Why didnt Billy Joel go to Vietnam?

‘Goodnight Saigon’ Billy Joel did not fight in the Vietnam War. He thought about fleeing to Canada when the draft lottery came around, but he snagged a very high number and didn’t wind up getting called. “A lot of my friends did go,” he said. The result was “Goodnight Saigon” from his 1982 LP The Nylon Curtain.

When was Goodnight Saigon released?

1982
Goodnight Saigon/Released

What is the meaning of Goodnight Saigon?

“Goodnight Saigon” is a song written by Billy Joel, originally appearing on his 1982 album The Nylon Curtain, about the Vietnam War. It depicts the situation and attitude of United States Marines beginning with their military training on Parris Island and then into different aspects of Vietnam combat.

What is the message of Goodnight Saigon by Billy Joel?

Moreover, “ Goodnight Saigon ” emphasizes that everyone who partook in the war are all in the situation together. In the song, Billy Joel underscores the fear and darkness induced in the Marines during the war. Highlighting camaraderie and unity, the refrain of the song (sang by the Marines) goes “ we all go down together ”.

What is the background of the song Goodnight Saigon?

Song Background. Released in 1982, “Goodnight Saigon” is a song penned by the Piano Man Billy Joel. It was one of the songs included on his album that year named The Nylon Curtain. “Goodnight Saigon” depicts and centers on the Vietnam War that happened in the 50’s.

What did Phil Ramone say about Billy Joel’s Vietnam song?

Phil Ramone, who produced this song, said: “We never thought it would be a hit, but we knew it meant a lot to Billy Joel and to the people we lost in Vietnam. Then later, when he does it once in a while in a show, the place just comes apart.

What does we all go down together mean Billy Joel?

In the song, Billy Joel underscores the fear and darkness induced in the Marines during the war. Highlighting camaraderie and unity, the refrain of the song (sang by the Marines) goes “ we all go down together ”. “I wasn’t trying to make a comment on the war, but writing about the soldier as a person.”