Song of the day for August 17, 2024
Vietnam By Country Joe & The Fish live from Woodstock, is today’s featured song.
On this date in 1969 Woodstock wrapped up. Country Joe was one of the acts performing on the final day.
Country Joe and the Fish, a pioneering psychedelic rock band from the 1960s, delivered a memorable performance at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969. The band was known for its anti-war stance, and their music was deeply intertwined with the countercultural and anti-Vietnam War movements of the time.
At Woodstock, Country Joe McDonald, the lead singer, performed twice—once solo and once with the band. His solo performance, particularly the rendition of the “Fish Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” became one of the most iconic moments of the festival. The song, a satirical anti-war anthem, resonated deeply with the Woodstock audience, many of whom were strongly opposed to the Vietnam War.
The “Fish Cheer” originally featured the word “Fish,” but at Woodstock, McDonald famously replaced it with the word “Fuck,” leading the crowd in a raucous chant. This bold move, coupled with the song’s biting lyrics about the absurdity of war, electrified the audience and became a defining moment of the festival, encapsulating the spirit of rebellion and dissent that Woodstock symbolized.
Country Joe and the Fish’s full-band set at Woodstock also featured their signature psychedelic sound, blending electric guitars, keyboards, and a mix of folk, blues, and rock influences. Their music, characterized by its improvisational style and socially conscious lyrics, captured the mood of the late 1960s—a time of political upheaval, cultural revolution, and a desire for peace.
Although not as commercially successful as some of their contemporaries, Country Joe and the Fish’s performance at Woodstock solidified their place in rock history. The band’s role in the festival, particularly their anti-war messaging, contributed to Woodstock’s lasting legacy as a symbol of peace, love, and social change.
