PAPER LACE - BILLY DON'T A HERO (REACTION) 1974

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[@gallery963]

Every Memorial Day I remember how many Billies there were.

[@richardgodwin1082]

Unfortunately most people think he wanted to be a hero but in a battle he was trying to save lives like the millions of veterans that have protected us from the beginning.

[@robertseymour2530]

He was trying to save everybody

[@dianemiller8969]

My husband passed away in 2009 from that Agent orange our Government sprayed over there. I still miss him!!! He served three tours over in Nam. My Bill(was his name) has no more suffering, pain, was highly decorated. He didn't even want the metals they pinned on him, as he seen, been through so much. We have two grown sons and a daughter age, 21. I miss and love Bill so much. Thank you to all our vets who served over there, those still serving and to all veterans!!(All my kids love and miss Bill also).

[@Jirodyne]

It's Perspective. To everyone else, he died a hero. But to the girl who loved him, who begged him not to take risks, to come back safe. To her, it was Betrayal. He didn't listen. He broke her heart. To him, he is not a hero. Especially since he failed, and died. Anyone else could have taken his place, in her mind.

[@jdwkansas]

Sometimes people just do what needs to be done. It's not wanting to be a hero, it's just doing your job or what is needed under the circumstances.

[@vickinoakes249]

Loved this song as a teen in the 70s. My son came home from 3 tours in Iraq but unfortunately, his best friend from high school did not. Every Memorial he makes a 5 hour drive to go visit his grave. Its been 19 years since Danny was killed in action and for the last 13 years my son has made this trip. Last year he took the family which included his 9 year old daughter and 6 year old twins so they could see and undersyand the bond the 2 of them had that has not been broken. This song reminds me of Danny who spent almost as much time at my house as he did his. He was my "3rd child".

[@ckayuha2351]

The 70s had a lot of these story songs: Cher - Dark Lady, Helen Reddy - Angie Baby, Vicki Lawrence - Night the Lights went out in Georgia, Barry Manilow - Copacabana

[@rossjoseph3844]

All those songs you mentioned were awful like this one is. Pure trash.

[@sunsungoaway]

Don't forget Run, Joey, Run by David Geddes

[@tiffanytosh1569]

@@sunsungoaway my cousin used to play this song continuously, and my aunt said that her 2 kids had nightmares because of it. 🙄

[@dianeessex300]

They aren't heroes because they die. They're heroes because they fight.

[@lovemyrainydays]

Holy-snapping-duckspit YES! I was so not expecting to hear this on your channel. I grew up a kid in the 70s and here in Australia we loved UK band Paper Lace, they had a few hits down here in Oz, the biggest by far being this one - Billy Don't Be a Hero (about a US Civil War soldier) and The Night Chicago Died (about a cop's family during the midst of a Prohibition-era gangster war). They both to this day are some of my absolute favourite 70s songs.

[@maryellenazack4466]

I even had the 45!

[@mikephillips8810]

This is a great pop song which I also remember from when it was in the charts (UK). I think The Night Chicago Died is an even better song.

[@jerickson725]

@@maryellenazack4466 Yep. Had it and played it non-stop for months!

[@182alikat]

Me too and I absolutely loved this song and The Night Chicago Died. Do you remember Chevy Van?

[@jerickson725]

@@182alikat Oh yes -that was great too!!- I almost forgot that they did that one. Also, Kathy, do you remember the song Undercover Angel by Alan O'Day, or Hot Child In The City - Nick Gilder? They remind me of the same time period and at the roller rink or public swimming pool!

[@nzmoggy3898]

My Grandfather was killed at El Alamein (WWII). My mum was aged 12 when she got the notification telegram. She died last month aged 90 and she never got over, and vividly remembered answering to door to find out her father (only parent) was gone. Hopefully she, my Dad and her Dad are together now.

[@sandyleewhite]

Some 50 years after, I first heard this song, it still brings tears to my eyes.....all too real 😔

[@rogerramjet2340]

Me too.

[@realamericannj1839]

As a combat veteran Iiked this reminds me of better days a youth. I agree with Mel's Grandpa when ever someone says your a hero, I say no I'm a veteran. Heros are at the veterans cemetery.

[@dianemiller8969]

Amen Edward, Amen!

[@RowdyRuth]

That’s deep 😢

[@rkw436]

Their big hit in the US was The Night Chicago Died.

[@RLucas3000]

I love their Chicago Died, but MUCH prefer Bo Donaldson’s version of this song

[@womanonthinice1276]

Respect to your grandpa. Great Warrior, Thank You!!!!

[@Beachpc419]

"The Night Chicago Died" by the group PAPER LACE is another good story song.

[@michaelfarmer9472]

One of my all time favs. On my personal playlist with this one.

[@shelia6870]

I've still got most of my records from the '60s & '70's. This one is my favorite. I even have michael Jackson singing Rockin Robin when he was @10.

[@defiance34758]

There was a movie trilogy back then (70's) called billy jack. No relation to this song. But it brought back the movie and the song that I'll never forget. "One tin solider" you will appreciate it.

[@papamaniac2410]

"One Tin Soldier"

[@russelbarnes7235]

Paper Lace had another hit that is also a story type of song, like this, The Night Chicago Died. It would be great for you to react to, if you like this one. Great reaction. Peace!

[@lindalou6105]

1st bar job was a place called Capone's...Night Chicago Died played every night

[@melodypalmer6483]

Growing up in the 70’s my sister played this song all the time because her boyfriend joined the Air Force. He then became her husband. Loved this song. We’re also from Baltimore

[@davidryan834]

My mother would sing this to me as a child.

[@tinalschmidt-banks3415]

I loved this when I was little. Had this 45 record and I would listen to this for hours. Brings back alot of memories

[@roymerritt348]

The facts are if we didn't have Billy's who were willing to be a hero we wouldn't be free.

[@evelyngalarza5627]

OMG I haven't heard this song in 40 years or so. I remember it was sad...You guys are the best. Thanks for the memory

[@_whatsername1911]

Someone else sings the higher octave. But,as far as the lead singer, the fact that he's playing drums and singing is a testimony to his music abilities. There's a reason you don't see it often. It's hard.

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

He almost certainly would have laid the vocals down separately from his drum track (I'm not sure if they were much of a live band)

[@Rockaria23]

"Billy Don't Be a Hero" is a 1974 pop song that was first a UK hit for Paper Lace (UK Number 1) and then, some months later, a US hit for Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods (US Number 1)

[@johntoes7542]

Don't forget another story song by Paper Lace... The Night Chicago Died

[@victoriagray7237]

I was 7 when this came out and cried every time. I have a brother named Billy 😆

[@barbararees604]

Oh no! Didn't think this song could make me cry like it used to, but here I go again, damn it. I used to try to sing these kind of songs when I was a kid, but could never finish them. My biggest bawly song was one tin soldier and I still can't sing that one either.

[@phoebeh3watkins464]

OMG ! I haven't heard this song for years . when it first came out i listened to it until i wore it out ! i am you brought the song back to life foe those of us that forgot about it .. Thank You

[@warrenburlingame1172]

When this came out you couldn't turn the radio on without hearing it

[@BelleDede01]

Holy smokes. I haven't heard this song in ages. Thank you for this one. From Canada

[@mariannegoldweber1577]

this song came out during the Vietnam war when I was 12...

[@kimcutts424]

Oh my, I really can't believe you ate gonna react to one of my favourites from my childhood years. "Billy Don't Be A Hero" by Paper Lace. Thank you thank you thank you. 🎤❤🎸👍🎶

[@markdermody9698]

Paper Lace also had a No.1 hit in the USA too with 'The Night Chicago Died'! Also a top song and just so you know, My Grandma was friends with Chris Morris's family and our family knew them quite well! It was so nice for a local lad to have made it back then. Sadly he didn't stay with them after 1980 time.

[@kevindarrell3500]

I can’t believe y’all reacted to this song. My late wife loved it. I never was much on it. But now that I hear it, it’s amazing. Thank you Mary Jane for opening my eyes. I’m so sad that you left. Breast cancer 10 years ago February 1st. Y’all really brought me back. God Bless you both. Love ya from Murfreesboro Tennessee. 🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹🙏

[@supersonicsoulsupreme1414]

WOW!!! That's a blast from my past. Every kid I knew .Knew all the words not so much this song the original.But by Bo Donaldson & the Haywoods their version was the smash hit . Another big hit by paper lace The night Chicago died . Which I prefer over this song✌️♥️

[@valogden]

I was just going to suggest this song. I actually found a used 45 record of it and gave it to my granddaughter.

[@sallyatticum]

OH my gosh. I haven't thought of this song in AGES!

[@melirelandlostie3793]

I was 3 when this song came out and I have vivid memories of sitting on our garden wall singing along to the chorus. Thanks for your reaction. It made me smile today.

[@rossjoseph3844]

At 3 years old, you were the perfect audience for this putrid song. By four you should have grown out of it.

[@wildcman]

The Paper Lace version was a hit in the UK but the #1 hit version here in the USA was by Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods

[@honestone490]

A much much much much better version and climbed to number on the US Billboard charts. It cuts the Paper Lace version to shreds. Pun intended.

[@DonRice]

I was in my first year in the Marines when this came out here. It had an effect on my outlook, to put it mildly.

[@barblessable]

THEY ARE an English band from my home town of NOTTINGHAM ,and they had a few hits back then.

[@debbiel.1655]

thank you for playing this. I haven't heard this in decades. This was the first 45 I bought. I was 11. The Night Chicago Died is another good one from them. Thank you for this reaction. Nice job.

[@carolynussery8189]

Wow! I hadnt heard this forever!!!

[@KIMBERLEY-Q]

Wow this brought back some memories!!

[@elainedixon1954]

I am really happy that you go back to the old songs, I grew up in them, eras, I'm 68 now. I love my oldies all up to now like falling in reverse

[@SuperKaratemom]

Another of my 70's favorites is Run, Joey, Run!

[@alisoncauser2955]

A local band from Nottingham, I went to school with one of the band members son's. They also did a song called the night Chicago died.

[@carolgranados4892]

Back to my childhood. Love it. Thank you

[@bryanaustin52]

You two have got to be the happiest couple on earth. I love to see people do what they love. Thanks for doing what you do

[@stanzaloan3454]

I'm a little shocked to see this here. It's a classic for sure but its seldom heard anymore. Pretty cool 😎

[@iamurs5293]

wow...i was ten when this came out, made me cry...thankyou. always an honor to know those that made the ultimate sacrifice...indeed...

[@john99218]

Paper Lace is just plain simple music, no distorted guitars, no warbling, no experimentalism; simple easy to understand themes. The sort of music they made in the 50's. It's a calming reprieve in a psychedelic world.

[@patriciaannscanlon8355]

Was 17 when this song came out still one of many favourite songs

[@Cheryltwin2012]

Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods had the big hit with this song in America. Paper Lace, coincidentally, had a hit that same Summer of '74, "The Night Chicago Died". But no matter who's doing it, this song is a tearkjerker for sure!

[@ChicagoDB]

I was born in 1968 and this is still one of earliest songs I remember from the radio…

[@ericnordstrom4335]

This was one of my favorite songs of the 70s. The song that I would recommend listening to is One Tin Soldier by coven. It was a song for the movie Billy Jack in the early 70s. Sadly the actor who played Billy Jack passed away a few years ago.

[@p.j.morris633]

My friends son Matt was captured on 4/09/2004 and was beheaded and thrown out in a field like he was nothing. his remains were discovered in 2008. This song hits me hard. After his death was confirmed in 2008, Interstate 275 in his native Clermont County, Ohio was officially renamed Staff Sergeant Matt Maupin Memorial Freeway. I miss you Matt so much. Great reaction guys.

[@marysmith1922]

❤❤❤😢😢😢

[@annettelacey7913]

I love this song,brings me back to being a kid amd my dad would play his records on weekends,

[@moodaymoom2271]

Oh my god, what a blast from the past. Love your reactions. Oh and I still knew all the words. Lol

[@coyotej4895]

This was a good song but I really loved The Night Chigo Died.

[@debbieseymore481]

Shawn and Mel ya'll are my favorite couple. I love the music ya'll react to.

[@nickfiorenza5930]

I was 16 years old, when this song came out. Wow, what a classic. Love it, thank you for bringing back some great memories. God bless.

[@lightningbug276]

Oh Lord yes! Us young kids cried our eyes out over this! it’s always sad seeing young people separated by war.

[@toddhazell925]

Paper Lace are on tour in Australia now, with 2 of the original band members. Drummer Philip Wright and Bass Guitarist Cliff Fish

[@Ratt1956]

Another great song!! Love you guys!!!

[@MySherry10]

The Night chicago Died is a great one too by them , such a hit

[@charlesstraight5499]

You should also check out Bo Donaldson and the heywood's for this very same song Billy don't be a hero because they had a number one hit and the United States and 1974 with this song.

[@robindew9072]

Paper Lace was big in the 70s. This was a great song in the day.

[@tammyjenkins732]

Wow!! Listened to this a kid..loved then and still love it

[@christinalikoski4937]

Who would have guessed hearing this again I actually have the music sheet on my piano lol Love to hear "The day Chicago died" Australia 💕 Christina

[@robeskridge7948]

They also did, “The Night Chicago Died” about Al Capone and the Chicago police.

[@hazelmaylebrun6243]

Paper Lace... you will want The Night Chicago Died next. They had hits here in Canada.

[@robertmcpherson7816]

Hi Guys. Writing from Canada to tell you that I really enjoy and appreciate your reaction videos. I've watched you, Brad and Lex and Rob Squad for some time now. As a white person I have to say that in my opinion you guys are doing more to put race issues to bed for good than any politician or organization has ever done or could do for that matter. I was a musician in the 60s and 70s and always thought that music was the common thread that could make anyone smile, sing, dance, share deep feelings and bring us all together. Your patience and willingness to give all music genres and styles a shot is such a gift to all of us out here watching and listening. Have a great 2022; I've just subscribed to your videos and will be riding along with you on the way. Warmest regards to both of you beautiful people. Rob

[@goldiekildea2924]

Robert check out Asia and BJ's channel you won't be disappointed they have pretty good reactions! 😊

[@evelyncampbell5702]

Always loved this songs ♥️😇

[@markdermody9698]

The lead singer was also the drummer and Chris Morris Was Guitar and Vocals on their hits! They were both from Nottingham in the UK!

[@williamvalentino8788]

How's my sweetest couple doing As a combat vet nothing matters but your buddies we willingly die for each other that bond is unbreakable

[@WolvenHeart1]

Moral of the story is men always listen to your woman. God gave them all the brains.

[@laureltaylor4535]

I was 9 yrs old when this came out and it was always favorite

[@Whisperwomaneq2]

Remember when this became popular, Vietnam was going on. Many people were having this conversation in those years.

[@rufscooby1]

try the album version of "The night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace

[@kathrynkissane5144]

Yay!!!!! So glad. This one always so got me in the gut

[@18mjolnir]

I Was 9 When This Came Out. LOVED IT. Thanks For The Video!✌🏻😬

[@cynthiacowan8422]

As a teen, heard this song everywhere

[@denisedale5327]

R . I . P Chris fish a member of paper lace who sung Billy don't be a hero

[@skinheadjon901]

I was a nipper when Paper Lace first appeared on 70's UK television talent show "Opportunity Knocks" 🎶🤩👍

[@SkiGolfer]

I first heard this song and "The Night Chicago Died" in London in the summer of '74 on my way to summer school at the University of Leningrad. I love both songs, they bring back lots of memories. Phil Wright is the drummer and lead singer, he is not singing the female part here. For the studio recording, session singer, Joanne Stone recorded the female part. In concert and live performances when lip-syncing was not used, guitarist Cliff Fish sang the part. Joanne Stone was part of the duo R & J Stone, they had a top 5 (UK) hit with "We Do It." Unfortunately Joanne died of a brain tumor in 1979.

[@jerickson725]

Other popular (but sad) songs I remember as a kid from this same time-frame are One Tin Soldier, Run Joey Run, Seasons in the Sun, and Ode To Billy Joe.

[@katie-didellis2437]

All great songs. Seasons in the Sun always gets to me and I'm never sure why.

[@evelyncampbell5702]

Love them all💗

[@gloria46131]

Thanks for this song and reaction.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

That was my first record I owned as a kid. I was 6 years old when that song was popular. It was the end of the Vietnam War.

[@dagmar.6954]

Paper Lace is an English rock band who rose to success in 1974 & during that year had three UK Top 40 hit singles: "Billy Don't Be A Hero", "The Night Chicago Died" & "The Black-Eyed Boys". In the United States they are considered a one-hit wonder.

[@garyarnett1220]

Not really Dagmar, heard all 3 over here in the States and liked them all. Billy was just their biggest.

[@dagmar.6954]

@@garyarnett1220 I live in Canada & heard most of their songs too.

[@rossjoseph3844]

More like a one hit blunder.

[@Howdyall]

For me, they were a two-hit wonder.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

@Dagmar S. Dagmar I see you EVERYWHERE!

[@ilikejohnhurt]

This brings back a lot of memories: all good.

[@stevefriery9086]

This is similar sound to The Royal Guardsmen and their song Snoopy vs the Red Baron. Fun song and they have a Christmas version, so start your Christmas list now.

[@deniseperryman2814]

Paper Lace was an English group and this song always makes me cry he was not singing the female part it was a young lady but didn’t get recognition for it please react to them siThe Night Chicago Died thanks guys Love 💕 from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💕💕

[@terriecooperman7232]

One of my fav song from the 70 not to many people. know.of paper lace

[@mariainman3618]

I am so glad you read your comments ❤️...... after seeing several of your reactions the artist you're choosing have other big songs and I see people are putting those songs in your comments and you're reacting to them including this group PaperLace ❤️❤️

[@hazelanglin5907]

One of my favourite songs

[@charlesphillips7822]

See you have a family member of mine on the back wall. Related by relatives back in the day. Found out when I was little I was related to Elvis by a distant relative. Me and my brother both had pictures of him with autograph. We were dumb we didn't sit it in the album and the mice chewed it up. That was well over 52 years ago.

[@ruthmcfadden744]

HUGE THUMBS UP!!! Please more songs like this from the 70"s. "The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace is a must.

[@cynthiabustamante2884]

Wow this song is a blast from my past!

[@daddy2299]

Paper Lace opened for Cass Elliot at her last concert at the London Paladium the night before she died.

[@vickybrackin7483]

OMG, you are reacting to ALL my teenage years songs!! I LOVE IT! THANK YOU!!♥️😘

[@kelvinthompson1660]

I Was 9 when this came out!

[@masterjackson714]

I remember back at this time, not even a teenager yet and my mom wanting to send me to French cousins in Canada to avoid the Vietnam war. I still made her cry though, when I joined the navy at 18 in 1981.

[@sca88]

In the late 90's a coworker of mine was the guys girlfriend when this song was famous. She was pretty older lady. I was a little kid when this famous. She said he got depressed after he couldn't write another hit after this.