The use of music to convey social commentary was certainly not unique to the Vietnam War. However, what made the music so significant was its immediacy and versatility. It quickly captured and reflected public opinion as it developed, and offered avenues of expression regardless of race, gender, status or political orientation. As a result, there was no one song that captured the essence of the Vietnam War.

Words about war have been put to music for generations, but usually in a positive manner. World War I's "Over There" and "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" seemed to characterize the prevailing mood about America's role in that struggle. Of course, "I Didn't Raise My Boy to be a Soldier" also had an audience, but a smaller one by comparison. World War II 's "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B," and...