most Vietnam War vets will be the first ones to tell you the "truth" about their feelings about "draft dodgers" and those who used the "going to college" exemption to get out of military service. Oh and the ones with money and contacts who served "state side" such as George W Bush. I have always found it in poor taste denigrate someone's service especially when we have members of our current administration who have never served in any capacity. It's not denigrating "someone's service", it is pointing out the FACT that those with money and influence made sure that their sons served 'stateside' whilst others did not have the option of a hierarchy and pecking order. As the wife of a Vietnam War veteran (who was drafted and DID serve in combat), please check your "facts" before you get your panties in a twist. |
|
|
|
Post by SabrinaM on Nov 13, 2014 14:57:59 GMT
I have always found it in poor taste denigrate someone's service especially when we have members of our current administration who have never served in any capacity. It's not denigrating "someone's service", it is pointing out the FACT that those with money and influence made sure that their sons served 'stateside' whilst others did not have the option of a hierarchy and pecking order. As the wife of a Vietnam War veteran ( who was drafted and DID serve in combat), please check your "facts" before you get your panties in a twist. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have my panties in a twist. You pointed out that Bush et al used privilege to serve "stateside" implying that he/they chose the easy way because he wasn't "directly in combat" like your husband.. My uncle served in the ANG. I assure you, there was no privilege involved in him taking that assignment. My husband served 7 yrs on the USS Abe Lincoln. Does that mean because he wasn't on the front lines he deserves less credit than your husband or someone who did/does? Personally, I'm thankful for anyone who chooses to enlist no matter the level of risk involved. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:15:22 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2014 16:28:55 GMT
Wife of a Vietnam War veteran and no, he wasn't offended. Most Vietnam War vets will be the first ones to tell you the "truth" about their feelings about "draft dodgers" and those who used the "going to college" exemption to get out of military service. Oh and the ones with money and contacts who served "state side" such as George W Bush. I have always found it in poor taste denigrate someone's service especially when we have members of our current administration who have never served in any capacity.If I recall a previous administration had a vice-president and an attorney general who never served either.....I mean, if your keeping score and everything. |
|
|
|
Post by SabrinaM on Nov 13, 2014 16:36:22 GMT
I have always found it in poor taste denigrate someone's service especially when we have members of our current administration who have never served in any capacity.If I recall a previous administration had a vice-president and an attorney general who never served either.....I mean, if your keeping score and everything.  I am not the one who brought the service of the previous administration into this in the first place. |
|
MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,615
|
Post by MerryMom on Nov 13, 2014 20:47:55 GMT
I'm not keeping score, the post is about the appropriateness of the song. It's not an "anti-draft" song, it's about the reality of the "privileged" ones or the "fortunate sons" who avoid the draft by a parent using influence so that the son can not serve or serves "stateside" whilst the politician makes decisions about sending (less) "fortunate sons" to combat. It also is about those who don't completely fulfill their "stateside" service, but don't get shipped to a combat zone due to...ummm....parental influence and being a "fortunate son". A well-documented example is George W. Bush. It's a factual statement.
Those who serve our country deserve our respect and those who serve in combat, even more so. Even the military recognizes those who serve in combat as distinct from those in military service via "military combat ribbons" versus "combat era" service ribbons or service stars. More recently, the difference is between a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
|
|
|
|
Post by mzza111 on Nov 13, 2014 21:09:15 GMT
If I recall a previous administration had a vice-president and an attorney general who never served either.....I mean, if your keeping score and everything. I am not the one who brought the service of the previous administration into this in the first place. No, you brought up the CURRENT administration instead.   |
|
|
|
Post by 2peaornot2pea on Nov 13, 2014 21:15:55 GMT
He wasn't heckled. His fans yell Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce, quite loudly. To the untrained ear, it can sound like they are 'booing'.  During the Vietnam war, having your draft number called in the lottery wasn't something people celebrated. Rich people, were able to buy their sons' way out of going to war by either sending them to college or getting them coveted guard spots, that would allow them stay state-side and avoid going to war. That is what the song Fortunate Son is all about. |
|
