Folk Music of the Vietnam War

This blog explores the folk music of the Vietnam War and its importance in understanding the conflict.

Origins

The Vietnam War is one of the most significant wars in American history. It lasted for over two decades and changed the lives of millions of people. The music of the Vietnam War was a reflection of the changing times and the various cultures that were brought together during the conflict.

Traditional music

Traditional music in Vietnam is extremely diverse and includes, for example, the Đàn bầu of the Red River Delta, the quan họ folk music of Hanoi, and Ca trù singing of Huế. Instruments include the Đàn tranh (zither), Đàn gáo (free-reed mouth organ), 2-string violin Đàn nhị, moon lute Đàn tam thập lưng, T’rung (bamboo xylophone), and percussion instruments such as wooden drums and cymbals. Sung in Vietnamese folk music often features call-and-response singing.

Folk songs exist in many forms throughout Vietnam. One form is simply verses sung without fixed melody to the accompaniment of three string orchestra instruments such as the T’rung or Dan nhi; another form is chèo which has both a close relationship to ca tru and elements of Chinese yuefu; there are also numerous folk ballads known as hát chầu văn which are quite popular in North Vietnam; another popular form is hát ru, a song type originally from Thanh Hoa Province which is characterised by its slow tempo and sad lyrics.

Western music

Western music played an important role in the Vietnam War, both in the United States and in South Vietnam. American soldiers often listened to country music as a way to connect with home, while popular songs like “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag” by Country Joe and the Fish became anthems of the anti-war movement. In South Vietnam, Western music was used as a way to spread American culture and solidify support for the government. Popular Vietnamese singers like Trinh Cong Son and Pham Duy wrote songs that praised the United States and South Vietnamese army, while others like Tuấn Khanh wrote more critical works that addressed the reality of life during wartime.

The War

The Vietnam War was fought by the United States to stop the spread of Communism. It lasted from 1955 to 1975 and over two million people were killed. The folk music of the Vietnam War tells the story of the people who fought in it.

American music

The Vietnam War saw the rise of many different kinds of music, including rock, folk, soul, and country. American music was particularly influential, as it had been during World War II. Rock music in particular became very popular with American troops, and many military bands began playing it.

Folk music also became popular during the war, as it was seen as a way to express the anti-war sentiments of many Americans. Some of the most famous folk songs of the Vietnam War era include “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’.”

Soul music was also popular during the war, as it could be used to express both the joys and the sorrows of life in Vietnam. Some of the most famous soul songs of the Vietnam War era include “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

Country music was also popular with American troops during the war. Many country songs expressed patriotic sentiments, or spoke to the homesickness that many soldiers felt. Some of the most famous country songs of the Vietnam War era include “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “The Green Berets.”

Vietnamese music

The music of the Vietnam War is composed of many different types of music that were popular during the conflict. Music was used as a tool to boost morale and keep the soldiers connected to their homeland.

There were two main types of music that were popular among the troops: American folk music and Vietnamese music. American folk music helped the troops feel connected to their home country, while Vietnamese music helped them feel connected to their fellow soldiers and the people they were fighting for.

One of the most popular American folk musicians during the war was Bob Dylan. His song “Blowin’ in the Wind” became an anthem for the anti-war movement. Another popular artist was Joan Baez, who was known for her pacifist views and her support of civil rights.

Vietnamese music was also very popular among the troops. Many of the songs were about the beauty of Vietnam and its people, while others were about fighting for freedom and independence. One of the most famous Vietnamese musicians during this time was Pham Duy, who wrote many patriotic songs that encouraged soldiers to keep fighting.

After the War

Folk music was an integral part of the Vietnam War. American soldiers used it to pass the time, and it was also used as a form of protest against the war. After the war, folk music continued to play an important role in the lives of Vietnamese people.

American music

Though the Vietnam War is often thought of as an American conflict, it was a truly international effort. Countries from all over the world sent troops to support the South Vietnamese government, and the music of the war reflected this diversity. American troops brought with them rock and roll, country, and folk music, while international troops brought traditional folk songs from their home countries. These songs were adapted to fit the experience of war, and they became an important part of the Vietnamese musical landscape.

Vietnamese music

Traditional music of Vietnam is extremely diverse and syncretic, combining native and foreign influences. Instruments, singing styles, and forms have been adapted from surrounding areas including China, Cambodia, and Rift Valley countries. The music is usually founded on the pentatonic scale but uses more complex harmonic progressions than can be found in traditional Chinese music. Rhythmically, Vietnamese music often uses irregular rhythms that are partially or completely improvised.

Vietnamese classical music is highly reliant on the Đàn nguyệt (two-stringed lunar lute), as well as the Đàn tranh (16-stringed zither), and the Đàn bầu (monochord). Other instruments include various types of drums; Lute, Moon Lute or Zither; Flute;pan pipes, hornbills and gongs. The Hò song is a kind of singing in Vietnamese classical music which focuses more on the quality of vocalizations than on lyrics or storytelling…”