About The Song
“Still in Saigon” is not a celebratory war song; rather, it’s a somber and introspective piece that focuses on the internal battles fought long after the physical fighting has ceased. The lyrics, co-written by Dan Daley and Don Goodman, paint a vivid picture of a Vietnam veteran grappling with the memories and the psychological scars of his wartime experiences. The title itself, “Still in Saigon,” is a powerful metaphor for the way in which the trauma of war can continue to haunt individuals, keeping them emotionally tethered to a place and time of intense stress and danger.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a soldier who has returned home but finds himself unable to fully reintegrate into civilian life. The sensory details in the lyrics are particularly striking, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of Vietnam that continue to replay in his mind. The “choppers in the skies,” the “smell of napalm in the morning,” these vivid images underscore the lasting imprint of the war on his psyche. He may be physically back in America, but a part of him remains trapped in the intensity of his wartime experiences, “still in Saigon.”
Musically, “Still in Saigon” adopts a more subdued and reflective tone compared to some of the Charlie Daniels Band‘s more high-energy offerings. The arrangement is thoughtful and understated, featuring a melancholic melody and a gentle rhythm that underscores the song’s somber mood. The use of acoustic instruments, combined with subtle electric guitar work, creates an atmosphere of introspection and vulnerability. Charlie Daniels‘ vocal delivery is particularly effective here, conveying a sense of weariness and the quiet pain of the character he portrays.
What makes “Still in Saigon” so significant is its empathetic portrayal of the challenges faced by Vietnam veterans. It acknowledges the sacrifices they made and the difficulties they often encountered upon returning home to a society that was often divided and sometimes indifferent to their experiences. The song doesn’t offer easy answers or solutions; instead, it provides a poignant glimpse into the inner turmoil of a soldier struggling to come to terms with his past.
The lyrics also touch upon the sense of alienation and disconnect that some veterans experienced. The line “Tried to talk about it, nobody understood” speaks volumes about the difficulty of communicating the profound impact of war to those who have not experienced it firsthand. This sense of isolation can be a significant burden for veterans, and “Still in Saigon” gives voice to this often-unacknowledged struggle.
While the song focuses on the Vietnam War, its themes of post-traumatic stress and the challenges of returning to civilian life after military service are unfortunately timeless and universal. Veterans of other conflicts can likely relate to the feelings of displacement and the lingering effects of their wartime experiences. In this sense, “Still in Saigon” serves as a broader commentary on the human cost of war and the long-term impact on those who serve.
Charlie Daniels, though not a Vietnam veteran himself, approached the subject matter with sensitivity and respect. “Still in Saigon” reflects a genuine effort to understand and articulate the experiences of those who served. This empathy resonated with many listeners, including veterans themselves, who found in the song a recognition of their own struggles.
In a musical landscape often dominated by themes of love, loss, and everyday life, “Still in Saigon” stands out for its willingness to address a more complex and often difficult subject. It’s a reminder of the power of music to foster understanding and empathy, and to give voice to the experiences of those whose stories might otherwise go untold. The enduring impact of “Still in Saigon” lies in its honest and moving portrayal of the lasting effects of war on the human spirit, solidifying its place as a significant and thought-provoking contribution to American music. It remains a powerful testament to the resilience and the often-invisible wounds of those who have served their country.
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Lyric
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‘Got on a plane in Fresco and got off in Vietnam.I walked into a different world, the past forever gone.I could have gone to Canada or I could have stayed in school.But I was brought up differently. I couldn’t break the rules.Thirteen months and fifteen days, the last ones were the worst.One minute I kneel down and pray And the next I stand and curse.No place to run to where I did not feel that war.When I got home I stayed alone and checked behind each door.Still in SaigonStill in SaigonI am Still in Saigon in my mind!The ground at home was covered with snow. And I was covered in sweat.My younger brother calls me a killer and My daddy calls me a vet.Everybody says that I’m someone else That I’m sick and there’s no cure.Damned if I know who I am. There was only one place I was sureWhen I wasStill in SaigonStill in Saigon.I am still in Saigon in my mind!Every summer when it rains, I smell the jungle, I hear the planes.I can’t tell no one I feel ashamed. Afraid someday I’ll go insane.That’s been ten long years ago and time has gone on by.But now and then I catch myselfEyes searchin’ through the sky.All the sounds of long ago will be forever in my head.Mingled with the wounded’s cries and the silence of the dead‘Cause I’mStill in SaigonStill in SaigonI am still in Saigon in my mind