These veterans came home to contempt and rage. They didn't know why they were there, as few of us did. Thank God, that the years would bring perspective. An American tragedy. Most are homeless.

“They left their childhood on every acre”. This song brings tears every time even after all those years! If you’re not moved by this song, there’s something missing from your soul. Yes, those are all Vietnam vets. They helped him write the song. Great reaction. 🌺✌️

One of the MOST underrated BJ songs..the rise and fall of his voice and the melody-haunting

the line.. "and who was wrong?? and who was right? it didn't matter in the thick of the fight.." is soooo powerful.. soldiers are the pawns in the war...

Best song I ever heard about Vietnam. I was in the Air Force from 1965-1969.

"They waited for us to arrive" thats so chilling. Joel is a genius.....

He didn't go. His friends did and they said, "We'll tell you about it....and you write it." And he did.

Great song. Those were actual vets singing the chorus. I agree with your sentiments. Avoiding war is the better path. "We are fools to make war on our brothers in arms" (Dire Straits)

'We came in spastic, like tameless horses, we left in plastic as numbered corpses' - all of this song is macabre poetry. Just a genius song from start to finish, and his performance is sublime, fury, anger, terror, bravery. What a song.

As a 22 year vet (British Army) I have always thought if we put politician's sons on the front line that would be the end of wars.

Thanks for the reaction. He does bring veterans on stage to sing the chorus. It’s very moving. Would love to hear more Billy Joel from you. “Leningrad” would also be a relevant song as it’s about Billy having met a Russian man and seeing that the people are just like us. It’s the governments that are at odds.

They were so young. Great song. They were truly heroes. Shout out to all of our veterans and active military. Thank you will never be enough. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

I had a co worker that was a gulfwar vet. He never listened to bill joel.. we where driving to a job and this song came up. When the we all go down together part came i look over to him and saw hev was full blow crying ... after he calmed down he said that was the first song that ever did that to him. It was dead on for all his experiences going to war...... it.was our secret at the time.

Billy has said that he feels he owes the Vets this song because He was a draft dodger. Yes everytime this is performed live there's always Vets onstage with the Band. Please watch Billy's song Leningrad.

When Billy plays this live, he ALWAYS has actual Vets up on stage with him. I have seen him live on many a Veterans Day.. and ALWAYS. After 9/11, he had NYPD and FDNY sing.

Thanks for the reaction. I'm a Vietnam vet and I can't get through this song without a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes! It manages to capture the atmosphere in country at the time so powerfully well, the little details that every vet can relate to while touching raw emotions.

Thank you for letting me express my comment, I am from a small town in Connecticut during the Vietnam war I was too young to go but my older brother went in our small town two people never came back it affected our town deeply when my brother came back he was not the same man. I love our military but please let’s make sure They’re being wisely and with the best opportunity to come back safe thank you

Much respect brother...A very powerful song that can be applied to any war. Strength and prayers to the Ukrainians!!

He met with Vietnam vets to get their perspective before writing a song about it because it was such a political war and such. What he heard them say, he turned into this song. That is why it is so good. You mentioned they were all young. The average age of a soldier in Vietnam was, I believe, 21. That meant many younger…I think this is his best song. Nice to see it reacted to.

Yes they were Vietnam vets singing the chorus, he wrote the song after interviewing vets to get their story and many of the lines were quotes from vets❤

MASTER GUNNERY SGT USMC RET BLESS YOU STAY WELL AND HEALTHY ENJOY LIFE FRIEND 🙏💯

You cried. I cried with you. Bless you for sharing.

He's singing about the Vietnam war, my dad being a Korean war vet loved this song

Billy Joel is not only my idol, but he’s so talented. He has that type of talent you can’t teach a teen. This song was about his friends he lost in Vietnam. Which is beautifully written from a place of pain. Today, people are too worried about labels, and social media, and people trying to kill themselves, and we don’t look at the little things anymore. If I had one wish, I’d live in the past. If I could change one thing, I’d take away social media, because it’s targeted towards keeping teens interested. There’s a lot wrong with the what the world has come to.

“I wish I had better words for you guys.” You got all the right ones. Beautiful video. Thanks for posting this. Best to you.

This is a tough song to get through in peacetime, and even more difficult in times like these. Beautiful reaction and kind words.

Those people he had on stage are in facts my brothers and sisters , vets. You did good on this. Many thanks. 9th Infantry 7th SF Grp RVN 1972-1975 US Army

Not sure about these folks but when he does this song live now they do have actual vets on stage

I love your reaction because I cry every time I hear this song. 🥺 You’re a beautiful person. 💗

This song gets to me every time I hear it, or even think about it. The line that hits the hardest is remember charlie, remember baker.....they left their childhood on every acre. Young men giving up their lives in a war we had no business in, coming home to a country that mostly didn't want them. Breaks my heart.

oh man, the right response, dude. Heavy song. Like Tom Waite's once said, "I like beautiful melodies telling you bad things."

Brings me to tears each time I hear it. brilliant song

you’re reaction is so real and beautiful. this song always makes me so emotional. billy joel is in his own stratosphere when it comes to songwriting. just magnificent. he can tell a story like no other, move in and out of so many genres and styles. it’s like every song is a mini rock opera… each one is such a poignant journey.

I subscribed cause I saw you cry! Im 55 and I cry everything I hear this. Billy captured every thought and emotion of the solders in Vietnam. Their sacrifices were great. Yet, they were spit on!! God bless you Vietnam vets!! Many who fought for America were just kids, scared of thedark. They died crying for their mommas!!

Billy Joel is the greatest modern songwriter to ever step foot on this Earth! Every song sticks to one theme & never strays from it, it all makes sense. That's not easy to do. The music can stand on its own without lyrics. A song like pressure gives you the feeling of pressure before he says a word. Every song he hits it on the head & he wrote it all by himself. The best ever!

You have yet ANOTHER #1 Billy Joel fan subscription (we’re all #1)! You’re one of the best!!! I’m thoroughly enjoying reliving the pain of this masterpiece for the first time through you…. you had me at “the way he’s able to paint that picture is ummm…..I don’t know what to say it’s wow”

Thank you for doing this song. When it first came out on MTV I remember like it was yesterday I was sitting on the floor with my younger brother. and our father walked in he stood behind and started to watch the video. He then slumped into the sofa put his head in his hands and began to cry. He had fought not in Vietnam but Korea, I remember my mom telling us when they where first married he would wake up with night tremors. Never once did he ever talk about his time there I learned far more about it from my mom.

Great poetry and music by the great Billy Joel. Love this reaction vid, I always tear up listening to this one. Respect to all out veterans.

Right on Bro, brings a tear to many a man's eyes....

A couple of years late - but man this is the reaction of all reactions to this song.

I will never forget seeing him preform this live for the 1st time. It was beyond powerful and when the vets came out onto the stage, i cried

Well said and well done Billy Joel master piece n very nice narration prayers for The Viet Nam vets love and light !

This song always tears me up-and I’ve been listening to it for over 30 years. I can’t imagine hearing this if I had been there.

This is the first time I have encountered your channel,and I happily subscribed! I am quite familiar with Billy Joel,as well as this song,and you are 100% correct! It is a masterpiece! What a beautiful man you are to shed those tears,showing a compassionate soul! Billy Joel is a top notch musician,but he is so much more.He is a poet,a storyteller,a brother to all.Give a listen to his song,DOWNEASTER ALEXA,about the ny fisherman losing their livelihood, and Allentown,about Allentown Pa steel workers losing their way of life.Of course,Piano Man,and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant are classics. Two lesser known songs that are my favorite are Lullaby,and a remake of Bob Dylan's song,To Make You Feel My Love...Happy listening!

I'm a member of the Vietnam Generation. I did not serve. I protested and did all that I could to get the war to end. I have UNDYING RESPECT for those who did serve. I honor them, as this song does. I'm in my 70s, but this song always brings on the tears. Peace, Bro's.

So glad you reacted to this. Not many have. 💞🍻

Yes, those were vets singing the chorus on stage at his concerts. That is one of the aspects of this song that makes it so impactful. You should check out Edwin Starr - War.

This song is amazing but meant a whole lot more when I went to friend's boot camp graduation ceremony at Parris Island.

Billy will DEFINITELY cherish this reaction video….as we all will🤎💔🤎

I saw him at Giants stadium, this song filled the air as we all sang. Most incredible moment in a life of concerts from Queen to the Beach Boys

beautiful reaction..

Saw Billy Joel in the mid-80s in New Haven Connecticut, he played this song and the helicopter noise was shaking the building, it was incredible.

His best by far.....I cry every time. Watch Kennedy centers honors where Garth Brooks does this song.....you cannot hold back tears

Along with Brothers in Arms, this is possibly the most powerful songs in honour of those who served.. To all who do, or have served.... THANK YOU is NEVER enough... I had a friend who DID serve, after leaving the service He once said. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't trust people, I can't settle ANYWHERE. WHAT DID I DO WORNG????." This broke my heart and I replied saying this... "You were a kind, gentle, intelligent and thoughtful person as a kid, The Army took you in and broke you down bit by bit, to create a warrior to defend us civvies. They made you part of a brotherhood I'll never understand, where even the comaptriots you HATE you absolutely KNOW will stand back to back with you and fight off oppresssion. You were a completely different person when you were on leave compared to who you were as a kid, but that's what they NEEDED you to be! When you left they just cut you loose, alone into civilian life. So you went from that world where you could trust EVERYONE around you with your life and were dumped into a world where everyone is trying to f**k everyone else over for almost nothing. How can you expect to trust ANYONE in civvie street after that? I can see it! You're around for 3-6 months, then you disappear for 3-6 months, same as your average posting in the military. Let me tell you something.... THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU! NEVER say that to me again! You served with honour, You gave your blood, sweat and tears so we that have the freedoms we have right now. You will ALWAYS have my admiration, respect and friendship till my dying day! Anything you need just ask, even just someone to talk to, you don't need to relive what you went through, just show up and we'll sit quietly or shoot the breeze, I'll be right here." He broke down and wept... This warrior fell apart in front of me and said "How did YOU know?" "Because I watched, because I saw the transitions you went through, most importantly, because I was and always will be your friend, friends, TRUE friends become Family, just like those you served with are, You are the Brother I never had and I couldn't be more PROUD to have known you and counted you as my brother!"

Very powerful........video and your reaction. Thanks for posting.

Yes..actual vets..deep shit! I love Billy..

Just came upon this reaction - thank you

Always makes me cry.

Great review. Great song. Thank you

Joel about the best story telling musician in my lifetime.......very sad to look out my towns FB memorial page and how many kids that graduated, went right to Viet Nam and never came back. hit me hard because they were kids like me, from my town, we all went to the same schools........

Beautiful reaction ty. You have a beautiful soul!!!

Thanks your reaction means alot. I had family and classmates in that damn war. I have had loved ones in wars before and Since but this was so different, I can't explain it.

I remember reading that the average age of a soldier in Vietnam was 19!! Yours was a great reaction brother and I appreciate you!!😊

Cool video brother Jay- watching from Belarus 🙏🏻 these people are so united against the war and governments 😞 there's lots of hope for peace! I don't plan on leaving the country.

It’s okay brother. Thank you for being their enlightened witness.

Your reaction didn’t need words, brilliant!☮️❤️

Thank you, so moving. You added to it!

wow that reaction got me going as well I saw you feel it and isn't music amazing to be able to capture the truth of feeling that no speech or film can do

🤯 Wow, this brings back memories. Billy was so talented! 🥰 A pure 🎹 Piano man ala Elton or Freddie Mercury. Freddie & a piano could break your heart in 4 chords. Billy still has MSG Residency shows. That said... 🤗 Billy Joel use to do Bar/Bat Mitzvahs on "The Island" and I was at a few. 😒 My 1st time having Gefilte Fish & Lox on Bagels. 😂 I know about those "Catholic Girls" he sings about in 'Only the Good Die Young', which I think you'll also dig. 😁🐰

Yes a masterpiece

In WWII, the average age of a soldier was 25 in Vietnam, it was 18.

Thank you for this.

I had to watch this several times in order to get through it all in one night!!☮️💟💯

One of many great Billy Joel songs.

One of my favourite Billy songs❤

Bless you my brother

My favorite reaction. Ty

This is, for many reasons, my 2nd favorite song by Billy, only behind 'Angry Young Man'. In the opening lines when he sings about how dark it was at night in Vietnam during the War, it definitely sets the scene for what fighting in that hellish war was like for so many. When I first heard this song, I had not previously heard of an common operation that was used during the war at night called 'Operation Wandering Soul'. Look into that. It gives the lyrics about the nights being so dark a whole new meaning great reaction

Bill has always been a man of the people. Back around this time, I was lucky to be on the inside. I was in high school band with David Brown. He was Billy's guitarist/musical director. What I learned being around him was that not all famous and talented people place themselves above others. Billy was so down to earth. Yeah, those were Vietnam vets. Billy also had a habit of not selling tickets for the first three of four rows. After the show would start, people from the farthest rows would be escorted down and given the best seats in the house.

No more war!

Makes me cry every time. Masterpiece

I dont care how many times ive heard this song. It still makes me cry. We had no business being there. I watched a young man from church leave for Nam when i was a kid. He was sent off as a conquering hero. He came back with his head caved in from a bullet or something. He was just a broken shell. He died of an overdose shortly after. It left an impression that has lasted over 50 years.

What makes this transcendent is the late chorus, in which the narrative focuses on the Viet Cong, bringing them into the we of "we would all go down together." Perfectly captures the fact that most soldiers on both sides were just scared kids fighting not to die.

Watching your Billy Joel - Goodnight Saigon reaction video: free because KZfaq is free to watch 👍🏼👍🏾👍👍🏿👍🏻👍🏽 Seeing your honest, heartfelt reaction on KZfaq (because it’s free) PRICELESS Being able to rewatch it as many times as I want to, because, who wouldn’t want to? PRICELESS X INFINITY!!

He is a wizard

Would love to see you react to more of Billy Joel - especially “An Innocent Man” and Movin’ Out”. 💕💜💕💜

No one better then Billy

PianoMan unico artista che ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio 🎹👏🎹👏

Powerful reaction

Masterpiece...the most emotional description of the horrors of war.

This was a beautiful reaction to a haunting song. I've seen different numbers regarding the average age of the combat soldier in Vietnam, but the average age of those KIA was 22 so yes - very young men. Both my father and several uncles fought in Vietnam. They all survived, but I don't think my father really came home. He was never the same.

I am a mother of a 15 year old boy. I keep thinking what if my son had to leave for war. This song really hits hard. They promised their mothers they would write.I wonder how many mothers waited for a letter that would never come. And now allnthe men fighting in the Ucraine. So sad.

We need a little more volume on our end. Great song.

Great reaction Bro, I couldnt imagine being that young fighting a war like that one.

This reaction deserves many more views. Hauntingly beautiful song.

Awesome review and yes sir, this song always hit home. Especially because my grandfather fought in the Korean War.

Great reaction. Yes those are Viet Nam vets on stage

You hit it right on the head!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇦🇺🇦

Billy Joel is an absolute legend. I appreciate the total variety of reactions you do. However please can you react to Adele. You won’t be disappointed I’m sure. God bless you xx💖

Billy was in a lot of the pictures. Rewatch and see. The choir was his unit survivors.