Written 1967, sung by JW at the Singers Club, London, recorded by Barbara Dane on "What Now People?"


BALLAD OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Rod Shearman with Jack Warshaw 1967

1. Come and listen to a story I will tell
Of a young GI you will remember well.
He died in Vietnam on the Mekong Delta land,
He had sandals on his feet and a rifle in his hand.

CHORUS: I wonder what was his name?
I wonder from which town he came?
I wonder if his children understand the reason why
Or the way he had to fight and the way he had to die.

2. They say that December '65
Was the last time he was ever seen alive.
It was U.S. Army lies that caused him to decide
To leave his old top sergeant and fight on the other side. (Cho)

3. Was he lonesome for his homeland far away?
Fighting with his new companions night and day?
In the base and jungle camps they tell about a man
Sharing hardships with his comrades fighting on the other side. (Cho)

4. It was in the month of April '68,
In the Delta land he met a soldier's fate.
He fought to his last breath and he died a hero's death,
And he wore the black pajamas of the People's NLF. (Cho)

5. Well it's now that poor soldier's dead and gone.
His comrades and his friends are fighting on.
And when the people win, of their heroes they will sing,
And his name will be remembered with the name of Ho Chi Minh. (Cho)