Billy Joel Celebrates "Christmas In Fallujah"
Billboard brings forth the good cheer of Billy Joel's return from self-imposed pop retirement with a second single this year. And he's still got war on his mind. The track's called "Christmas In Fallujah," and it's highly unfortunate. This coming from long time Piano men (two of us are Strong Island born and raised), so you should believe it's horrible. Plus Billy's not even singing or playing piano on it. He says:
I thought someone with a young voice should be singing this, someone just starting out in life. Plus, you know, I'm 58 years old. My voice isn't the voice I was thinking of when I was writing; I was thinking of a soldier, someone of that age.So rather than allow the tune to make a mockery of himself (or at least, less of one), Billy enlisted the Long Island unknown Cass Dillon for the militaristic holiday jingle. Thanks to Billy, Cass has gone from an unknown to "that guy in that terrible new Billy Joel song." Merry Christmas.
After a second listen, we realized what it reminded us of. Right? Try singing "We came to bring these people freedom / We came to fight the infidel" or just "It's Christmas in Fallujah" over the wordless intro. Holiday fun!
In other BJ news, it's been 25 years since "Allentown," and he's celebrating by talking to the local news.
UPDATE: Here's Billy's pre-song intro:
Posted at 9:29 AM
Tags: Billy Joel | Cass Dillon
1. Terrible song. Jeez, Billy.
2. I love how desperate the interviewer is to have Billy acknowledge Allentown/Lehigh Valley's significance in his career ("Other cities gave you the key to the city?! Allentown was first, right?!")
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Toby Keith fans are going to love this shit. So horrible.
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Great SOng. They should play this everyday until the war is over. I think some Americans forget.
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Subtle.
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Did Billy Joel just try and rhyme Fallujah with Hallelujah? LOLZ!
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As the mother of a soldier, I understand what he is trying to do- as a Billy Joel fan, it's a great song. I think it's a little too hard for me to hear - 'we ain't ever coming home' - but he is right. People have forgotten our soldiers over (especially in the blue states) and they need a reminder. Hoo-ah!
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Now a solider's mom's commented, so we have to get somber.
But for the record, this song is terrible.
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Sounds like a Warrant power ballad with lyrics written by Jenny McCarthy's son. It's an embarrassment for everyone involved, right down to the listeners. This is the worst thing to come out of Long Island since Amy Fisher. Also -- California and NY are at the top of the list of states with the most casualties in Iraq, so spare us the "blue states don't care" nonsense.
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Cass Dillon bored voice, Billy's voice is still strong and cool...... take a long to release a new songs
http://www.billyjoel.es
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Of course no one gives a damn about Christmas in Fallujah. It's a goddamn Muslim country. What do they care about Christ's birthday? Foundation crumbling.
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Am I the ONLY one here who saw the 60 Minutes bit on Christians and Christmas in Iraq??!!!
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Secret8, I saw that on 60 Minutes last night too. I noticed that they didn't mention Al Qaeda once either during the whole piece. Those aren't fundamentalist Muslims killing all the Christians in Iraq. They're just regular Muslims. It's an asshole religion. Now excuse me while I go name my teddy bear after the prophet Mohammed.
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If anyone is going to rhyme Fallujah with Hallelujah, it should be Bono.
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i always hated billy joel (and i'm from and still live on long island), and felt that if all his songs were erased from history that wouldn't really be a bad thing. maybe a few people from syosset wouldn't get married, but whatever. this is a terrible song.
also, when old people try and write an angry kid song, they always go with the nirvana/in bloom style chord progression.
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I heard this song on the Stern Show this morning. Seemed great to me- I can't really believe all the dumping on this site. Who better to remind us of what the real losses are for Americans in this war. Keep it up Billy and thanks for giving somebody fresh a chance to sing it.
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AWESOME.....love Cass Dylan's voice.....awesome awesome awesome.....
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I think any parent with a child serving in Iraq that is still on board with Bush and the rest of his murderous bunch in Washington should be ashamed of themselves! There is no greater honor we could pay these brave soldiers than to bring them home and apologize to them for letting a draft-dodging, oil hungry, war-profiteering, evil war criminal send them to that $hithole country in the first place.
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This is a good song that has a strong message. A message most people want to ignore because they don't give a shit about anyone else but themselves. Most of the morons dumping on this song probably aren't over the age of 16 and wouldn't know good music if it kicked them in the ass !
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Hey, I thought it was a pretty good song from a guy who barely released anything good in 25 years, but this was worthy of his 1982's "The Nylon Curtain".
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GREAT GREAT VOICE,,GREAT
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Heard this song on Stern this morning, served over in Iraq 3 times and twice in Afghanistan. This song hit home to me and I am sure it did with many others as well. For those who had something bad to say about the song you are entitled to your opinion. This is a free country, and will remain that way as long as the military keeps taking it to the enemy. Never forget that men and women are being killed daily so that you can get on your internet and type nonsensical crap. Some of you talk like you know what is really going on in the world but in reality you just sit back here in the states in your little comfort zone. One day you will be rudely awakened to the true dark nature of what is around you. At that time I hope that you have half the courage that these men and women have and do something productive. Thank you Billy Joel!!
Semper Fi
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Anyone who says this song sucks and its an embarrassment outta goto fallujah.
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Heard on Stern. I liked it.
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I also heard this song on the Stern show today and I LOVED it. I think this should be played during the holiday season to remind people that our military doesn't get to spend Christmas with their family. Also, this Cass Dillon guy is pretty good! Thank you Billy Joel for remembering our troops when so many of us forget. Bring them home!!!
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I also heard this song on Stern this morning and I had to listen to it several more times during the day (on replay). Regardless of what everyone thinks of the war, there are a lot of young men and women who won't be with their families during the holiday season. I think that it is naive of people to think that Billy Joel wrote this song with rhyming in mind. Kudos to Joel for writing this powerful song. Happy holidays to all of our soldiers!
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Fantastic, absolutely fantastic!!!!! This needs to be talked about, the damn media is twisting the war, never forget the military when your cheering on the war as you stuff your fat ass face with food this holiday season.
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Awesome song ... It hit home for me too ... reminded me a lot of the bro's from my unit.
Teufel's statement was on the money (right on bro)
and all i can add to that is:
If you never served, you cannot know the feeling of loneliness, desperation, paranoia and daily anger a soldier feels when he's in the sh**. This song sums up a lot of the emotion.
Listen again, and try and picture yourself over there, away from all you know and love for months or years on end, wondering day to day if you'll make it home.
After awhile, you stop caring.
Thats what Bill Joel captured in the Lyrics.
A lot of us just stop feeling.
Sadly, so do the people state side. Out of sight, out of mind.
Dont forget your brothers and sisters over there people. If the song upsets you or makes you feel bad, maybe you should address WHY it does so? Guilt? Remorse?
At least the song makes you think.
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I'm not even sure if I support the troops anymore after hearing that piece of shit song. Oh man, that was a stinker.
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I love America. I love Billy Joel. I love, even more, my two brothers serving in Iraq.
That said, this song was hammered shit.
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I HEARD THIS ON STERN TODAY, AND I AGREE WITH HOWARD.
IT WAS GREAT AND ANYONE WHO DOESN'T LIKE IT, SHOULD GET OFF THEIR "CRITIC" ASS AND ACCEPT IT AS A SONG THAT SPEAKS TO THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS!
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Good song. Brought back memories. This song hits home for me after 14 months during the invasion to Iraq. I cannot say that the words did not mean anything to you unless you have served on those hot days and freezing nights, thinking that is your reality and you are never going home. This was not meant for you, its meant for us Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. So for the Marines that faught to secure Fallujah (one of which was my brother) OO-RA
And to the Soldiers and others making the sacrifice to make sure we can sit here and write without bullets flying. Stay safe and we all pray for your safe return.
Hooah!!!!!!!!
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I was actually at the concert in Chicago in which this video is from. The video does not do the song justice. Hearing the song live at the Sears Centre was extremely moving and powerful. I left that night with that song in my head and the vision of the soldiers standing in the back of the stage even after Joel's three song encore. Also one thing that doesn't come across is the thunderous applause and standing ovation at the end of the song.
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Lets put aside politics and opinions on the war for a moment and look at this as a new Billy Joel song.
The song sucks. I think the reason Billy stopped writing is because nothing is coming to him anymore. This song proves it.
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Dear Cass,
I heard the song Billy wrote,(Christmas in Fallujah) and you sang,today on the Stern Show. I LOVED IT!
It brought tears to my eyes. Get ready for your life to change forever.
This song is going to make you a "house hold name" mark my words. And you deserve it.
I hope you don't change that much, when you become the famous "rock star" that your going to become.
I wish you health,wealth, and happiness.
Your fan,
Damien from Pgh, Pa
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OK, yes it's a terrible song. But do you all really think it's "militaristic"? We are the legionnaires of Rome... and we ain't ever coming home? There is no God in hell? Clearly Sgt. BJ is not very optimistic about the state of the mission.
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Heard this on Howard Stern and absolutely loved it. Never been much into the political music but this song really struck a chord.
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I heard it on Stern yesterday. Though the song is not quite my cup of tea and some of the rymes seemed a little forced over all I think it was really good. I spent christmas 05' over there and some of it reminded me of those feelings again. There is deff. truth to the feelings of never coming home. I also liked the lines about seas of oil in the sand and there is no god in hell.
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The song is great 'cause it's written by Billy Joel, others who said it's horrible, terrible etc. go and fight in those countries. Don't say a word about Billy Joel and his songs.
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Heard the song on Stern-loved it-and love Billy - I also love our troops and want them home-What was it all about anyway? It was always about OIL. We are all pawns. The only people who escape are the super rich. Bush and his fellow scum have sold this country out-Cheers to Billy Joel for the song--Greenday introduced many anti war and anti Bush songs years ago. What happened to the Baby boomers who protested in the 60s?
It is time for marches, demonstrations but the war doesnt effect anyone-except the troops and their families-that equals less than one percent of our population
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hey im siten here groven on this riff he keeps playing over an over and ya know what he stole the music from starship trooper done by yes the worm listen an you be the judge
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Bring em all HOME and GLASS those FUCKS LET GOD SORT EM OUT OUR MEN AN WOMEN DESERVE BETTER COME HOME LET THE PEOPLE IN THE IVORY TOWERS GO AN FIGHT THIS BATTLE AN SEE HOW THEY ARE TREATED WHEN THEY FIND THEY DONT HAVE THE RIGHT PROTECTION OR EQUIPMENT EITHER
B R I N G
T H E M
ALL
H O M E
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I love this song.
I have loved songs like this since Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger but I can understand why people might not like it..it takes a certain kind of mind set to feel it I guess..maybe not maybe I just like crappy truthiness songs..~snickers~
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I heard the song talked about on Stern but first heard it tonight at Billy Joel's show in Dallas. I loved it.
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Rough on the ears, and on the intellect.
Forget panties. Someone toss a World Almanac at the fucker.
I bet the parking lot outside the venue was filled with V8 Chevy Silverados adorned with yellow magnets and "W '04" bumper stickers.
To quote the ex-King of All Media: "WAH WAH WAH."
Here's a lesson folks: Expect things to get really ugly anytime you go strutting into another people's land uninvited, creating your own set of "bad guys", and find thousands of uneducated young people to volunteer to partake in it. Hating the local religion and customs doesn't help either.
Sorry to burst the bubble y'all, but there is no "war" and no "enemy" and no "fighting over there" so we can all enjoy our lattes and wi-fi here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rlqjxst6xU
Mission Accomplished.
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did everybody forget why we are there???? All I know is there is two buildings in new york that my kids will only learn about in school.Somebody makes a song(the FIRST one that i know of)about whats going on and isnt forgetting like most of the poeple are doing.So I guess Good Night Saigon sucked too???ALL i know is I STILL hang my flag and iam STILL PROUD TO LIVE HERE.Hey kd nicewanger i guess thats what you call humor,well i hope your kids are "normal"now thats humor!!!!!!!!!!!
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Soldiers, civilians, anyone?? are you not in the least bit offended by the verbage used in this song?! I'd swear it was written by an extremist Muslim wack job if I didn't know any better. Does anyone know what kind of reaction the word "crusader" invokes in Muslim fanatics? And the word "infidel" - that's what freakin' blood thirsty AQ nut-jobs call US! WE'RE the so-called infidels that terrorists are commanded to kill! Our wonderful soldiers did not go to Iraq to fight the infidel! WE don't use those words! THE ENEMY does! Very disappointing - it could have been a great song. I wouldn't even mind the anti-war message, if it wasn't couched in words that make our military and government out to be the bad guys.
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Who invited all the squares to a Stereogum comment thread?
Camille@2:49, snap out of your archaic mindset. This isn't a Chuck Norris b-movie. It's your kind of one-dimensional, White House rhetoric-fueled vernacular that is so friggin' out of touch with our world and the young generations of today.
You "wouldn't EVEN mind the anti-war message"? What, do you *prefer* messages which promote mindless violence amongst human beings? Please put down your jingoistic crack pipe, and get an independent mind of your own.
According to Billy Joel's website, the lyrics were based on letters which American soldiers SENT TO HIM. Do songs have to be worded like a Kelly Clarkson song for you to properly comprehend 'em?
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Mario, Mario, Mario...You're either another one of the unfortunate angry liberals who are so filled with hatred for the Bush Administration that they can't see straight, or just too young to know any better. You have absoultely no idea what you're talking about. I happen to work in a job that allows me direct access into the terrorist mindset. And those are their words, not mine. As for these comments coming from our soldiers' letters, I doubt any soldier serving in Iraq would equate himself to a crusader or not understand what the word INFIDEL means. And what I meant was, that I respect Billy Joel or anyone else's right to express their anti-war message; what I don't appreciate is rhetoric that incites the enemy against Americans! You can continue to live in la-la land - in fact, I am envious of those who do. I, on the other hand, understand what evil exists out there and work every day to try and stop them. If you only knew how many have tried to do us harm and have not succeeded due to the service of our military and others who serve our country. Oh, and btw, I much prefer Carrie Underwoord to Kelly Clarkson.
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its a great song just like the songs made about vietnam and the person who said we are there for the world trade ctr attacks lol the reason is the BUSH reason the war was over he said on the aircraft carrier lol why are we there still they hate our government only because the government tries to change their lives and beliefs let them live their own life GET OUR SOLDIERS HOME we did what we could
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I think that the lyrics were very good and powerful. I do like Billy Joel.. but in honesty of rating-I don't think it flowed very well as it could have in the ways of a tune..
But I think its great with the lyrics. People have forgotten what happened years ago. Why the hell do you think the men are over there?! For no goddam reason?
Selfish pigs is what you all are.
They're fighting so you can do whatever you want everyday. And you sure as hell don't give a shit.
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Real Nice – as a retired Marine with combat tours in OIF and Desert Storm, I find performances like this fall into the category of aiding and abetting the enemy! Billy Joel and Cass Dillion then attempt to justify their actions by pronouncing that the net proceeds will be donated to a noble cause “homes for our troops.” Why not donate your time to visit our wounded in the hospitals, and donate money that has not been tainted through anti-war efforts to build these homes! Remember today’s military force is comprised entirely of volunteers, those volunteers comprise Americas line of defense and that force defends your very freedom everyday!
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I just went to a Billy Joel concert...and oh what a concert. He is awesome and wonderful and every bit as good as he was the first time I heard him sing.
He introduced Cass Dillon to sing "Christmas in Fallujah". I personally thought it was a very good piece. I have nephews in Iraq and it really sucks that they can't be with their families and their new babies.
I think most of us here at home forget all those men and women fighting for freedom for each of us. They won't have a Christmas dinner like at home. They probably won't have a tree and I'm sure they would rather have snow than miles and miles of sand. The greatest gift we can give them is our support and prayers. I challenge all who read my message to pray for our Troups at Christmas and always!
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This song would have been twenty times better if Billy had sang it, not some Daughtry-wannabe. And delete the backing vocals and absurdly over-the-top soldiers saluting. In a more stripped out Joel version it could work a lot better than it does here.
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I give it three Ds -- Depressing, Divisive, Derivative -- This song is depressing and it has several aspects of divisiveness. It inflames divisions among people according to their view of the war, and divisions according to religion. It is written in an ironic, sarcastic mode. The "tune" and chords are highly derivative of many other songs. I am a bit embarrassed for Billy Joel, who has written many wonderful songs.
I admit total bias, but there is a song, The Colors, by Jim Allyn, available on iTunes, Napster, Amazon and other sites, which deals square-on with the plight of our soldiers in Iraq and the heartbreak for those who wait at home, but ends with a much more uplifting message. It raises the hope that sooner or later, we will come together to try to heal the deep wounds of this war. The song is also tuneful and musically inventive, with unusual chording.
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perfectly put (SELFISH PIGS).this really amazes the hell out me.Just when i thought we learned from our mistakes its vietnam all over again.Why should our troops want to come "home".I GUESS SO PEOPLE LIKE YANKE2315 CAN SPIT ON THEM.I would rather stay there at least there you know your enemy!!!!!!!
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I saw Billy Joel last night in Kansas City and heard this song live. I'm the mother of a soldier who served in Balad, Iraq during the first spring and summer of this war. My daughter's service gives me the right to LOVE THIS SONG! Hey, I stood in line in 1977 and 1978 and bought my first Billy Joel albums. I've grown to love what he did later as well. But in that audience and hearing this song live and knowing what my daughter has seen, heard and smelled ... I thank him for writing this. Cass Dillon, this almost 50 year old says, "You rock." Thank you! Ignore the moronic comments. Opinions are like excrement barrels burning in Fallujah. My daughter says she never fears going to Hell after death, she's been there already and has a story about. Billy put her story to song!
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our troops are the best in the world. no other country touches them in committment or in belief in what they are doing,and i support our troops all the way home.
some believe though that g.w. told the truth about how we got involved in iraq. but then there are those who see the truth and feel this way,that we deserted them which in truth we did by not removing the liar that sent them there. oh by the way g.w. never attended a funeral for any of our heros
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JESUS FUCKING CHRIST
1. Since when did so many soldiers, retired marines, and mothers of troops read a New York hipster indie rock blog?
2. Why are so many of the above giving Billy Joel credit for writing a song they can identify with, when the guy has never served in the military himself?
3. Why aren't more people outraged by the very idea of this song? I can't fucking stand it when people thrust Christmas on other cultures, like in "Do They Know It's Christmas?" Of course they don't know it's Christmas, and of course they don't give a damn - IT'S NOT PART OF THEIR RELIGION. And yes, I understand that the song is aimed at the troops who are stuck in Iraq for Christmas, but here's another news flash: not all troops are Christians either. Maybe Iraq would seem less barren and uncaring if people actually showed some interest in their holidays.
4. I just thought this was hilarious: "I happen to work in a job that allows me direct access into the terrorist mindset...I, on the other hand, understand what evil exists out there and work every day to try and stop them." Thanks for the post, James Bond.
5. Can people please cut down on the comments like "we are fighting hard to keep you free and all you do is complain"? The whole reason we're complaining is because the Iraq war has been proven again and again to have no link to Al Qaeda, 9/11, Osama, etc. That's the fault of our crooked-ass government, not the troops. We want all of you back home, in a country that does rightfully give a shit about Christmas, and in a world where BIlly Joel doesn't feel compelled to write shitty songs like this one.
Okay, I'm done.
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The song makes me understand how it must feel for the people fighting this war .. I will never forget what they are doing for us. They will never be forgotten -- we only have a few months left of the worst person in the White House----.Hopefully we will forget him -- the worst thing is that we will have to live with the death of our young and brave. Thanks to All of the Brave Soldiers I will never forget you all.
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I'm a Vietnam vet. I beleive that the point of this song is to remember those poor guys/gals that are stuck in a god fore saken hole that most of you don't really care about. I am guessing that most of the people responding to this do not have a clue of what the cost of "their" liberties even mean -- other than to bitch, moan, criticize and complain. This song is merely making a point....................
My hat is off to Billy Joel for making a statement. What have you done?
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As a 29yo Iraqi Vet I would like to say a few words about this song, as well as some of the comments I'm reading here, if I may. I'm a veteran who is against THIS war, but I am so G.D. proud of everyone who served and is still serving over there, and i happen to think this song is both heartwarming and heartbreakingly beautiful! So all of you wannabe pundits, on either side, can now scroll through your mental filing cabinets and catagorize me however you'd like! (And to those who would, when you're done, don't forget to shove the filing cabinet up your brainwashed, partisan ...!)
Now, that being said, I think many of you who would view this song as a political tool, for either side, are completely missing the point! I'm especially surprised by some of the comments by the Vietnam Vets (How easily we forget, huh brothers?) Even to label this song "anti-war" is off the mark, by far! All BJ is trying to do is exactly what he says he is trying to do! Bring to light, and remind us of the fact that there are many, many American men and women on the other side of the planet spending a very important family-oriented, sacred holiday in a situation that can only be described as HELL! Now whether or not you are pro or anti Bush, war etc. is irrelevant! The very arguments that are taking place here, while healthy for a free society, only prove true what Joel says when he writes "and noone gives a damn." He isn't speaking of Iraqi Muslims not caring about Christmas, he's speaking about us and how even those of us who are "politically aware" get so immersed in our bickering that the subject matter loses all of it's humanity. (Not to mention those of us who don't even bother to be politically aware.) It's very much like those divorce battles where the parents use the child as leverage!
Now, i would ask, on behalf of those still there, that at this time of year take a moment and try to put yourself in there shoes. Try to imagine (or remember) how sad and lonely they feel.(And believe me, words cannot describe.) Whether you are pro-war or anti-war, Pro-Bush or anti-Bush, and any place in between, there is someone over there who feels EXACTLY LIKE YOU! The only difference is that they really miss their family and friends right now, moreso than many of you can ever imagine or apparently care to.
All Joel is trying to do is bring some HUMAN perspective to a hot political topic. I think he does a pretty good job. And for those of you who either feel you love the troops so we should "let them win" or you love the troops so we should "bring them home" I ask that, in the meantime, you simply do them a favor and donate a phone card so they can feel a little less lonely this Christmas. Thank-you. God Bless our troops, God Bless this Republic, And God Bless You!
Eddie
p.s. To the few cowards here who would have the audacity to speak ill of those who volunteered, come to the Kingsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx and we can meet in the Associated parking lot to debate your opinion further!
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this is a great song.. we will be hearing this alot.. i just want to say, thanks for keeping our eyes open to the real world
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this is a great song.. we will be hearing this alot.. i just want to say, thanks for keeping our eyes open to the real world
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Terribly interesting coincidence. Jefferson Pepper wrote a song called “Christmas in Fallujah” three years ago. Like Joel’s song, it’s also an anti-war ballad from the perspective of the soldier.
But don’t believe me, check it out for yourself:
http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=41253
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I think this song is another reminder that we need to support the men and women who have chosen to fight for our freedoms. Would any of you trade places with them? I think not. War is never a good thing and Bush may live to regret this one, but it's still on, so instead of the negative out there lets pray for our troops that they will survive over there and back here when they do get home.
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WELL PUT EDDIE!!!!!
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People, People, People.....
No where in this song (like Goodnight Saigon) does the lyric take a position on the war - pro or anti. As Eddie said - it is merely a 'don't forget us" pla from the troops perspective.
As previously mentioned above, it almost say's that Al Qaeda is not the point "there's a sea of blood in Baghdad - a sea of oil in the sand".
Also - do you really believe using the terms "infidel" & "crusaders" is going to be the catalyst for an attack on us? They already hate us for our beliefs. There hate does not wane or increase based on our 'rhetoric'.
Remember that Goodnight Saigon was not a politcally charged song either. It was merely an observation by Billy of the experiences and plight of the soldiers of the Vietnam War era. I have had 3 nephews serve in Iraq. My brother (father of one of them) who is decidedly conservative enjoyed the song and found (to his surprise) that it was not an anti-war song at all.
All that said - those here who take the greatest exception seem to be those who just don't like Billy Joel. That is you prerogative - just don't twist the song to fit your rant of the day.
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Folks,
How can you all emphatically state over and over that this song supports the troops? We're not legionnaires of Rome. We're not crusaders. You may not agree with GW. You may think he's a moron. But Americans are not bad people. We're not doing bad things over here. I don't want to be brought home if that means sacrificing everything gained. As clichéd as it may sound quitting truly is for the weak of heart. If you think we're wasting money and lives for some dark conspiracy over oil then walk up to the next infantryman you see and tell him the bros he knew died for nothing and let him know how things really are. Because God granted you this know all birds eye perspective on mankind.
There's no evaluating this song without becoming political. Mr. Joel wants to make waves and he did. Folks if you want to be reminded of the troops during Christmas with music I'd recommend listening to "4th25" while you're holding hands around the Christmas tree. Believe it or not it's free of any political connotations. It's not as cheery but I'd say it's a more realistic insight into how the grunt feels because it was written by grunts. So support the troops this season not Billy Joel's political agenda.
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This song totally sucks. Dillon can't sing and Joel must have been desparate to let this piece of crap get published and performed in person by anyone. No wonder he did not sing it himself.
Crap, total crap musically.
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Billy riped this one off.
Check out www.americanfallout.com The real Chrismas in fallujah was done by jefferson Pepper and it simply better. If Billy can't wright anymore, he should give credit where credit is do.
www.sonicbirds.com/epk/.asp?epk_id=41253
Oh yea What?
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I was a teenager and young adult during the Vietnam War. I listened to the anti-war songs during that era. Having had no children to worry about at that time, and being involved in my own life I didn't pay a lot of attention to what the songs were saying, or what was really going on in the world. Times have changed.Now I do listen and I am very aware of what is happening in the world and in our country. I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!
I can't imagine the pride that parents feel for their children who are over there, but I also cannot imagine the worry when the telephone or the doorbell rings. I lost a child to a drunk driver and one of the hardest things for me to accept was the fact that dui deaths are so preventable. I feel that the deaths of the children we have lost in this war were just as preventable. Why are they still there? We need to get them home!!
Billy Joel, keep on writing - this is awesome. And Cass, please keep on singing - you are awesome too.
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The song is good.. though I agree the guitar bit is a little Nirvana-esque...
If you guys liked this song, I highly recommend you check out this one. It's called "Dad's gonna kill me" -- "dad" in this case being short for Baghdad...
It's Richard Thompson...
W
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Mp3 is here.
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i've loved these days, billy joel once sang. we don't love these. and this song is only a reminder of that. or maybe you're still stuck in wonderland people.
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This is a great song -- Cass Dillon did an AWESOME job of performing it and it truly expresses the desolation of our troops at this time of year. It is definitely the most meaningful new Christmas song this year.
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It's like "Goodnight Saigon..."
...except shitty.
Sorry Billy. I still love you.
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As a biased, HUGE Billy fan, I probably could go on for about ten or more paragraphs here, but I don't have the time right now.
All I WILL say is, that, as one guy posted further back on the list, I do think the whole war on terror that goes on behind the scenes is very, very real and not as exaggerated as one might think. However, if you are one of the few that thinks the war in IRAQ is about fighting terrorism as opposed to making HUGE, TREMENDOUS profits in oil, then take your head out of your FUCKING ASSHOLE. They're TWO DIFFERENT WARS. And that FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT in the White (or, at the moment, Brown) House is propagating the whole thing for money, as is the --REAL-- president, Big Dick Cheese. So, WAKE THE FUCK UP, and let's start bringing the troops home.
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As a biased, HUGE Billy fan, I probably could go on for about ten or more paragraphs here, but I don't have the time right now.
All I WILL say is, that, as one guy posted further back on the list, I do think the whole war on terror that goes on behind the scenes is very, very real and not as exaggerated as one might think. However, if you are one of the few that thinks the war in IRAQ is about fighting terrorism as opposed to making HUGE, TREMENDOUS profits in oil, then take your head out of your FUCKING ASSHOLE. They're TWO DIFFERENT WARS. And that FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT in the White (or, at the moment, Brown) House is propagating the whole thing for money, as is the --REAL-- president, Big Dick Cheese. So, WAKE THE FUCK UP, and let's start bringing the troops home.
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Uh, hello? The silly guy who wrote "Infidel isn't a word we use! That's a terrorist word!" should be made aware of the fact that "infidel" is an English word, a la infidelity. And that "crusaders" are probably what some of Iraq's inhabitants see us as. How long can you be in a foriegn land before you relize that YOU'RE the foriegner there? Also, yes, there is evil in this world. Evil in other countries, and evil in our own. You'd be blind and living in la-la land to not recognize that fact.
Billy Joel is a great songwriter, but that's also a matter of oppinion -which all of us, including Mr. Joel, are entitled to. As for whatever ignorant person wrote "of course they don't give a damn about Christmas there, it's a Muslim country" should be made aware of the fact that, not only, is that the point - but that he's referring to Americans being stuck in a place where said holidaay doesn't matter. I feel the song is about soldiers missing home and questioning the catalyst which brings death to their fellow troops. What person wouldn't wonder about those things in that situation. Blind faith is not patriotism. Song isn't THAT bad. Feel that the musical style sounds a little "forced" for Billy to be trying to write "young", but I got the lyrics. Makes plenty of sense. Sad. I feel bad for the people who aren't bright enough to understand the intent or language of a lyric. But I feel a whole lot worse for our soldiers at Christmas time. Hope Billy Joel releases a new album soon.
P.S.- VIVA 13th ALIBI !!!
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Well Guys as a BIG Billy Joel fan, I saw him in concert the other night here in Australia. He sang the song himself, and I believe, much better than Cass did. I had never heard it before and have only just heard Cass's version today on the net.
Great song, it is good to see he can do more than sit behind a piano. As an old rocker I enjoyed it very much. As for being written for a younger vioce, forget it Billy at 59 you did a bloody great job. If I could sing (at 40) as good as you can at 59 my wife and family would be real happy .. lol
Go Billy Joel.
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