The Fish Cheer & I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag

Country Joe and the Fish's song, 'The Fish Cheer & I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag,' is a powerful anti-war anthem that emerged during the Vietnam War era. The song opens with a playful cheer spelling out 'FISH,' which serves as a stark contrast to the serious and satirical content that follows. This juxtaposition sets the tone for the rest of the song, which uses dark humor and irony to criticize the war and the societal forces that perpetuate it.

The lyrics call out various groups, including the government, military generals, Wall Street, and even parents, highlighting their roles in the war effort. The repeated lines, 'And it's one, two, three, what are we fighting for? Don't ask me, I don't give a damn, next stop is Vietnam,' underscore the senselessness and futility of the conflict. The song's chorus, with its upbeat and almost celebratory tone, contrasts sharply with the grim reality of war, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

The song also touches on the economic motivations behind the war, pointing out how Wall Street profits from the conflict by supplying the military with weapons. This critique extends to the broader societal complicity in the war, as the lyrics urge mothers and fathers to send their sons off to fight, only to have them return in coffins. The song's closing lines, 'Well there ain't no time to wonder why, Whoopee! we're all gonna die,' encapsulate the fatalistic and cynical view of the war, suggesting that questioning the reasons behind the conflict is futile when the outcome is so dire.

'Country Joe and the Fish' were known for their psychedelic rock sound and their politically charged lyrics. This song, in particular, became an anthem for the anti-war movement, capturing the disillusionment and anger of a generation. Its blend of humor, irony, and stark social commentary makes it a poignant and enduring critique of war and the forces that drive it.