“Ohio,” released in 1970 by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, is a powerful protest song written by Neil Young in response to the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970. The song’s raw emotion and haunting lyrics captured the national outrage following the deaths of four unarmed students who were shot by the Ohio National Guard during a protest against the Vietnam War. “Ohio” became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement and remains one of the most important protest songs in American history.
About The Song
- Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “Ohio” directly confront the tragedy of the Kent State shootings, beginning with the chilling line, “Tin soldiers and Nixon’s coming, we’re finally on our own.” Neil Young’s words express both anger and sorrow, mourning the loss of the students while condemning the government’s violent response to peaceful protests. The refrain, “Four dead in Ohio,” is repeated throughout the song, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the brutality faced by protestors during the Vietnam War era.
- Songwriting Inspiration: Neil Young was inspired to write “Ohio” after seeing the now-famous photo of a girl kneeling beside the body of one of the slain students at Kent State University. The image, along with the news of the killings, left Young deeply disturbed, and he penned the song quickly in response. Within weeks, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recorded and released “Ohio,” with the urgency of the message reflected in the immediacy of its production. The song was a direct challenge to President Richard Nixon’s administration and its handling of the war and domestic protests.
- Cultural Impact: “Ohio” became a key anthem for the anti-war movement in the 1970s, capturing the national mood of frustration, anger, and disillusionment with the government. It was banned by some radio stations due to its politically charged message, but that only intensified its impact as a protest song. The song’s release galvanized opposition to the Vietnam War and highlighted the growing divide between the government and its citizens, particularly the younger generation. It became a unifying song for activists, symbolizing resistance to violence and oppression.
- Live Performances: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s live performances of “Ohio” were known for their emotional intensity, with the band often dedicating the song to the victims of Kent State. The live renditions added a visceral power to the song’s already haunting message, with Neil Young’s guitar playing and vocal delivery emphasizing the raw pain and anger felt by many. “Ohio” became a staple of the band’s concerts, particularly during politically charged events and benefit shows.
- Song Legacy: “Ohio” remains one of the most significant protest songs of the 20th century, regularly cited as a defining moment in the history of political music. Its stark, unflinching portrayal of government violence and protest has ensured its continued relevance, particularly in times of social unrest. The song has been covered by various artists and used in numerous documentaries and films about the Vietnam War and the 1960s, preserving its place as a reminder of the costs of political violence and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
“Ohio” is more than just a song—it’s a searing indictment of political violence and a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their beliefs. With its unforgettable lyrics and emotional intensity, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young created a timeless protest anthem that continues to resonate with listeners and activists around the world.
Video
Lyric
Tin soldiers and Nixon coming
We’re finally on our own
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio
Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been gone long ago
What if you knew her and found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la
Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been gone long ago
What if you knew her and found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?
Tin soldiers and Nixon coming
We’re finally on our own
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio
Four dead in Ohio (four)
Four dead in Ohio (I said four, I said four)
Four dead in Ohio (how many more?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (I wanna know why)
Four dead in Ohio (you better tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why did they die?)
Four dead in Ohio (you tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (I said why)
Four dead in Ohio (I wanna know why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (I said why)
Four dead in Ohio (why, Lord?)
Four dead in Ohio (why did they die?)
Four dead in Ohio (I said why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (yeah, why?)
Four dead in Ohio (please tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (I wanna know)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why did they died)
Four dead in Ohio (you tell me why)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio
Thank you