Album: Windows (1982)

Charted: 22

License This Song 

• 'Got on a plane in Fresco and got off in Vietnam.
  I walked into a different world, the past forever gone.
  I could have gone to Canada or I could have stayed in school.
  But I was brought up differently. I couldn't break the rules.
  
  Thirteen months and fifteen days, the last ones were the worst.
  One minute I kneel down and pray And the next I stand and curse.
  No place to run to where I did not feel that war.
  When I got home I stayed alone and checked behind each door.
  
  Still in Saigon
  Still in Saigon
  I am Still in Saigon in my mind!
  
  The ground at home was covered with snow. And I was covered in sweat.
  My younger brother calls me a killer and My daddy calls me a vet.
  Everybody says that I'm someone else That I'm sick and there's no cure.
  Damned if I know who I am. There was only one place I was sure
  When I was
  
  Still in Saigon
  Still in Saigon.
  I am still in Saigon in my mind!
  
  Every summer when it rains, I smell the jungle, I hear the planes.
  I can't tell no one I feel ashamed. Afraid someday I'll go insane.
  
  That's been ten long years ago and time has gone on by.
  But now and then I catch myself
  Eyes searchin' through the sky.
  All the sounds of long ago will be forever in my head.
  Mingled with the wounded's cries and the silence of the dead
  
  'Cause I'm
  Still in Saigon
  Still in Saigon
  I am still in Saigon in my mind Writer/s: DAN DALEY
  Publisher: ASILOMAR MUSIC
  Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

• Cole from Dallas,texas, TxI did 3 tours in nam and iam still in Sagion, guess I will always be there, and am proud of it and would do it again. The song tells it just like it is and to hell with the media and dope heads of that time... Us navy swift boats,vietnam 67,68,69.
• John from Underwood, Inhad forgotten this song..was with another vet last week.....talked about past...this jam captures feeling of returning vets...much like old Marvin Gaye..Whats Going On..same feeling...thank you D Daley, and old Charlie Daniels...don't agree with all your politics.., but sure appreciate your recording this timeless song
• Michael from Summerdale, AlI have covered this song in every club band I have worked with. I lost my father in the Korean Conflict, so my heart goes out to the vets who lived through, and the families of those who died in that hell. Thank you Mr. Daniels for writing this song and giving those vets without a voice, one that screams out the indiscretions of our government and citizenry of the time. Every time I meet a Viet Vet I have to salute him and apologize to him for the way he has been treated. I know many of those vets and have met hundreds over the years. May we never forget the sacrifice they made in the name of Liberty. Which, by the way, is under attack right here, in this country, right now.
• Rob from Detroit, MiI saw a television commercial recently that showed several uniformed soldiers walking through an airport to a thunderous ovation provided by spectators. I do not remember such an ovation when I was returning home in 1971.

More Songfacts:

CelebrationKool & the Gang

"Celebration" by Kool & the Gang has a deeper meaning - it was inspired by a verse in the Quran where angels celebrate as God creates man.

Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)Carla Thomas

Carla Thomas became the first woman to achieve a Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 with a song she wrote herself when "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)" reached #10 in 1961. Thomas was just 16 years old when she wrote it.

Lady MarmaladeLabelle

"Lady Marmalade" is the only song to hit #1 twice in both the UK and US.

(Everything I Do) I Do It For YouBryan Adams

The Bryan Adams song "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" was almost rejected for the movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves because it didn't sound medieval enough.

Break FreeAriana Grande

Ariana Grande's collaboration with Zedd, "Break Free" came about after the Russian-German producer overheard Grande performing at a label showcase while he was backstage, and he mentioned to his team that he wanted to work with her.

AlrightJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson's "Alright" video features Cab Calloway and Cyd Charisse, stars of musicals she loved as a kid.

Editor's Picks

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New WordsSong Writing

Where words like "email," "thirsty," "Twitter" and "gangsta" first showed up in songs, and which songs popularized them.

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.