DEEP! 🎵 CSNY - Ohio REACTION

[@Kunsoo1024]

Several weeks later 3 students were killed under similar circumstances at Jackson State, and at least a couple of them weren't even protesting. The bullets went into the dorms. And yes, this can happen again. Memories are short, which is why we need songs like this.

[@DandyLion662a]

Actually, just 11 days later.

[@marijuasher]

I don't believe the kids shot dead at Kent St were protestors, either. When bullets go up, they got to go down, and so the live fire shot to disperse the students who were protesting, were killing students on their way to class.

[@Kunsoo1024]

@@marijuasher I know that was true of at least one of them.

[@hookedonreactions7649]

I thought it was just a couple of days later.

[@Kunsoo1024]

@@hookedonreactions7649 Wiki says Jackson State took place on May 15 - so 11 days later

[@arniezelkovitz6885]

“What if you knew her and found her dead on the ground?” I knew her. Allison Krause was a schoolmate, neighbor and friend of mine and many others. Those who knew her have never been the same. May her memory continue to be a blessing as well as the other three senselessly murdered on May 4,1970.

[@realnimrod09]

i go to kent now and i used to walk past the parking lot every day

[@gtrevel]

I would love to speak to you personally. Im 32 from Jacksonville, FL. I heard this song out of coincidence one day at a local burger shop. My condolences to you.

[@SamMineo-yp8in]

Sorry for loss can't say anything else no words just feel in my heart

[@leighloutreedore8926]

Sorry man you've had a lot to carry all this time.

[@judywein3282]

I'm so sorry

[@alpetrocelli4465]

One of the greatest protest songs, written within days of the massacre. I was a Sophomore in high school when it happened, and the outrage is still palpable. ✌️❤️🎶

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

How many more tomorrow? Or next year?

[@GeneOh]

I'm still outraged at the hippies spitting on soldiers coming back from Vietnam, as if they didn't have enough to deal with.

[@alpetrocelli4465]

@@GeneOh Wrong, but not in the same league; did anyone die from being spit at?

[@GeneOh]

@@alpetrocelli4465 How many do you think killed themselves? Edit I should have clarified, I mean soldiers committing suicide because of what they experience in war (that most were forced to be in), and how they were treated when they came home.

[@alpetrocelli4465]

@@GeneOh From being spit on? I have the utmost respect for those who served, but you’re comparing apples & hand grenades. National Guard troops opening fire on peaceful protesters is as much a war crime as bombing civilians. Spitting on someone is a misdemeanor battery. Get over it.

[@derwoodbowen5954]

This had a real impact among those of us who were college students when it happened. I remember only too well what this felt like. The 60's were certainly tumultious.

[@Valorius]

They fk'ed around and found out.

[@TalklikeAPirate]

Gung Ho weekend warriors mowing down unarmed civilian children. Should not have been given live ammo or allowed to enter the area armed.

[@johndcornell6341]

Why weren't you in Vietnam

[@derwoodbowen5954]

@@johndcornell6341 College student deferment and after the lottery I had a high number. My father was a WWII vet and I would have gone if drafted.

[@johndcornell6341]

If you were impacted by 4 dead in Ohio l doubt you would have gone to Vietnam where thousands were dying...God bless your grandfather

[@jmalfatto7004]

Rumor has it that David Crosby was in tears as he sang his part, particularly at the end when you hear him interject “Why?” and “How many more?”

[@Katehowe3010]

No rumour. The guy broke down after the recording! ✌️

[@alteredaustin1]

That's Stills saying those lines. (Obviously.) LOL

[@Katehowe3010]

@@alteredaustin1 It's been well documented many times that it is Crosby. It's even in his autobiography!

[@alteredaustin1]

@@Katehowe3010 Clearly not.

[@Katehowe3010]

@@alteredaustin1 So you're suggesting that the book is incorrect, and that Crosby is lying? What does anybody stand to gain from that?

[@RCullis47]

I remember this like it was yesterday. Neil Young wrote this in a couple hours and played it to David Crosby. Crosby called up Stephen Stills and Graham Nash and told them to book studio time right now and that Neil had just written a song that would blow this whole political Viet Nam War discussion out of the water. They recorded it and Ahmet Ertegun got it pressed and released in just a couple of weeks (back then, that was generally unheard of getting a record pressed and distributed so quickly nationwide). At the time, CSNY had a song going up the charts called "Teach Your Children" written by Graham Nash and some record execs were against releasing "Ohio" because it will, "Teach You Children" The band decided that this statement was far more important at that moment in time. It did knock Teach You Children down the charts as Ohio blew up the charts. Graham Nash says he has no regrets. The saddest part is that some of those killed weren't even participating in the preotests. They were heading to class and were hit by bullets of the "green" National Guardsmen firing indiscriminantly into the crowd.

[@keensoundguy6637]

Not unheard of. A few months before the Kent State incident, John Lennon wrote, recorded, and released the single "Instant Karma!" all within 10 days.

[@rebeccalipps23]

Pardon me, but the song title is, "Teach Your Children". Thanks. I was only 6 at that time, but remember the news coverage because my parents made me leave the room or cover my eyes when prompted by the news reader.

[@RCullis47]

@@rebeccalipps23 I apologize for typing faster than my fingers could facilitate. I am aware of the song's title. I was 11 at the time of the Kent State Massacre.

[@markldavis1]

@Roger Cullis Typing as fast as you can and making mistakes is allowed. I was 15 when Kent State shooting happened. Had friends 4 years older than me protesting here at colleges in Socal along with friends 4 years older than me in the army going to Vietnam war. It was an "amazing" time to be alive. I certainly don't fault the protestors nor the sooooooo young national guardsmen but I fault the people who sent them there. The guardsmen panicked OMG it was a horrible situation. Appreciate your comments thanks

[@RCullis47]

@@markldavis1 Thank you Mark. I agree. The students were exercising their Constitutional right to protest what history shows was a war for all the wrong reasons at the expense of many young lives. Yes. These were different times for sure. As you mentioned the Guardsmen were young and green and followed orders because they didn't have a choice or felt they didn't have a choice. I also agree that those who sent them there, like the governor, was dead wrong and with the worst of intentions. I remember the mindset at the time and I feel that he felt these hippies and yippies and commie wannabes as he thought in his mind were wrong. I'm pretty sure he thought who do these radicals think they are. I'll show them who' in charge, sending those young guardsmen in their with the wrong mentality. They were told to load live ammo and they did and when they mayhem broke out, I am sure it was a more intense situation than I am sure any of those young people have ever experienced and somewhere along the line, some one made a bad decision whether they were ordered to fire or someone fired from sheer adrenaline of the moment or whatever, the wheel was put into motion and turned out to be one of the dark chapters in modern domestic American history. A tragedy for everyone IMHO. My older brother was in Viet Nam at the time. Personally, I was not for the war myself. Just from what I was taught growing up, how things didn't always add up to me and my brother would record cassettes and send them home (he wasn't much for letter writing) and tell us what was going ong on there. He also sent a couple just to me and confided that this war was BS and they all felt there is no plan for victory per se. Soldiers would die for real estate and then fall back and the enemy would just retake the land they fought for and vacated after losing so many men. Their was no real advancing. More a war of attrition it seemed. He just wanted to get the hell out of that nightmare. Viet Nam was his last station before getting out. Unfortunately, he got home 2 weeks before Independence Day. He was real shook up with all the fireworks going off. Back then, they didn't call it PTSD. General Sherman was right when he said, War Is Hell. Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[@Stacks5497]

You brought back some memories from Kent state from my days . I haven't thought about this sad day in years . Thank you

[@marybaillie8907]

What a sad trip back to a horrific day in history. The day before students were putting flowers into the rifles of the soldiers, the next day they started killing the students. This song still makes me cry 😢 😭. CSNY told the story that needed to be told. Big Hugs from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

[@firedoc5]

A gal I worked with part time said that she had military experience. She was at Kent St. It took her a long time to get over it because she was in the crowd that was shot at. College kids today think they have it bad as far as not being heard for their causes, but this is what it was like for those during the Viet Nam era.

[@ericcollins2743]

College students are brainwashed idiots

[@zvonkoperic4853]

DUMercraps protesting against brave soldiers fighting for three freedom. Dam spoils brats my prays go out to the national gardsmen

[@goldieschooch8512]

After the last CSNY song you did I hoped you would do Ohio! It still made me cry…Never Forget☮️!! ✌🏻☀️

[@randytorres8211]

"Ohio" is about the events of May 4, 1970, when the US National Guard shot four unarmed students at Kent State University in Ohio. In the May 15 issue of Life magazine, the shootings were the cover story, with the headline "Tragedy At Kent" and a cover photo of a wounded student lying on the ground. When Neil Young read the story and saw the photos, the song came to him. "He was silent for a long time, then picked up his guitar and 20 minutes later had this song," his bandmate David Crosby recalled. Crosby summoned the other members of the group - Stephen Stills and Graham Nash - and they recorded the song in Los Angeles on May 21. Ahmet Ertegun, head of their label (Atlantic), flew the master to New York and had it pressed right away. "Ohio" was released on June 4, just a month after the shootings. The Kent State shootings had a profound effect on some of the students who later became prominent musicians. Chrissie Hynde was a student at the time, and eventually formed The Pretenders. Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale were also on campus, and after the shootings, they developed the band Devo based on the concept of "De-Evolution," meaning the human race was regressing. Said Casale, "It refocused me entirely. I don't think I would have done Devo without it. It was the deciding factor that made me live and breathe this idea and make it happen. In Chrissie Hynde's case, I'm sure it was a very powerful single event that was traumatic enough to form her sensibility and account for a lot of her anger." Mothersbaugh added, "It was the first time I'd heard a song about something I'd been a participant in. It effected us. It was part of our life." (Songfacts.com)

[@wnsafford1854]

To add a bit; The Guard shot 13 students, killing 4. From the 1970 "Scranton Report" (the official Presidential investigation), of the 4 Kent State students killed, 2 were protesting, 2 were not. They are; 1-Jeffrey Glenn Miller, age 20, a protester. Shot from 265 ft. 2-Allison B. Krause, age 19, Kent State Honors student, a protester. Shot from 343 ft. 3-William Knox Schroeder, age 19, on ROTC scholarship. Not a protester. Shot from 382 ft, in the back, while walking to class. 4-Sandra Lee Scheuer., age 19, Kent State Honors student. Not a protester. Shot from 390 feet, in the throat, while walking to class. Of the 9 wounded, 3 were protesters, 5 were not & 1 was undetermined. Feet from guard when shot; 71, 110, 225, 225, 300, 329, 375, 495 & 750.

[@mitchellhartman6205]

One thing to add, the students were peacefully protesting the Vietnam war when the National Guard came in to shut it down

[@BobSoltis1]

@@mitchellhartman6205 This is NOT a defense of the atrocious actions of the National Guard - but to pretend that everything was just fine at the Kent State Campus before they arrived is quite an exaggeration.

[@mitchellhartman6205]

@@BobSoltis1 I agree but the rally that day, even though the university tried to stop it due to previous incidents, was peaceful initially.

[@BobSoltis1]

@@mitchellhartman6205 - I agree 100%.

[@joemachine4714]

Unlike today there was a draft and young people from every community were chosen by lottery to go fight a war they didn't believe in. 50,000 of those kids died. Even boxer Muhammed Ali was world champ at the time and refused to go stating "Ain't no Vietnamese ever call me a n---er". They barred him from boxing several years and I believe he did jail time. Dude had integrity.

[@jccook5353]

I was in HS when Ali made his comments, and it struck me as wrong since I was influenced by my step father, a great guy, that hit the beach twice in WWII as a marine. But now, looking back, Ali was right. He saw through the BS and propaganda. Both were influenced by their life circumstances. RIP to both. Peace.

[@GaryWHarper]

I think it was over 67,000. I vaguely knew the only guy from our town of Nazareth who died there. From the nearby town of Bangor and its nearby environs, it was about 10 young men. I am talking very small towns.

[@evilfantasy69]

Neil Young wrote this song after seeing that Time magazine cover and they were in the studio recording it in a very short period of time. They recorded it live in just a few takes.

[@murrayspiffy2815]

One of the quickest songs ever - from event - to writing - to recording - to the radio.

[@traci4187]

I went to school at Kent State well after this happened, but May 4 was remembered every year. There were always some very interesting visitors to the campus on that day. Outside of what was once the Architecture building (no idea if it still is anymore), you can see bullet holes in a statue. There is now a memorial near that same building, which is a bit strange, but puts you in a very introspective mood.

[@tedcole9936]

In July 1991 I was driving through Ohio and felt compelled to stop at Kent State. Without any map or information, I started walking across the campus, and merely from memories of photos in the magazines, I directly found and recognized where the shootings had occurred. I wandered around the scene, didn’t see any plaque or memorial at that time, but I did see a tiny spot of light on a large steel sculpture there. I went to it and sure enough, it was a bullet hole, clean through a 3/8” thick steel plate. I touched it lightly with my finger, and noticed that the steel was virtually polished around that hole by the touch of many other fingers such as mine. I had been in High School at the time of the shootings. As I traveled the country that summer, I visited many National Parks, but I’ll never forget my pilgrimages to Kent State and Dealy Plaza in Dallas. Both were solemn occasions, but I’m really glad I got to see both places, and feel the scale and layout of those places, and contemplate the events that had occurred at them.

[@EastPeakSlim]

We were on campus at Central Washington, some 2,300 miles away from this tragedy, when the news came over the radio. Nearly everyone in classrooms walked out and down to the commons. We cried, commiserated and tried to help one another process the massacre.

[@paulhoward6158]

Probably the greatest protest song ever and a very thoughtful reaction. The line "should have been done long ago" was from statements made by many people, including my parents, who supported the war and opposed the anti-war protests. Basically, they were saying that they got what was coming to them. I was in junior high when it happened and it shocked and frightened me. To this day it makes me sad and angry whenever I think about it. Brad is right, something like this could happen again. The division and hatred today is so similar to that of the late 60s and early 70s.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Amen 1970 I was 14 in Junior high as well. We all thought the guard was going to come after us, we were damn scared. To this day I still feel the guard were armed cowards who never paid the price for what they did and the governor of Ohio too. that paranoid bastard.

[@redchili6927]

Which is dumb, since one of the students killed (Sandy Scheuer) wasn't even a part of the protest, she was simply walking to class.

[@DanielFrost21]

The song is about 4 students who were killed by the Ohio National Guard on the Kent State University campus in Kent, OH in May 1970. The students were protesting the Vietnam War, and the Guard was there to disperse the students. Obviously, things went horribly wrong.

[@Spiritbro77]

They didn't go horrible wrong. That is what the Guard was there to do and a LOT of people were HAPPY about it. Thus the lyric "should have been done long ago". Don't forget Nixon WON reelection in 72 after Kent State as well as other killings at protests all over the nation while continuing to prosecute a war in Vietnam and Cambodia. Governor Rhodes wasn't allowed to run again immediately after this because of term limits but WAS reelected in 1975. So a majority of people in Ohio were just fine with this massacre. Enough to get him reelected 5 years later.

[@DanielFrost21]

@@Spiritbro77 Four unarmed students being killed = something went horribly wrong

[@Spiritbro77]

@@DanielFrost21 I only meant that what happened is exactly what the governor and city officials wanted to happen. It was a horrible event and should never have been allowed to take place. But even now, there are many that blame the students and support what happened. That day is etched in my memory forever. I was eight years old but I understood exactly what had happened. I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@Fairy_princess214]

@@Spiritbro77 City officials had absolutely no say so in what happened. The state directs the Guardsmen and KSU has its own police system. They operate as their own little city within the city of Kent.

[@Spiritbro77]

@@Fairy_princess214 The Mayor of the city asked Rhodes to call in the National Guard. So he did have some say so. They were all in it together.

[@IrishKack]

I’m always amazed when young people say “you have no idea what it’s like to be young during tumultuous times”. I rode across town to school on the bus while tear gas canisters were being toss over us, and bricks thrown into the bus windows. Every generation has had their problems. Respect each other. Young and old. That’s the key.

[@just1mansopinion]

Kathy, I remember the events of that time had me in a very dark and depressed state. I thought the world couldn't get much worse and that my life would end prematurely in Vietnam. My father, who like many fathers, became a much smarter person when I reached adulthood, told me I worried too much. He said, "Every generation in the history of the world, has always thought they lived in the worst of times!"

[@MisterWondrous]

I too wish more people would write songs about real events of importance. And this was crying out, and these fellows were listening. My fb friend, Laurel Krause is the sister of Allison Krause who died on that day, and she is keeping the memory alive. In retrospect we know that if was a bad idea, tossing our young people into an unjust war to die for no reason. Disinformation is one of the poisonous fogs of war.

[@barbarawalsh6576]

Tom Mcdonald

[@cheryla7480]

Hi….I’m a Canadian who remembers Kent state vividly…..we were all in shock. Kids today need to be taught this as a part of history. I keep trying to convince people to play Gordon Lightfoot’s “ Black Day in July “. A lot of Americans never heard it because US radio stations at the time were “ discouraged “ from playing it. The National guard was called out and quite a few died in the Detroit riots of 1967.

[@thomastimlin1724]

God bless Laurel. I have visited Kent State Twice...I was 14 that year. in Junior high, we all thought the guard was going to come after us!!

[@otterrufus]

The girl referenced in the song as found dead on the ground was not even part of the protest, she was just going to class.

[@littledickydolittle3071]

Yeah, Sandra Scheuer, the hot girl, was not a protester. She was going to class and caught a stray bullet.

[@MusicMissionary]

Fun fact. This incident inspired the creation of DEVO and their theory about devolution. Jerry Casale was a student at Kent State when it happened.

[@targetshootr]

Scenes like this seemed to happen all the time back then. My hometown was on lockdown in '69 when students battled cops, the national guard and the army over three days. At least one tank was involved. Somehow no one died.

[@hifinsword]

The Kent State shooting in Ohio was at the height of the Vietnam War protest in 1970. This song and the shooting changed the mood and conversation about the Vietnam War at the time.

[@dharris8849]

Christie Hynde was a student at Kent State when this happened and was one of the protesters (against the Vietnam War/Cambodia bombings) that day. Her friend’s boyfriend was one of the students that was shot and killed. The guys that later became Devo (De-evolution, inspired by the event) were also students at the time of the shooting and at least one of them was at the protest that day. I believe Joe Walsh attended Kent State at that time as well.

[@alrivers2297]

Amazing information. It really is a small world

[@chestrockwell8328]

I've always heard those you mentioned, Hynde, Devo, and Walsh were students at Kent State at the time as well.

[@dianedarby442]

It happened in 1970 during a student protest against the Vietnam war - and yes, you're right, today's politics is terrifying to those of us who lived through these tumultuous times. I think like 9 other students were injured - one permanently paralyzed. (PS You're looking great Lex - hope you're feeling well)

[@thomastimlin1724]

most who were killed or wounded were NOT even protesting, they were between classes. One kid was an ROTC member!

[@lorrainemiller688]

This song brings back all the stunning shock of that event, it was another pivotal moment of the Vietnam era, stateside.

[@harrycooper5231]

I remember when this happened. Sooooo grateful to be a Canadian, so proud we provided sanctuary to those who didn't want to kill innocent people in a foreign land.

[@glenn7152]

My generation guys! Their songs had deep meanings back in then.. ( yes I'm old) but still Enjoy listening to both of u ,regarding classics.

[@just1mansopinion]

Talkiin' bout my g-g-generation!

[@RhettAnderson]

When I went to Kent State, there were still rifle holes in my dorm. One of the survivors came every year to tell the story. My uncle was going during the shootings. I think they lost the rest of the semester.

[@paulrosenberg4227]

What is also often forgotten is at Jackson State 11 days later 2 kids were killed by city and state police for also protesting the war in Vietnam when their dorm was openly fired upon...

[@tomloft2000]

slightly over a week later a similar incident happened at Jackson St. in Mississippi.

[@joelwatts5260]

God bless the souls of the four that were taken away that horrible day.

[@stevenblock9712]

Ditto Derwood's statement below. Good for you, Brad, knowing something about this tragedy. When we students heard this song, we all hushed and listened.

[@devious187]

When a Canadian went to LA and met 3 hippies, CSNY was born and they were amazing... this song is haunting and through Neil's guitar the voices of those 4 are still heard today

[@thedealer777]

As someone old enough to see this happen, as a "antiwar" teenager, the Pulitzer Prize photograph of the murdered student, Jeffrey Miller, and the fourteen-year -old girl, Mary Ann Vecchio, screaming next to his body, still burns in my mind. Even as a kid i realized the "war" had finally came home to middle America, and not only to Vietnam war vets and their families. On May 4th, 1970, National Guard General Canterbury ordered the anti-war protesters to disperse,... they refused. There was shouting and rock throwing at the Guardsmen. Canterbury ordered his men to lock and load their weapons, and to fire tear gas into the crowd. The Guardsmen then marched across the Commons, forcing protesters to move up a nearby Blanket Hill, and then down the other side of the hill toward a football practice field. Since football field was enclosed with fencing, the Guardsmen were caught amongst the angry mob, and were the targets of shouting and thrown rocks yet again. The Guardsmen soon retreated back up Blanket Hill. When they reached the top of the hill, witnesses say 28 of them suddenly turned and fired their M-1 rifles, some into the air, some directly into the crowd of protesters. Over just a 13-second period, nearly 70 shots were fired in total. In all, FOUR Kent State students-Jeffrey Miller, Allison Krause, William Schroeder and Sandra Scheuer-were KILLED, and NINE others were injured . Schroeder was shot in the back, as were two of the injured, Robert Stamps and Dean Kahler.

[@rondoharding4275]

Kent State. This song served as the voice for a generation.

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you’ll love CSNY’s “Teach Your Children”, “Our House” and “Find The Cost Of Freedom”!!! (you’ll probably get some suggestions of CSN songs)

[@davidbordonaro1631]

Find the Cost of Freedom is a must !!

[@michaelrawling9085]

Teach your Children had just become CSN&Y's 1st #1. Ohio replaced it as #1 a week later.

[@mikeconway9849]

Agree. Teach Your Children is a great song for them with their upcoming family growth.

[@gentryxc]

This was a protest at Kent State U (which is indeed in Ohio) of US troops going into Cambodia to attack the Ho Chi Minh trail. The Ohio National Guard was called up and ended up opening fire. Four students were killed. I remember it like it was yesterday. One of those moments from the 1960s causing the loss of innocence in myself and many others.

[@sarasmile11]

My father was there and didn't like to talk about it much, but the few things he did tell me were bone-chilling. So very sad.

[@wpl8275]

Tne important thing is that 4 unarmed students were shot dead by the National Guard and no one was held legally accountable for their deaths.

[@tranurse]

And two of them weren’t even protesting

[@cathy8964]

We need more people that will stand for justice, not violence! A great anti-war song by Dylan is With God on Our Side!

[@thomasmcconnellogue5405]

Dylan ripped off Dominic Behan's famous IRA song "The Patriot Game" for that one. Behan never let him forget it.

[@jamesfarrington9030]

67 shots were fired, 4 dead. NO ONE was held accountable. No one in the guard was charged.

[@gregorypaul9955]

I was 12 years old,,following the monday massacre,,,on tuesday students including highschool and jr highschool students walked out of classes all over america,,,it was the largest protest school walkout in history!

[@joelbusald6416]

Read James A. Michner's book Kent State, it tells about the lead up to and indepth report of the events of May 4, 1970

[@Spazzmatazzz]

You two cannot imagine the number of protest songs at the time. Music is a POWERFUL messenger! In 1970 I was a sophomore in high school and at the time there were tee shirts sold with a big target on them that underneath said STUDENT after the Kent State Massacre. When my WW2 vet father saw me wearing one was infuriated because he didn't understand the difference in WW2 and Vietnam. Nixon stopped the draft and sending troops in 1973, my graduating year. It was a couple decades later when my dad told me, "You know, I think Vietnam was probably a bad idea.".

[@just1mansopinion]

We went to different schools together. I also graduated in '73. I also had a dad who disagreed with my anti-war stance and decades later we found more mutual ground on our views.

[@atuuschaaw]

It practically became the anthem for the peace and anti-war movements. One of the greatest historical protest songs I know. It still gives me a chill. ♥

[@johnlong9534]

We lived it man, we lived it.

[@joedonlewis9820]

They're song Teach Your Children was on the charts with a bullet when Neil wrote this song. They killed the hot song by releasing Ohio so fast. They thought it was that important.

[@chuckhollands7528]

It is def a modified shuffle of sorts; absolutely perfectly executed.

[@bonkousmcnaughty4604]

Some songs aren’t just songs - they’re history lessons

[@mikebrock7606]

This shows how little is being taught in schools today. This had a HUGE impact on America and the political upheaval over the Vietnam War. Four college students lost their lives needlessly.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Neil Young wrote this about the 4 students killed at Kent State for protesting the Vietnam War, Nixon's expansion of the war into Cambodia. What didn't make it into our national memory was the killing of 2 more students, who were black, at Jackson State University shortly after on May 15. Chrissie Hynde was a Kent State student at the time and was involved in the protests leading up to May 5. She was at the protests on May 5 and was an ear-witness to the shots. Shortly after she dropped out and moved to England to pursue her music career - becoming involved with Marshal McLaren's clothing shop, Sex, and the Sex Pistols. Another art student, Jerry Casale, also became active with the protests, and was engaged in some of the activities in the Kent community that drew the National Guard to the campus. He also witnessed the massacre. He soon after began a music/performance group that became Devo, which developed an ethos that society was undergoing a "De-Evolution."

[@lyna4873]

This was a student protest against the Viet Nam war at Kent State in Ohio. The National Guard was sent in against an unarmed crowd of students and ended up shooting into the crowd. Four students were killed and 9 more wounded. Two of the four students killed weren't even part of the protest--they were much farther away just observing the protest on their way to classes.

[@alanstrom2221]

I can't wait to hear Brad's interpretation of these lyrics. I know exactly what the song is about.

[@JonAnderson90125]

As a person from Cleveland. This song makes me tear up every time I hear it.

[@seiraeiramasil2302]

Yeah, unarmed college students gunned down by who? The very ones who are suppose to PROTECT US! That was insane! To know these people thought they had a right to protest and find themselves under gun fire. Thanks for this reaction, I've always loved this song.

[@stevenmurano7863]

Given the subject matter and the situation I’d say this is One of the best, most important songs ever. The fact that they had a hit album and song rising up the charts and said ‘screw all that! We have to record and release this immediately!’ Makes it all the more amazing. Needless to say the suits at the record company were not pleased...

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

During those days it felt like the world was ending. Music got a lot of us through it.

[@davidbordonaro1631]

I have relatives that were students there on that day !!!! how can you be as old as you are and NOT know about this ?!

[@Fairy_princess214]

It's not really covered in schools. If you weren't there or you're not from the area, most folks don't know anything at all about anything that has gone down over here on this campus.

[@ws3764]

Brad...you are pretty much spot on.

[@briangrogan7107]

There’s a book written by James Michener called Kent State, amazing details

[@TheSmokey999]

We have definitely came close , especially when Orange Jesus was the president!

[@scgreek1114]

In the 60's and 70's music was our version of social media for contemporary issues. Sadly, those protest songs are becoming relevant again. A recent president asked if the National Guard could just "shoot protesters in the leg." You're right. This could happen again if we're not vigilant. History repeats itself.

[@markbaker3013]

Thank you for sharing this with me 😊 I attended one of their concerts very very good ❤

[@ZacCostilla]

My mom is from Kent, and my older brother was a baby being watched by a sitter when the riot took place. All the roads were blockaded for hours and she couldn’t get back to pick him up. We used to ice skate at Kent State in the ‘80s, as well as play basketball at the intramural gym, go to the massive library (5 or 6 stories!), and skateboard all over campus.

[@shawnk7832]

So soon happy you finally got here... an Epic song about an Epic time and terrible event... a story told so well... how could you run when you knew... tin soldiers and Nixon's coming... 😍 and Brad nailed it! Oh wow... so well done.

[@jackalope5589]

It saddens me that young people are so blissfully unaware of the people who put their lives on the line to make the world a better place.

[@roydownes2458]

kent state is located in ohio. much of the footage and still photos were taken on the campus at the time of the demonstrations and shootings.

[@randyfergus8781]

The one bright spot that came out of this incident was the girl kneeling over the young man's body in the street was actually a 16 year old runaway who returned home after her picture became world famous from the coverage.

[@patticrichton1135]

She was only 14 at the time. She was one of the speakers At the annual MAY 4th Commemoration ceremonies that I attended. I was a student at Kent State and I try to go to them when I can.

[@RFWieder]

I was actually participating in a protest march at Syracuse when I heard about the shootings!! It confirmed our worst fears about our government!!

[@cathy8964]

There are so many great protest songs! My favorite is Masters of War by Bob Dylan!!!! It's harsh but true!

[@victorbortolussi2964]

A couple members from DEVO were there. I think Gerald Casale was a good friend of the girl they are singing about and was 3 Ft away. Joe Walsh and Chrissy Hynde were also there that day.

[@rogersprague563]

Kent state is in Ohio they were protesting the expansion of the Vietnam war into Cambodia I went into the Marines and then to Vietnam shortly after this !

[@catherinelarkin247]

The lyric that gets me the most is "were finally on our own." It is like they are finally adults, and think they are free, and they are killed.

[@tadanott300]

This song is so relevant.

[@cheryla7480]

Guys this a terrible time, those kids never should have died. You should check out Gordon Lightfoot’s “ Black Day in July” especially the video version ( documentary shots ) about the Detroit riots in 1967. The National Guard were called out, and a large number of people were killed. It’s a really good song of that time.

[@RichardinNC1]

I lived in Ohio not long after that happened and several high school classmates went on to Kent State. Still high on everyone's mind 10 years after it happened.

[@MrScottsearles]

I love this song, I think it's one of their best.

[@janabraam7963]

I remember when this happened. Now I have great grandchildren in school. We have learned nothing. 😥

[@pdbordelon]

Here's the thing. Young people often let their emotions rule their behavior. Even today we see "idealistic" college students protesting about things they probably know little about. Its a right of passage - we want our young people to challenge the establishment because soon, VERY soon they will become the establishment. But to let the national guard go in and shoot these kids (Im sure the guys in the National Guard were young and scared and panicking too) but still this tragedy should have never happened. Geez.

[@rick5908]

Important to note that the images were the real deal, real time.

[@hermitcrabbot]

Another protest song from that era is Jefferson Airplane's 'Volunteers'.

[@victorunger]

Most people in their reactions are over the top or just comment on the song, but I like how y’all jumped in, and really soaked in the song. Your faces say everything.

[@Shawn-mo6dh]

It wasn't a cut and dry situation. It was completed. The national guard had their building burned down and they were on guard. And the soldiers had rocks thrown at them so it was a complicated time not as one sided as the song. But still a good song

[@michaelrawling9085]

People killed weren't even part of the protest. Less complicated than you think. Poorly trained Guard members with loaded weapons fired indiscriminately into the crowd and killed innocent people.

[@patticrichton1135]

The ROTC building that was burned was not used anymore for anything, it was empty.

[@AnyangU]

This was well-done! I a impressed Brad remembered this. Good on him! these were just kids, too. The government was just totally out of control at this point. In a democracy, we should never have to endure a government this out of control.

[@kenhoyer8601]

This was at a time when Nixon promised when he was elected that he wanted " peace with honor" instead of deescalating the war, he crossed the border into Cambodia and started a bombing campaign. Thus the protest. I was 19 at the time, trying my best not to get drafted.

[@bobsblues9944]

Nixon ENDED the draft

[@kenhoyer8601]

@@bobsblues9944 that is true. But they still had the lottery until 1975

[@johnharkness7114]

He and Kissinger are war criminals

[@Neilsmu]

Brad. Yes. Well done sir. This reaction was not about wether the song was a shuffle, but about an appalling overreaction by those in power towards protest. As you say, the USA not far from this on a number of recent occasions.

[@aaronarnold7653]

Classic Brad Lex..iconic ❤

[@mgonzales56]

I remember hearing about it when it happened. I was a dumb kid of 14, so I didn't really know what it meant. Now watching the video, it does make me want to cry that this could happen in our country.

[@VersinKettorix]

It would be nice to see some music being made about some of the current events we are seeing again. Musicians were in tune with the political reality in those days and their songs can remind us of the tensions and feelings of the time. It would be nice to see that kind of involvement again.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nope cause those are bullshit rioters

[@matthewgoodA1206]

I went to Kent State University as an art student. Of course when you attend it, you hear more about the incident. But the thing I remember most, more than any stories I was told, involved a sculpture. It was made of metal and sat on a hill. That was the area where the students had clashed with the Guard. And if you looked up close at the sculpture, you could see there was an actual bullet hole still in it. It was spooky.

[@stevenolsen3162]

Song was written and recorded in an afternoon after the event. Record was released within days. Made a huge impact...

[@LarryLove24651]

You should do a reaction of Melonie “Lay Down, Lay Down” with the Edwin Hawkins Singers It’s a mixture of Woodstock and the March on Washington to end the war in Vietnam ❤

[@uptownjay]

How are the lockdowns analogous?

[@williammc866]

4 dead, 11 wounded, all unarmed, all civilians. Despicable

[@dannycasson1551]

Other classic song by Neil Young, a living legend. He's not afraid to take on important issues of the day. Timeless issuse actually, now that I think of it.

[@gl2700]

Lived 30 miles from Kent State main campus. Was only 11 yrs old. I was horrified. Most of the perceptions I formulated in my head for this event are still there. Remember a photo of a girl placing a flower in the barrel of a guardsmen rifle during the protest. Bone chilling!

[@locksmart3209]

Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Joe Walsh, who were on campus on May 4, 1970.So, too, were Gerry Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh, the founders of Devo. something goin on at that campus.

[@evelynne2846]

These students were on campus peacefully protesting the Vietnam War. Four dead and at least 15 others injured. Major tragedy. Neil Young wrote this song in one day. He was part of CSNY at the time.

[@watchwmn]

Never Forget....