What song defines the Post 9/11 war fighter?

2014-12-09T15:44:22-05:00

So interesting topic came up at work today. We got talking about music and more specifically; music that defined a war. Of course people are familiar with songs such as "War" by Edwin Starr and "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. These and other songs, instantly take the listener back to a time when the country as fighting a war that many didn't agree with; that many didn't understand; and that forever left a scare across our collective faces.

Here is my question; what is the song or songs that our children's children will listen and associate to the "Post 9/11 era"? Will it be Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"? "Only in America" by Brooks and Dunn or "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?" by Alan Jackson? Is there one that might out rank these three? And lastly, what is about these songs that capture our attention and years after continue to pull us back to a certain time and place and cause us to remember?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 4:43 PM

2014-12-09T16:43:39-05:00

I vote for Alan Jackson and "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?" That's gotta define the post-9/11 military generation and actions.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 4:50 PM

2014-12-09T16:50:34-05:00

I agree with CW5 Private RallyPoint Member it has to be Allen Jakaon's song. Makes me tear up a little every time I hear it.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 9 at 2014 5:08 PM

2014-12-09T17:08:18-05:00

I worked in aPTSD clinic. I was the only OIF/OEF veteran there. When they came in wanting someone outside of the military who had an idea of what it as like and had "street cred" I met with them. A LOT of them. After a while, an hour with an individual wasn't keeping pace and I had groups once a week with a licensed facilitator. For those I met with and held dear to me, I elect the "ice breaker" video I started the session with. It wasn't designed to be a military recruiting tool. It was meant to be a bonding tool. I would not suggest using it for briefings with those who sit around the big table. We had to start the class at 1200 to ensure that the building was ours.
*********************************GRAPHIC LYRICS ******************************
Remember, it is a tool I used for very upset, angry, confused, even numb troops who think they are broken. This is where I got the name Uncle Mark. I operated independently from what the "boss" said. There was a disclaimer that it wasn't sanctioned by my boss, etc. This was a class given to MY clients who otherwise made life HELL for the other counselors. *********************************************************************
I stand by for Massive down voting. I felt this question deserved an answer. WARNING!: If over 30, your head may explode. Consider the target range of the clients.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcdwgkMTW3c

Linkin Park - Given Up [Official Video] [HQ].

Given Up By Linkin Park Directed by Mark Fiore Allrights Belong To WMG 2008 Wake in a sweat again Another day's been laid to waste In my disgrace Stuck in ...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 9 at 2014 5:12 PM

2014-12-09T17:12:42-05:00

Great question SGT Ben Keen !

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 9 at 2014 5:12 PM

2014-12-09T17:12:05-05:00

If anyone lists a Nickelback song, you may find your account suddenly deleted. ;-)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 6:45 PM

2014-12-09T18:45:39-05:00

Hero of War- Rise Against

That was a common song I had heard in 2009/2010 after a close friend was killed in Afghanistan. Fellow Soldiers felt lost because of what had happened and found themselves questioning their choices in the military.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 9 at 2014 6:49 PM

2014-12-09T18:49:47-05:00

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Kieth. Because it says we will put a boot in your ass.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 7:03 PM

2014-12-09T19:03:06-05:00

Well since the Nickleback song is out of the way now I'll post this one for our National Guard brothers and sisters. I don't know about defining an era or not but it always made me proud of our NG SM's.

http://youtu.be/pgV6VUinDEA

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 10 at 2014 3:09 AM

2014-12-10T03:09:33-05:00

I am not sure it falls into 'post' 9/11 or not, but I LOVE Toby Keith's 'American Soldier'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWrMeBR8W-c

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 5:09 PM

2014-12-10T17:09:39-05:00

American Soldier by Toby Keith.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 6:13 PM

2014-12-10T18:13:13-05:00

The only song that I immediately associate with any conflict is Hendrix's cover of "all along the watchtower" which I associate with the Vietnam War. I don't think there's any one song that defines OIF/OEF in the same way.

While certainly not iconic, one of the more powerful songs I've heard that can be attributed to this generation of war fighters is "If I Were King" by Queensryche. Read the lyrics while listening to the song by pressing the "show more" button in the description, and fair warning, If I Were King incorporates a very emotionally heavy interview recording into the song for the first full minute.

Queensryche - If I Were King (w/ lyrics)

From the 2009 release American Soldier, with singer Geoff Tate and Jason Slater responsible for the lyrics. Lyrics: I have so much more to say, my brother. C...

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-07-02T15:37:37-04:00

To me, it will always be "Indestructible" by Disturbed! A great song overall; I listen to it on my way to the gym.

Response by MAJ Scott Meehan made Feb 18 at 2016 6:37 PM

2016-02-18T18:37:04-05:00

American Soldier by Toby Keith.

Response by SGT Stephen Smith made Mar 3 at 2016 9:31 PM

2016-03-03T21:31:44-05:00

There is so many to choose from the one:s that are listed are all good songs but there is also HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN and also I JUST CAME BACK FROM A WAR both by DARRYL WORLEY

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-03-10T21:22:24-05:00

I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned, but Courtesy of the Red White and Blue by Toby Keith. when I joined the Army in 2004 it was with the knowledge that I was joining the organization responsible for putting the "boot in your ass, it's the American way."