About the song
“The Ballad of the Green Berets,” a poignant and stirring patriotic song from 1966, stands as a powerful tribute to the U.S. Army Special Forces. Written and performed by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler, this ballad emerged as one of the rare popular songs of the Vietnam War era to portray the military in a favorable light. Its impact was profound, capturing the hearts of Americans and achieving notable chart success.
The creation of “The Ballad of the Green Berets” is deeply intertwined with Sadler’s own experiences. While training as a Special Forces medic, Sadler began composing the song with the help of Robin Moore, author of *The Green Berets*. Their collaboration led to Sadler signing a recording contract with RCA Records. A rudimentary demo was recorded at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the support of Gerry Gitell and Lieutenant General William P. Yarborough, highlighting the song’s authentic military roots.
The lyrics of the song honor U.S. Army Specialist 5 James Gabriel Jr., the first native Hawaiian to fall in Vietnam. Although a verse mentioning Gabriel by name was initially part of the song, it was omitted in the final recording. Despite this change, the song’s dedication to fallen soldiers was clear and heartfelt.
Recorded at RCA’s 24th Street Studios in New York City on December 18, 1965, “The Ballad of the Green Berets” was released in January 1966, along with the album *Ballads of the Green Berets*. The song’s debut was met with immediate success, and its popularity soared. By March 1966, it topped the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained at the number one spot for five consecutive weeks. It also achieved notable rankings on other charts, including a number one spot on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and a number two position on the Country survey. By the end of 1966, it was recognized as the top Hot 100 song of the year by Billboard and tied for first on Cash Box’s year-end chart alongside “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas and the Papas.
With over nine million copies sold and more than two million albums, “The Ballad of the Green Berets” became a commercial triumph. The song’s enduring legacy is also reflected in its role as one of the primary marching tunes for the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, a tradition dating back to the 1980s.
In essence, “The Ballad of the Green Berets” is more than just a song; it is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Special Forces, resonating with listeners through its stirring melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Video
https://youtu.be/8kj9qv6rmG8
Lyrics
Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret
Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America’s best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret
Trained to live off nature’s land
Trained in combat, hand-to-hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage take from the Green Berets
Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America’s best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret
Back at home, a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her his last request
Put silver wings on my son’s chest
Make him one of America’s best
He’ll be a man they’ll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret