Artistic Expression to War
Artistic Response to War: “Something to Believe In”
By: Poison
Link to YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5uamDMoW4o
The artistic responsive expression to war I chose was the music video made by Poison to their 1990 song, “Something to Believe In.” The particular section of song and video is regarding the Vietnam War and the Veteran—how he feels and what he goes through.
Our soldiers had no idea what they were getting into when they were ordered to go. There was no real battle-plan or strategy for this war. President Lyndon Johnson, as the war got more out of hand, sent soldiers by draft, for a total of approximately 3 million soldiers by the time he ended it. The soldiers were sent there to kill the enemy. The effects of that war took a toll on the soldier while he was there, as well as, when he returned.
“…Twenty-two years of mental tears
Cries a suicidal Vietnam vet
Who fought a losing war on a foreign shore
To find his country didn’t want him back
Their bullets took his best friend in Saigon
Our lawyers took his wife and kids, no regrets
In a time I don’t remember
In a war he can’t forget
He cried “Forgive me for what I’ve done there
Cause I never meant the things I did”
Unless one has been in that sort of situation, there is no way to imagine the mental stress and anguish of being there—and having to come back and live with the consequences of one’s actions. Many of us were not alive during this war; therefore, we do not know details except those found in History books. This video portrays the soldier who, not only has had his body damaged by that war, but also his mind. He does not stop reliving his past. The part of this video that strikes me hardest is the Veteran sitting in his wheelchair, trapped in himself—but for just a moment he is able to imagine himself free.
Sources:
Image of partial lyrics taken from http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nPumzFvHSag/0.jpg
YouTube video of emimusic video February 26, 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5uamDMoW4o
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