Answer:
The song "Vietnam" by Jimmy Cliff expresses a variety of points of view regarding the Vietnam War. Here are some possible examples:
1. Opposition to the war: The song clearly expresses opposition to the Vietnam War, as evidenced by lines such as "I ain't no senator's son" and "It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one." These lines suggest that the speaker does not support the war and is not willing to fight in it.
2. Concern for loved ones: The song also expresses concern for loved ones who may be in danger due to the war. The line "I hope you're not in Saigon" suggests that the speaker is worried about the safety of someone they care about.
3. Criticism of those in power: The song includes several lines that could be interpreted as criticism of those in power. For example, the line "Tin soldiers and Nixon's coming" suggests that the speaker does not have faith in the president's leadership.
4. Sympathy for soldiers: While the song clearly opposes the war, it also expresses sympathy for soldiers who are forced to fight in it. The line "We'll kill ten thousand, just to save one" suggests that the speaker understands the high human cost of the war.
Overall, the song expresses a complex set of viewpoints regarding the Vietnam War, including opposition to the war, concern for loved ones, criticism of those in power, and sympathy for soldiers. By expressing these viewpoints through music, Jimmy Cliff and other protest singers of the era were able to engage with political issues in a way that was accessible and emotionally compelling to a wide audience.