This was written during the war in Vietnam. It is protesting to stop the war and return home the young men who were sent to fight.
Although this received a lot of airplay in the States, it was banned by the US Command from the American Forces Network for fear that it would "give aid and comfort to the enemy."
This was not included in the first 50,000 copies of Contact. It was added onto the album when it became a hit.
This was Freda Payne's second gold record. Her first was "Band Of Gold."
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Suggestion credit: Jerro - New Alexandria, PA, for all above
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn October 30th 1971, Freda Payne performed "Bring the Boys Home" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'... It had entered Billboard’s Hot Top 100 chart on May 30th, 1971; and on August 1st, 1971 it peaked at #12 {for 2 weeks} and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100... On the same 'Bandstand' show she also performed "You Brought the Joy"; five weeks earlier on September 26th, 1971 it entered the Top 100 at position #92; eventually it peaked at #52 and stay on the chart for 8 weeks... She had four other Top 100 records; "Band of Gold" {#3}, "Deeper and Deeper" {#24}, "Cherish What Is Dear to You" {#44}, and "The Road We Didn't Take" {#100}... Freda Charcilia Payne celebrated her 72nd birthday last month on September 19th {2014}.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScWhat a wonderful song! I can't believe it was banned. Reason for doing so seems kinda stupid to me.
Wanda Fenderson-gund from Miami, FlI'am sitting here thinking to my self, why are we still at War? My daughter just lost a very good friend in Afghanistan two days ago. I had the pleasure of spending four years with him as a student in Miami Central Band. His name was Louis Maxwell. He died doing the job that he loved. My question still is why are we at WAR? This song touches all of our hearts right now for all of those that new him. My heart goes out to his mom, dad, sister and two children. The guy was well liked by all of his friends. From what we head on the news last night he fought for one hour by him self while the others lay there dead. He had to be a strong young man to put up such a fight like he did. He died at the age of 27 and he will always be remembered by all of us that knew him. (BRING THE BOYS HOME) Wanda Fenderson-Gunder
Nancy from Toledo , Ohyes i hear this song n my head over and over y dont people know this song
Nancy from Toledo , Ohyes this song is by far one that needs to be played. thank god my son came home even if and he"s not the same he is home
Howard from St. Louis Park, MnIt's a song that should be played more on oldies stations since our nation is still fighting the war in Iraq.
Barb from Butler, PaI just heard this song yesterday morning. I sat in the bank parking lot crying for the needless and senseless loss of life from Vietnam on. Vietnam should have been a powerful lesson--yet this war continues on. Radio stations should play this song over and over-maybe then the message will get through. My father served in Vietnam and my two sons have returned home safely from Iraq. Our family is one of the lucky ones.
Vivien from Sheffield, EnglandI've just discovered this song via the peace march video on Youtube and I'm glad I have. Songs like this are crucial. Sad to say lessons never get learnt.
Sheryl from Rocky Mount, NcI loved this song. I remember it play over the airways when my oldest brother was off in the vietnam war, now my son is off in Iraq and this same song ring in my ear. They should start playing it again on the radio stations.
