Heard in the Story

A stanza from the musical form variously called Negro Gospel and traditional spiritual appears among the book's epigraphs. Believed to originate from the period before the Civil War, "Down by the Riverside" was first published in 1918 but (like most traditional songs) has no fixed lyrics; instead, the mix and order of stanzas continues to changes as new performers share it.

Imagery of the various stanzas suggests the passage to heaven, baptism, and freedom from slavery. As quoted in Coming Home Whole, the refrain adapts Biblical language and gives the song its focus as an anti-war anthem:

        I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
       Down by the riverside
       I'm gonna study war no more   

The song has been performed by musicians referenced elsewhere in Coming Home Whole, including Pete Seeger and Johnny Cash; more recently, notable versions include that from Playing for Change. which celebrates the song's timeless power by mixing a single performance from film of street singers recorded across the globe.

Within the story itself, the guys at Fire Support Base Charlie 2 spend some of their leisure time playing and singing music, as well as listening to it. In 1969, a variety of music genres were flourishing: soul music and Motown, country and western, folk and protest music, and of course, rock and roll. Artists from all made their voices—or at least compositions—heard at Charlie 2; links to those mentioned in the text appear below.

• Joan Baez

• The Beatles 

•  Johnny Cash  

• Glen Campbell 

• Cream  

• Bob Dylan 

• The Four Tops  

• Marvin Gaye  

• Arlo Guthrie  

• Merle Haggard  

• Peter, Paul and Mary 

• The Rolling Stones  

• Pete Seeger  

• Simon and Garfunkel  

• Dusty Springfield 

• The Supremes 

• Tammy Wynette