Ohio

Neil Young's song 'Ohio' is a poignant and powerful response to the Kent State shootings that occurred on May 4, 1970. The lyrics vividly capture the shock and outrage felt by many Americans when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed college students protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia during the Vietnam War. The phrase 'Tin soldiers and Nixon coming' refers to the National Guard troops and President Richard Nixon, who was seen as responsible for escalating the conflict. The repetition of 'Four dead in Ohio' serves as a haunting reminder of the lives lost that day.

The song's chorus, 'Gotta get down to it, soldiers are gunning us down,' underscores the urgency and desperation of the situation. Young questions the morality and humanity of the violence, asking listeners to empathize with the victims by imagining if they 'knew her and found her dead on the ground.' This personalizes the tragedy, making it not just a political event but a deeply human one. The rhetorical question 'How can you run when you know?' challenges the audience to confront the reality of the violence and to take a stand against it.

'Ohio' is not just a protest song; it is a call to action. The line 'We're finally on our own' suggests a moment of awakening and independence, urging people to take responsibility for their actions and to fight for justice. The drumming heard 'this summer' symbolizes the ongoing struggle and the need for continued vigilance. Neil Young's raw and emotional delivery, combined with the stark and direct lyrics, make 'Ohio' a timeless anthem for social justice and a powerful reminder of the cost of political and military aggression.