Avbout the song
**Neil Young’s “Ohio”** is a timeless anthem that resonates with generations. Originally released in 1970 as part of the album “After the Gold Rush,” the song’s raw emotion and powerful message continue to captivate audiences today. The live version recorded at Massey Hall in 1971, however, is often considered the definitive rendition.
Young wrote “Ohio” in response to the tragic Kent State shootings, where National Guard troops opened fire on unarmed college students protesting the Vietnam War. The song serves as a poignant commentary on the senseless violence and societal unrest of the time. With its haunting melody and Young’s heartfelt vocals, “Ohio” captures the grief, anger, and disillusionment that permeated the era.
The opening lines, “Four dead in Ohio,” immediately set a somber tone. Young’s voice, filled with a mix of sorrow and defiance, delivers the lyrics with raw intensity. The song’s simple, repetitive structure allows the message to sink in, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. As Young sings about the students’ dreams and the shattered lives left behind, listeners are transported back to a time of great upheaval and social change.
The live performance at Massey Hall adds an extra layer of emotion and authenticity. The energy of the crowd, coupled with Young’s passionate delivery, creates a powerful and unforgettable experience. The audience’s palpable reaction to the song underscores its enduring impact and relevance.
Beyond its historical significance, “Ohio” remains a powerful piece of music that speaks to universal themes of injustice, loss, and the human spirit. Young’s ability to convey complex emotions through his songwriting and performance is a testament to his artistry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the song for the first time, “Ohio” is a must-listen that continues to inspire and provoke thought.
Video
Lyrics
Tin soldiers and Nixon coming
We’re finally on our own
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio
Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been gone long ago
What if you knew her and found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la
Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been gone long ago
What if you knew her and found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
Tin soldiers and Nixon coming
We’re finally on our own
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio
Four dead in Ohio (four)
Four dead in Ohio (I said four, I said four)
Four dead in Ohio (how many more?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (I wanna know why)
Four dead in Ohio (you better tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why did they die?)
Four dead in Ohio (you tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (I said why)
Four dead in Ohio (I wanna know why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (I said why)
Four dead in Ohio (why, Lord?)
Four dead in Ohio (why did they die?)
Four dead in Ohio (I said why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (yeah, why?)
Four dead in Ohio (please tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (I wanna know)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why did they died)
Four dead in Ohio (you tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio
Thank you