Talk:Billy Don't Be a Hero

Why is it assumed that the song referred to either Vietnam or the American Civil War? It is a song sung by an English group, and written by English song-writers. America isn't the only country in the world to have been involved in a war!

I don't think that the song should be described as "anti-war". It is about regret, and the loss of young life.

124.197.15.138 (talk) 05:10, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

"Soldier Blues" could refer to various armies - Prussian Blue, French, and even Chinese at different times. The hats in the picture also avoid pinning the soldiers to any one military. I think refering to sports teams, the police, ect as 'the blues' (Les Bleus) is a French usage. Geo8rge (talk) 22:48, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

In the absence of any further comments on this matter, I propose removing the reference to the American Civil War, and to the song being anti-War, etc. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.197.15.138 (talk) 04:28, 13 August 2011 (UTC)

Paper Lace performed this song wearing American Civil War Uniforms. Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cdFuMgMkBM Mattsky (talk) 15:57, 31 January 2012 (UTC)


 * Those are not American Civil War uniforms. Even if they were, that would not be definitive as to the meaning of the lyrics - which must be interpreted from the words themselves.

The reference to a marching band [recruiting] on "mainstreet" is more reminiscent of traditional British regimental recruitment. The only hint that the setting could be American is the reference to "soldier blues". However blue is a common uniform colour, and could simply be used to aid rhyming.Royalcourtier (talk) 03:27, 3 April 2015 (UTC)

Captain Underpants
I know this may sound weird, but in the Captain Underpants spin-off book about "Super Diaper Baby," his name is Billy, and he must go save the town. As he flies away, his parent's shout, "Billy, don't be a hero! Don't be a fool with your life!" I think that would go in the Media section of the article, but I'm not good at editing articles here. (71.14.68.61 (talk) 17:29, 6 August 2008 (UTC))

US civil war
This is a song by a British band. It cannot be assumed that the war in question - if a real one is intended - would be the US civil war. The "drum pattern, references to a marching band leading soldiers in blue, and "riding out" (cavalry)" would NOT "seem to be referencing the American Civil War". Drums, marching band, soldiers in blue and cavalry are in no way specific to the US civil war!Royalcourtier (talk) 01:07, 30 April 2016 (UTC)

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Billy Don't be a Hero
Dear Mr Donaldson,I was wondering why did you changed the Lyrics (Billy Don't be a Hero) the last verse in the song (Billy keep your head Low) it was a one hit wonder. I used to listen to that song when I was a kid, when it came out in 1974 please help me understand,  Cause it's not the same, your curious Fan 75.35.101.254 (talk) 03:14, 10 December 2023 (UTC)


 * Hello! This is the talk page to discuss improvements about the article, not a way to contact the song's author. Unfortunately, Mr. Donaldson is likely not seeing your messages on this talk page. Chaotıċ Enby   (t · c) 03:16, 10 December 2023 (UTC)