In 1966, the song “Ballad of the Green Berets” was the No. 1 hit for many weeks on American music charts. In the midst of the Vietnam War, it was one of the very few songs that proudly portrayed the military in a positive light. It sold over nine million single discs and albums, and was even the top single of a year in which the Beatles and Rolling Stones dominated the music industry. It was originally written to honor the first native Hawaiian serviceman who died in Vietnam, executed by the Viet Cong. The song was written by Robin Moore, author of the novel and movie “The Green Berets” with John Wayne, and singer-songwriter Barry Sadler, Staff Sergeant, Green Berets. “The Ballad of the Green Berets” has been translated into many languages and has been adapted for the combat forces of Netherlands, Rhodesia, Sweden, Croatia, Italy, Switzerland, and now – Ukraine.
The author of the lyrics Oleksa Nehrebeckyj presented the song at his Facebook page: “I wrote some lyrics to a song. Just in time for the Army Day [6 December 2014]. Never mind the video – it’s just a rough draft. The music is American.”
The song was created by four people’s effort: lyrics by Oleksa Nehrebeckyj, music adapted by Vitalii Telezin, the singer – Yulia Donchenko and the production director – Andrii Partyka. The video for the song was created by Olena Bilozerska, Information Agency “Poriad z Vamy” [“By Your Side”]
| Ballad of the Green Beret by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler and Robin Moore copyright 1966 Fighting soldiers from the sky Silver wings upon their chest Trained to live off nature’s land Silver wings upon their chest Back at home a young wife waits Put silver wings on my son’s chest |
100 warriors: Ukrainian version of Ballad of the Green Beret by Oleksa Nehrebeckyj, translated by Adrian Bryttan Like a blood stream flowing fine We advance, one hundred strong, Day by day, to who knows where We advance, one hundred strong, As we face the vast unknown, Here today and gone tomorrow – |
| Any moment can be your last, The time for fear is now long past, Ready, aim – repulse the foe! Don’t drag your feet – let valor show. We advance, one hundred strong, Dearest heart, don’t you cry! We advance, one hundred strong, |
