Aww the Paper Lace version wasn't that bad lol, they just had bad luck in their timing, but heck they still did ok with The Night Chicago Died. Now I'm curious if either band is still performing...
The "ethereal cloud cover ... smoldering ... rates ubiquitous '70s' tech-edge ... hysterical ... as it is, despite the tackiness ... nifty and engaging, evocative of an odd emotional admixture", to say the least. Paper Lace, despite their facial make-up, look, at least, like Civil Warriors, no? Which, of course, delivers the song's salient message: right as the Vietnam "War" (it was never legally ie, Constitutionally speaking, a Declared War) came to a close c. 1975; no kidding: 'telling.
These guys look like real men [Paper Lace] ... The "Bo Donaldson" crew, though all male singers, look entirely or merely partially fairies; just wondering ...? Is Billy the boyfriend; indeed. LMFAO! The near falsetto voice is irritating on the second go-round, no? Paper Lace sings the lyrics, with far more meaning; compelling.
America was in a terrible place when this song came out. We just took our last soldiers out of Vietnam. It was May, 1974, and Nixon and the Watergate scandal were on the television news every night. For the first time, Americans were seriously questioning their government, Inflation? out of control at 12%. The stock market had falled 20% over the previous six months. The Israelis had fought a massive war over Yom Kipper a few months before. Price of oil had jumped from $2.25 to $11 a barrel.
@av8tor17b: You SAID IT! Today's NWO re-dux; no -- except, back then, such notions were truly marginalized by the Cult of Hoqua's (pre-neo-cons') dawning of that other aspect of their implemented & deployed Hegelian Dialect: The Age of Aquarius, a so-called "hippie", artfully drug addled, "free love & free thinking sheeple": Billy, sans era's "hippie rock" affectations, rendered all that "song and dance rocker's rock superfluous"; it nailed it out of the humanitarian park, despite its pop-self.
I personally love this version, this is the version that my Mom played constantly when I was Little. I heard the PaperLace version and it wasnt even near this one.
@rustybhc You didn't even read what I said, did you? Not other than "Paper Lace is better", so you could disagree. I did set out some nice reasons here, but apparently reading is a little out of reach for you.
Also, sentences end in full stops, which look like this: . not commas, which look like this: ,
My favorite comment is the one up top. This is the GOOD Version no the Paper lace Piece of crap. This is perhaps the most horrible song ever performed. I'd rather hear a metal garbage can kicked down a hill and THIS is the good version.
Saw Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods in a concert at my high school in Richmond, KY, back in the mid 70.s, Still have the admit ticket for some odd reason. My first concert. Great show.
I remember this from way back when... always loved it! Very PROUD of all the "Billys" out there! and my heart goes out to all the families that lose our fallen heroes. God Bless you all!
Paper Lace's version of "Billy Don't Be a Hero" hit number one on the UK singles chart on March 16 1974. They made plans to release it in the US but the song was covered by Bo Donaldson. Their version was rushed out before Paper Lace could release and it hit no 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. on June 15. Subsequently although Paper Lace had the chart-topper in the UK, its version stalled at #96 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Bo Donaldson version failed to chart at all in the UK-
This is the version that I grew up with in 1974, when I was 9. It was #1 in USA, while Paper Lace's version was #1 in UK & #96 in USA. Bow Donaldson & the Heywoods version failed to chart in the UK. Both versions are good in their own way, I love listening to both of them.
This song is played in a continuous loop in Rock and Roll Hell. Dick Clark committed 2 unforgiveable sins in his day. 1) He missed the boat completely regarding The Beatles. 2) He inflicted this bunch on an unsuspecting public. Hard to believe he actually thought these guys had potential.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
They're both crap. This was the song that would have people screaming for it to be turned off in 1974. Only losers with no taste liked it then, and only losers with no taste like it now.
@rustybhc Haha, is that it? Explain to me why you were fishing through the older comments looking for one to "troll." If that doesn't say no life, then I don't know what does. Lay off the hypocriticism next time.
I always thought that Bo was lead singer. Mike Gibbons was the lead singer for the group. They hit #1 in Billboard, 6-15-74. God bless ya, for postiin' it. Thanx!
I like the Bo Donaldson version better too, but I'm wise enough to know why. It's because THAT'S THE VERSION I AM FAMILIAR WITH. Didn't even know Paperlace did the song until about 10 years later. Paperlace released their version first - it did nothing. They followed it with "The Night Chicago Died" which hit #1.
I study & teach on culture. I encourage people not to judge culture's based on your own. Also never determine if you like a song 'til you've heard it 20 times or more.
@kcdude719 I love your attitude!! I am the world's worst about judging remakes. You just get used to something, and that's it. I do give the remakes a chance, tho, and few measure up. I would love to talk to you!
@kcdude719 We all have our preferences... I like PL version because it sounds more like the military cadence.....plus it has the female singing the female parts....I hate to say it like this, but this version sounds a lil wussy.......
This is a travesty! I've heard better versions by drunks. How anyone can say they like this is beyond me. The musicians cant play, the singer can't sing and as for the dodgy key change...Paper Lace could play this better in their sleep.
Screw protesters, a bunch of fucking cowards that hide behind some ill defined morality. Hey protester how many Vietnamese do you think Ho Chi Minh and his minions killed before, durring and after the Vietnam War? I guess you figure US soldiers should only risk their lives for people with the same skin tone. Of course after the Draft ended so did the protest. Bunch of cowards.
I'm 13 and I love this song. It just proves that the good music from the years past won't die off from within the hearts of some people. Thanks to my parents I grew up to all this stuff. ^.^ Thank ya mom and dad.
The interesting thing is that this song has NOTHING to do with the Vietnam War. Listen to the song. "Soldier Blues" refers to the Union Army during the American Civil War. Billy was a Union soldier.
The interesting thing is that this song has NOTHING to do with the Vietnam War. Listen to the song. "Soldier Blues" refers to the Union Army during the American Civil War. Billy was a Union soldier.
I was a WAR PROTESTER people said Iwas un AMERICAN, I told them it takes more guts to stand up to the GOVERNMENT than it does to pick up a gun and go and KILL,BURN,MAME people in their country that I had NEVER met nor had ever done anything to me. Ialways hear thank a vet,thats true, on the other hand the vets should THANK THE VIETNAM WAR PROTESTERS otherwise that war would still be going on. THE PROTESTERS STOPPED that WAR NOT THE GOVERNMENT as they like to claim.
LOL Rotty - I think that's how I felt too .. I just heard this song this morning on my ride to work and it brought back all sorts of childhood memories and how i LOVED this song!!!!!!!
Anyone else remember those junior high school days, riding home on the bus, the AM radio playing these Oldies if your bus driver was cool enough to turn it on? Sam used to sit with me. Brenda and her bitchy friends were two rows ahead and Janie, my secret crush right behind me.
Wrong answer, dipshit - she threw the letter away that said he died a hero. She didn't throw his letters away. Pay attention to the lyrics before you go calling somebody a bitch, bitch.
Isn't it funny though? It is just a simple song but you can justify both sides of the argument and debate it with people! I LOVE music like that! THANK-YOU for posting AnalogueAudio!!!
whoa whoa whoa, the paper lace version is far from being a piece of crap. They have two different feels to them, in my opinion this version is too upbeat for what's supposed to be a sad song but w/e
sorry i disagree about your comment. yes paper lace was the original and b,d&h did a little better. In all reality b,d&h made the song very popular in the mid 70's i was there!
I"ll agree with the needle hitting the vinyl etc. I'm thinking of buying a turntable. You can still buy brand new albums etc. I had this single also. I always liked this song.
I am embarrased to admit this, but when this song first came out, I never actually listened to the words other than, "Billy, don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life."
Of course, I was only 12-years-old then.
Now, 36 years later, I not only hear all the words, I am in awe of its meaning and wish I had listened more intently as a youth.
I can kind of relate to this song my then fiance now husband wanted to join the army (couldn't thankfully due to a heart condition) and all I could think was please don't due something stupid and get yourself killed please come back to me
If you listened carefully...she threw out the letter from the Armed Services which said he didn't make it and died a hero,,, that's what she asked him not to do. You should listen to it again. I first heard it when I was about 11 just found it recently and still teared as my son is going on second tour to Iraq!
I used to listen to this on my little pocket radio. It was red, white and blue and had a 76 on the front celebrating our Bi centennial. Ah the good old days
For the longest time, I thought Bo was the lead singer. Found out that it was Mike Gibbons. Billboard's #21 song for '74. Hit #1 pop, #20 AC. God bless!
im 14 and my gmaw wants me to sing this and i had to think about a guy that i really love named josh to help me relate sooo ima try to sing this wish me luck
I was 7 years old when I got this, my very first album - given to me by one of my sisters because I was obsessed with it LOL! Still am and also am very glad to see it here as I don't have it anymore................
I love this song. So beautiful, so sad. But I will never think of it the same way since my friend mentioned that those Greek sandwiches (gyros...some people pronounce the g as an h) are sometimes made of goat meat. So "Billy Don't be a Hero" suddenly became "Billy (goat) don't be a Gyro". Darn friends. Maybe I need a new crowd that won't ruin my favorite songs.
I was 12 years old in '74. I loved this song. Hell, I grew up with WABC music radio... I grew up with 50's, 60's, and 70's music.... I grew up with an elder cousin who was at Woodstock.
I suppose '67 thru '75 were the "years of the anti-Vietnam war song."
This song... "Billy Don't Be a Hero"... I suppose that this song I was "bopping" to as a 12 year old was a song thousand and thousands of girlfriends and widows and beavered parents cried to each time they heard it.
Aww the Paper Lace version wasn't that bad lol, they just had bad luck in their timing, but heck they still did ok with The Night Chicago Died. Now I'm curious if either band is still performing...
choosing2lookeast 2 weeks ago
This was the #1 song in America when I was born....
Clay4legacy 2 weeks ago
@Clay4legacy NOICE!
PFieroGT87 1 week ago
@PFieroGT87 Do you mean "Nice" or "No ice" bro?
Clay4legacy 1 week ago
@Clay4legacy Nice with an Australian accent :)
PFieroGT87 1 week ago
@PFieroGT87 Very cool, I can see what you mean thanks from West Virginia......
Clay4legacy 1 week ago
@Clay4legacy I was in Canaan Valley this past July. Great place! Best roads I've ever been on for motorcycles too.
PFieroGT87 1 week ago
Comment removed
PFieroGT87 1 week ago
I remember my dad playing this when I was 6, while playing pool, 16 years later we still enjoy listening to this and playing pool together!
iaintnoprophet 4 weeks ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
The "ethereal cloud cover ... smoldering ... rates ubiquitous '70s' tech-edge ... hysterical ... as it is, despite the tackiness ... nifty and engaging, evocative of an odd emotional admixture", to say the least. Paper Lace, despite their facial make-up, look, at least, like Civil Warriors, no? Which, of course, delivers the song's salient message: right as the Vietnam "War" (it was never legally ie, Constitutionally speaking, a Declared War) came to a close c. 1975; no kidding: 'telling.
CarCriticAssessor 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
These guys look like real men [Paper Lace] ... The "Bo Donaldson" crew, though all male singers, look entirely or merely partially fairies; just wondering ...? Is Billy the boyfriend; indeed. LMFAO! The near falsetto voice is irritating on the second go-round, no? Paper Lace sings the lyrics, with far more meaning; compelling.
CarCriticAssessor 1 month ago
Comment removed
CarCriticAssessor 1 month ago
The best version my father died because of WWII His decision taught at West Point USA God bless all soldiers EVERYWHERE
prpvost2 1 month ago 3
this was number one when i was born
TheReichStuff1 1 month ago
#1 song when I was born
swine74 1 month ago
@swine74 Me too! lol
HardKnox333 1 month ago
@HardKnox333 r u the 19th?
swine74 1 month ago
@swine74 No, June 22nd. But it was still Number 1! lol
HardKnox333 1 month ago
@swine74 Me 3!
nosuchthingasauserna 1 month ago
America was in a terrible place when this song came out. We just took our last soldiers out of Vietnam. It was May, 1974, and Nixon and the Watergate scandal were on the television news every night. For the first time, Americans were seriously questioning their government, Inflation? out of control at 12%. The stock market had falled 20% over the previous six months. The Israelis had fought a massive war over Yom Kipper a few months before. Price of oil had jumped from $2.25 to $11 a barrel.
av8tor17b 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@av8tor17b: You SAID IT! Today's NWO re-dux; no -- except, back then, such notions were truly marginalized by the Cult of Hoqua's (pre-neo-cons') dawning of that other aspect of their implemented & deployed Hegelian Dialect: The Age of Aquarius, a so-called "hippie", artfully drug addled, "free love & free thinking sheeple": Billy, sans era's "hippie rock" affectations, rendered all that "song and dance rocker's rock superfluous"; it nailed it out of the humanitarian park, despite its pop-self.
CarCriticAssessor 1 month ago
Bo Donaldson's version is Soooooo much better than Paper Lace's version. I think the ending of this one is the best.
av8tor17b 2 months ago
Thank you so much for posting!! I've had THE HARDEST time finding this song!!!!!
addictedtohunger 2 months ago
I personally love this version, this is the version that my Mom played constantly when I was Little. I heard the PaperLace version and it wasnt even near this one.
LiamAlex0831 2 months ago
This version is too upbeat. It's supposed to be a sad song, this sounds like it's trying to make war and death a happy thing.
*shakes head*
No, Paper Lace had it right.
Bomber679 2 months ago
@Bomber679 not even close paper laces version has weaker vocals,
rustybhc 2 months ago
@rustybhc You didn't even read what I said, did you? Not other than "Paper Lace is better", so you could disagree. I did set out some nice reasons here, but apparently reading is a little out of reach for you.
Also, sentences end in full stops, which look like this: . not commas, which look like this: ,
Bomber679 2 months ago
<3 this is the only version for me.... Paper Lace sucks!
Forevermine36 2 months ago
This Song - Billy Don`t Be A Hero - By Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods peaked at # 1 on the Billboard Hot Chart on 06-15-1974
Hot100daze1976to1997 2 months ago
i love this song LOL MAKE ME LAUGH
mocsarviola1 2 months ago
My favorite comment is the one up top. This is the GOOD Version no the Paper lace Piece of crap. This is perhaps the most horrible song ever performed. I'd rather hear a metal garbage can kicked down a hill and THIS is the good version.
daveumpref 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Anybody have Bo donaldson & the Heywoods singing "OUR LAST SONG TOGETHER"..?..They did a great version of it.
classie60 3 months ago
Absolutely love this song !!
odalys66 3 months ago
Both were done in 1974.And you can bet your last dollar Paperlace had to get copy rights!!!
okcguy1 3 months ago
i used to work with the drummer's wife.
tranurse 4 months ago
AHHHHH!!! What memories. Thank you. I was "out" looking for tunes from the 70s..things slow like from nice summer evenings..
MsLeen101 4 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods
This has been flagged as spam show
It took SEVEN cunts to make this shit tune?
ChrisYonts 4 months ago
Heywood Jablome?
ChrisYonts 4 months ago
@ChrisYonts Well aren't you clever. That was a VERY creative joke. >.>
no1caresanymore 4 months ago
Apparently my dad hates this song. haha
Sarahx919 4 months ago
The 70's were rougher on some than others!
sea12gull 5 months ago
Saw Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods in a concert at my high school in Richmond, KY, back in the mid 70.s, Still have the admit ticket for some odd reason. My first concert. Great show.
bfmerritt 5 months ago
@bfmerritt Woah, you must be old!
max094m 5 months ago
Comment removed
kitalyne 5 months ago
@max094m Don't remind me, but I have had fun getting here!! : )
bfmerritt 5 months ago
@bfmerritt I envy your experience. I would have loved to live in the 70's.
max094m 4 months ago in playlist max094m's Favorited Videos
Which version is the original?
LarryBundyJr 5 months ago
@LarryBundyJr Paper Lace.
ItsSomeDeadGuy 2 months ago
I like the Paper Lace version better....
Zargon2009 5 months ago
I'm crying so much... Oh god.
MrRoportella 5 months ago
I remember this from way back when... always loved it! Very PROUD of all the "Billys" out there! and my heart goes out to all the families that lose our fallen heroes. God Bless you all!
b2dima 5 months ago
this is on one of my moms 45's one of my favs
sidhes626 5 months ago
Stupid Billy :P!!
eliudnemo15 5 months ago
I remember hearing my mom play this song. :)
SakuyaFoxxBabe 5 months ago
This song reminds me of my friend named Billy who's joining the Air Force next year :( He loves this song.
KatieKinsBear 5 months ago
I remember this song was popular when I walked a 25 mile walk-a-thon, loved it then and still do
privone2001 5 months ago
I remember these songs when I was little---Now, let the politicians, lawyers and businesses go be a Hero instead, everyone else can stay home.
evelutionofone 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@redsoxphil19 oh my god, i'm 19 and i'm pretty sure i had that /exact/ CD as well XD hi five!
Haze197 6 months ago
@redsoxphil19 oh my god, i'm 19 and i'm pretty sure i had that /exact/ CD as well XD hi five!
Haze197 6 months ago
THE 70S WHERE GREAT..INNOCENT AND FILLED WITH FOND MEMORIES!!:)
2navyboy 6 months ago
17 people wanteed Billy to be a hero, LOL!
deusregnat 6 months ago
the way these songs were meant to be heard, on vinyl!
MillBelater 6 months ago
Hey, I'm into sappy, sentimental and cheesy songs like no one's business but this one is too much for even me.
lasktguy 6 months ago
I remember playing this 45 over and over!
lovingthe70s 7 months ago
Paper Lace's version of "Billy Don't Be a Hero" hit number one on the UK singles chart on March 16 1974. They made plans to release it in the US but the song was covered by Bo Donaldson. Their version was rushed out before Paper Lace could release and it hit no 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. on June 15. Subsequently although Paper Lace had the chart-topper in the UK, its version stalled at #96 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Bo Donaldson version failed to chart at all in the UK-
Wikipedia
bppierce 7 months ago
Yay!!!!! I died!!!!!
billy007130 7 months ago
This is the version that I grew up with in 1974, when I was 9. It was #1 in USA, while Paper Lace's version was #1 in UK & #96 in USA. Bow Donaldson & the Heywoods version failed to chart in the UK. Both versions are good in their own way, I love listening to both of them.
MrWeatherdude1984 7 months ago
Honestly don't know the Paper Lace version. This is the version I grew up with, and I absolutely adore it <3
kadburycream 7 months ago
This version is terrible, and Paper Lace's is the original.
Revrant 7 months ago
I remember this song being played on my dad's car stereo set as we went on holiday. Good memories.
peloquin1979 8 months ago
what the fuck is this song about!?
NSSDforever 8 months ago
I can't stop spilling tear in my eyes when think her saddness.
bingocircus 8 months ago
this sounds a bit too happy for something so sad.....
natemorey 8 months ago
heywood jablome?
dieyoubastards 8 months ago
billy don't be a hero!
tylerlee2009 8 months ago
I don't think Paper Lace's version -which by the way is the ORIGINAL - is definitely not crap. They're both equally good though in different way.
Surftouka 8 months ago
they just don't make good music now a days
pandalover15H 8 months ago
This song is played in a continuous loop in Rock and Roll Hell. Dick Clark committed 2 unforgiveable sins in his day. 1) He missed the boat completely regarding The Beatles. 2) He inflicted this bunch on an unsuspecting public. Hard to believe he actually thought these guys had potential.
bburkie55 8 months ago
Hey Aquaria Fuck You ;)
WiccansWorld 9 months ago
Hey Aquaria Fuck You
WiccansWorld 9 months ago
I love this song its a childhood memory for me and my sisters :,)
LilMidna13 9 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
They're both crap. This was the song that would have people screaming for it to be turned off in 1974. Only losers with no taste liked it then, and only losers with no taste like it now.
Aquaria 9 months ago
Comment removed
Enemy600 9 months ago
@Aquaria Only losers with no taste would make that comment.
Enemy600 9 months ago 8
@Enemy600 only losers with no life would care what you think.
rustybhc 2 months ago
@rustybhc Haha, is that it? Explain to me why you were fishing through the older comments looking for one to "troll." If that doesn't say no life, then I don't know what does. Lay off the hypocriticism next time.
Enemy600 2 months ago
Now this song is vintage 70's!
JOSECHETATRIBUTE 9 months ago
Thanks for having the actual record. Not the cd version. Anytime you try to stop the scratching etc you mute the sound. Thank you;
hsjames1 9 months ago
LMFAO Paper Lance Pice Of crap. yep
francis43123 9 months ago
isnt this about vietnam and paper lace about the revolutionary war?
beaverpitt 9 months ago
poor vinyl recording of a great song
b9k9 9 months ago
Who did the original version?
Jillheartsmusic 9 months ago
@Jillheartsmusic Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods. The Paper Lance Is A Crappy Remake Of This Song
francis43123 9 months ago
I always thought that Bo was lead singer. Mike Gibbons was the lead singer for the group. They hit #1 in Billboard, 6-15-74. God bless ya, for postiin' it. Thanx!
DaveWollenberg 9 months ago
I like the Bo Donaldson version better too, but I'm wise enough to know why. It's because THAT'S THE VERSION I AM FAMILIAR WITH. Didn't even know Paperlace did the song until about 10 years later. Paperlace released their version first - it did nothing. They followed it with "The Night Chicago Died" which hit #1.
I study & teach on culture. I encourage people not to judge culture's based on your own. Also never determine if you like a song 'til you've heard it 20 times or more.
Peace all!
kcdude719 9 months ago 11
@kcdude719 I love your attitude!! I am the world's worst about judging remakes. You just get used to something, and that's it. I do give the remakes a chance, tho, and few measure up. I would love to talk to you!
TxStorm1 4 months ago
@kcdude719 We all have our preferences... I like PL version because it sounds more like the military cadence.....plus it has the female singing the female parts....I hate to say it like this, but this version sounds a lil wussy.......
avmtech1968 2 months ago
Billy who in the heck is billy I,do not know him weeeeeee.
nazcarwoman 9 months ago
AnalogueAudio1985, why run down the Paper Lace version like that? It does you little credit, as someone who is supposedly a fan of music.
billstiggins 9 months ago
This song still brings me close to tears. The best song of the entire rock era in my opinion. The Paper Lace studio version lacks depth.
angusthethird 9 months ago
This is a travesty! I've heard better versions by drunks. How anyone can say they like this is beyond me. The musicians cant play, the singer can't sing and as for the dodgy key change...Paper Lace could play this better in their sleep.
jaygeemd 9 months ago
this is a great song paper lace version is a piece of boo boo
princesslatina2008 9 months ago
this song takes me right back to my childhood, thanks for sharing!!! <3
AlAySynDa4 9 months ago
it's about the American Civil War 1861-1865 , no other war. Great song!
csps1965 10 months ago
This song reminds me of my daddy. <3
takeittothestreets18 10 months ago
Screw protesters, a bunch of fucking cowards that hide behind some ill defined morality. Hey protester how many Vietnamese do you think Ho Chi Minh and his minions killed before, durring and after the Vietnam War? I guess you figure US soldiers should only risk their lives for people with the same skin tone. Of course after the Draft ended so did the protest. Bunch of cowards.
Grimmest117 10 months ago
I was 7 years old when this song came out, my mother used to play it all the time!! What happened to the good music??
hellfury1 10 months ago
I'm 13 and I love this song. It just proves that the good music from the years past won't die off from within the hearts of some people. Thanks to my parents I grew up to all this stuff. ^.^ Thank ya mom and dad.
therealemokrazy 10 months ago
oldhippie, that is quite possibly the stupidest, most self~serving thing I've ever seen.
dancinggypsy1 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The interesting thing is that this song has NOTHING to do with the Vietnam War. Listen to the song. "Soldier Blues" refers to the Union Army during the American Civil War. Billy was a Union soldier.
Johnk662561 10 months ago
The interesting thing is that this song has NOTHING to do with the Vietnam War. Listen to the song. "Soldier Blues" refers to the Union Army during the American Civil War. Billy was a Union soldier.
Johnk662561 10 months ago
I was a WAR PROTESTER people said Iwas un AMERICAN, I told them it takes more guts to stand up to the GOVERNMENT than it does to pick up a gun and go and KILL,BURN,MAME people in their country that I had NEVER met nor had ever done anything to me. Ialways hear thank a vet,thats true, on the other hand the vets should THANK THE VIETNAM WAR PROTESTERS otherwise that war would still be going on. THE PROTESTERS STOPPED that WAR NOT THE GOVERNMENT as they like to claim.
NUFF SAID
NUFF SAID
oldhippiefromthe60s 10 months ago
LOL Rotty - I think that's how I felt too .. I just heard this song this morning on my ride to work and it brought back all sorts of childhood memories and how i LOVED this song!!!!!!!
Kimber972 10 months ago
I was 12 yrs old when this song came out, brings back so many memories....
9starzaj 11 months ago 2
Great song, I rember when I enlisted in the Marines when this song 1st came out.
What great memories
MrThanasis41 11 months ago
WOW!!!! 45's Memories!!
SmokinJoeC 11 months ago
Anyone else remember those junior high school days, riding home on the bus, the AM radio playing these Oldies if your bus driver was cool enough to turn it on? Sam used to sit with me. Brenda and her bitchy friends were two rows ahead and Janie, my secret crush right behind me.
jeff62rey 11 months ago
"The GOOD version, not that Paper Lace piece of crap." -- lmao, so true.
mikeskel45 11 months ago
Wrong answer, dipshit - she threw the letter away that said he died a hero. She didn't throw his letters away. Pay attention to the lyrics before you go calling somebody a bitch, bitch.
musicman5352 11 months ago
A staple from Saturday Night at the Oldies. lol
heatherisms 11 months ago
Reminds me of Saturday morning roller skating at St Micheals Parish
Southside Chicago
jbranske 11 months ago
memories of American Bandstand,,,,
27wingnut 11 months ago
awesome!
Seph1906 11 months ago
Alicia dont be a hero lol
valcarni1 11 months ago
Isn't it funny though? It is just a simple song but you can justify both sides of the argument and debate it with people! I LOVE music like that! THANK-YOU for posting AnalogueAudio!!!
NJDizGuy81 1 year ago
my mom used to play this song for me along with the night chicago died and run joey run. ahh the good old days!!!!
mrcrashclown 1 year ago
I really like AM Bubblegum from the 60's and 70's AM Top 40...Now, it's classic not Bubblegum...Dan O'Nealon
spearofdestiny1965 1 year ago
i like both just i heard Paper Lace's version first
pinkfloydanimals100 1 year ago
i'm 15, and i'd choose 70's music over today's crap in a heartbeat<3
BrieMarieLove 1 year ago
whoa whoa whoa, the paper lace version is far from being a piece of crap. They have two different feels to them, in my opinion this version is too upbeat for what's supposed to be a sad song but w/e
Sysaphys 1 year ago 2
sorry i disagree about your comment. yes paper lace was the original and b,d&h did a little better. In all reality b,d&h made the song very popular in the mid 70's i was there!
pacman13434 1 year ago
Is ok but Paper Lace original is the best by far.
jeepsterrr 1 year ago
I liked the music from the 70s.
the clothes, and hair? not as much
dharper357 1 year ago
I"ll agree with the needle hitting the vinyl etc. I'm thinking of buying a turntable. You can still buy brand new albums etc. I had this single also. I always liked this song.
hsjames1 1 year ago
my favorite part of this posting is the sound of the needle hitting the vinyl, and all the pops and cracks and hiss from the record. Awesome.
bagcpa 1 year ago
i want this song in my funeral :)
coneroc 1 year ago
I was 5 and this song made me cry.
TJCATLOVER 1 year ago
Billboard's 367th #1 hit of the rock era. Cover of the Paper Lace original. God bless!
DaveWollenberg 1 year ago
so like:)
SHIRBIEBERXD 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
ARE YOU PEOPLE ACTUALLY BICKERING OVER THE MEANING OF A 30 YEAR OLD SONG????????????
jollydog41 1 year ago
ARE YOU PEOPLE ACTUALLY BICKERING OVER THE MEANING OF A 30 YEAR OLD DONG????????????
jollydog41 1 year ago
@jollydog41 This. But we have another war that is going on.
xtremetuberVII 1 year ago
@jollydog41 discussing my friend,discussing
mary2945 1 year ago
A famous author used these lines in his book.
1DPIKI 1 year ago
I am embarrased to admit this, but when this song first came out, I never actually listened to the words other than, "Billy, don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life."
Of course, I was only 12-years-old then.
Now, 36 years later, I not only hear all the words, I am in awe of its meaning and wish I had listened more intently as a youth.
smaexpress 1 year ago
I'm 17, I've loved this since I was like, six. :D <3333.
EwicaBites 1 year ago
o god im only 21 and i grew up listening to all this type of music.
sofiro 1 year ago
Blacks dont like this tune because.....
a very few blacks are named billy
b very few blacks volunteer for anything
c unless there is sex or money involved , blacks are NOT going to be heroes
teehonky 1 year ago
I can kind of relate to this song my then fiance now husband wanted to join the army (couldn't thankfully due to a heart condition) and all I could think was please don't due something stupid and get yourself killed please come back to me
fae430 1 year ago
WOW SHE DiDNt tHROW HiS LEttERz AWAY SHE tHREW tHE LAttER FROM tHE GOVERNMENt .
SMARt ONE .
LIStEN!
AMYWAYzz MOViNqq ON .
tHiS iS SO VERy SAdd . i FEEL LiKE CRYiNqq
kubankrimewave 1 year ago
If you listened carefully...she threw out the letter from the Armed Services which said he didn't make it and died a hero,,, that's what she asked him not to do. You should listen to it again. I first heard it when I was about 11 just found it recently and still teared as my son is going on second tour to Iraq!
SagravM77 1 year ago
@SagravM77 I just wanted to say that I'll pray for you
and your son
God Bless You
mary2945 1 year ago
I used to listen to this on my little pocket radio. It was red, white and blue and had a 76 on the front celebrating our Bi centennial. Ah the good old days
THEPETEMAN69 1 year ago
For the longest time, I thought Bo was the lead singer. Found out that it was Mike Gibbons. Billboard's #21 song for '74. Hit #1 pop, #20 AC. God bless!
DaveWollenberg 1 year ago
To the person who commented on the drumming...yes the drumming is superior and is done with a REAL drum kit.
The song was recorded in 1973, with veteran session man Hal Blaine on the drums. Went to #1 in June of the following year.
angusthethird 1 year ago
Comment removed
angusthethird 1 year ago
i feel sorry for her :(
judygugu 1 year ago
my parents owned a restaraunt and this was on the jukebox for 5 cents
strmichael1 1 year ago 2
the letter from military she threw away, she should have been proud he gave his life, still a dumb bitch .
ROTTYLUV4ME 1 year ago 2
@ROTTYLUV4ME DAMN STRAIGHT !
redwiddle 1 year ago
there is no good version :(
TigracatDot01 1 year ago
im 14 and my gmaw wants me to sing this and i had to think about a guy that i really love named josh to help me relate sooo ima try to sing this wish me luck
thankyousomuchjustin 1 year ago
I was 7 years old when I got this, my very first album - given to me by one of my sisters because I was obsessed with it LOL! Still am and also am very glad to see it here as I don't have it anymore................
unorthodoxmuse 1 year ago
I love this song. So beautiful, so sad. But I will never think of it the same way since my friend mentioned that those Greek sandwiches (gyros...some people pronounce the g as an h) are sometimes made of goat meat. So "Billy Don't be a Hero" suddenly became "Billy (goat) don't be a Gyro". Darn friends. Maybe I need a new crowd that won't ruin my favorite songs.
deusregnat 1 year ago
@deusregnat Well, if it helps, I know a couple Greeks who own a Gyro shop and according to them, Gyro is actually pronounced "Year-o", not "Hero".
tonym144 1 year ago
@tonym144 Thanks.....I'll tell my friend who tried to ruin this song the correct pronuciation.
deusregnat 1 year ago
i me, brilliant night ,,,brill music,,,,,,,,
MrJonno2 1 year ago
lol, the description is so true
TheHuntress144 1 year ago
which is the original
fuckmanutherecunts 1 year ago
A lot of fun and a good anti war message.
Dalin1000 1 year ago
I was 12 years old in '74. I loved this song. Hell, I grew up with WABC music radio... I grew up with 50's, 60's, and 70's music.... I grew up with an elder cousin who was at Woodstock.
I suppose '67 thru '75 were the "years of the anti-Vietnam war song."
This song... "Billy Don't Be a Hero"... I suppose that this song I was "bopping" to as a 12 year old was a song thousand and thousands of girlfriends and widows and beavered parents cried to each time they heard it.
Afghanistan = 'Nam.
barker131776 1 year ago
MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN PAPER LACE... NO QUESTION!!
soundwavs1961c 1 year ago
@soundwavs1961c Paper Lace's version was cool too though...although I personally like this one better.
metalslut1 1 year ago