Ohio Lyrics
This is about the events of May 4, 1970, when the US National Guard shot 4 unarmed students at Kent State University in Ohio. Neil Young wrote this shortly after seeing a news report on the tragedy. It was released 10 days after the shootings.
The lyrics say it all. It is what you read.
Should be "tin soldiers"
This song means a lot to me. The shooting at Kent State is something that should've never happened and one of the most important days in American history. Sometimes I think this is a better protest song than Blowin in the Wind or For What It's Worth. It shows that the government wasn't only fighting a war in Vietnam, they were also fighting against the counter-culture in America.
The line "shoulda been done a long time ago" is a direct quote from then President Nixon when asked about the National Guard opening fire on campus protester! It was a much scarier time in America than most people will ever realize! Nixon had been wanting to find ways to KILL kids on campus protesting HIS war!
A protest song of Kent State back in the early 1970s.
In addition to the protest it's about the four students who were killed when the national guard opened fire on unarmed students demonstrating against Vietnam!
Great lyrics, good tune
The lyrics say it all. It is what you read.