“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
In 1945, Ira Hayes became a symbol of the cost of war and the struggle faced by Native American soldiers who returned home from World War II. His story, one of sacrifice, courage, and ultimate tragedy, would be immortalized in a song by one of country music’s greatest legends—Johnny Cash. The Ballad of Ira Hayes doesn’t just tell the tale of a war hero; it serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked consequences of war, particularly for Indigenous people. Cash’s powerful ballad, full of compassion and critique, became an anthem for those who knew too well the price of heroism.
About the Composition
- Title: The Ballad of Ira Hayes
- Composer: Johnny Cash
- Premiere Date: 1964
- Album: Johnny Cash at San Quentin
- Genre: Country/Folk
Background
The song The Ballad of Ira Hayes was written by Johnny Cash and first performed in 1964. It was released as part of his live album Johnny Cash at San Quentin. Cash was inspired by the story of Ira Hayes, a Pima Native American who was one of the six men photographed raising the American flag on Iwo Jima in 1945, a moment that became an iconic symbol of victory during World War II.
However, Hayes’ life after the war was tragically different from the heroic image that the flag-raising photograph portrayed. Hayes struggled with alcoholism, PTSD, and the challenges of returning to a country that did not fully honor him or his people. He died in 1955 at the age of 32, an early victim of the very struggles that the song depicts. Cash, deeply moved by Hayes’ story, crafted a ballad that not only tells his tale but also serves as a broader commentary on the treatment of Native American soldiers and the disconnect between the American ideal of heroism and the harsh realities faced by those who served.
When it was first released, The Ballad of Ira Hayes resonated with listeners due to its raw emotion and social commentary. The song was met with critical acclaim, and it quickly became an anthem for those who were concerned about the treatment of veterans and the marginalized communities in America.
Musical Style
The Ballad of Ira Hayes is an acoustic-driven folk ballad with a minimalistic arrangement that focuses on Johnny Cash’s signature deep, gravelly voice and his strumming of a guitar. The music is simple, yet the repetitive chord progressions and the solemn, deliberate pace mirror the mournful tone of the lyrics. Cash’s straightforward delivery adds to the power of the song, making it feel more like a narrative than a performance.
The song’s sparse instrumentation allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage. There is a rhythmic quality to the music, almost like a chant, which reflects the solemnity of the story being told. This simple yet effective musical style enhances the listener’s connection to the tragic story of Ira Hayes, as it removes distractions and lets the lyrics speak for themselves.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of The Ballad of Ira Hayes are straightforward, but they carry deep emotional resonance. Cash’s lyrics tell the story of Hayes’ heroism during World War II, followed by his struggle with his identity and the neglect he faced upon returning home. The chorus, which repeats the lines, “Call him drunk and call him crazy / Call him lazy, call him anything you please,” poignantly reflects the public’s harsh judgment of Hayes, despite his sacrifice.
The song’s poignant tone underscores the conflict between the national celebration of heroism and the personal torment of the individual soldier. It highlights the ways in which society often ignores the complexities and struggles faced by marginalized people, particularly those who serve in war. The lyrics also serve as a critique of the American ideal, revealing the underlying hypocrisy in the way the country treats its veterans.
Performance History
The Ballad of Ira Hayes was first performed by Johnny Cash at San Quentin prison in 1969, during a live recording for his famed Johnny Cash at San Quentin album. The performance itself became iconic, as Cash’s connection with the inmates and his raw, emotional delivery of the song turned it into more than just a concert performance—it became a social commentary on the realities of the American experience, particularly the struggles faced by veterans and marginalized groups.
Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Kingston Trio, who recorded it in 1960, and more recently, by modern folk musicians. While Cash’s version remains the most well-known, the song has become a staple of protest music and a symbol of the tragic consequences of war.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its influence in country and folk music, The Ballad of Ira Hayes has had a lasting impact on American culture. It has been referenced in discussions about Native American rights, the treatment of veterans, and the complexities of American identity. The song has also appeared in films and documentaries dealing with Native American issues and the Vietnam War, adding depth and relevance to those contexts.
The song’s message about the gap between the heroism of war and the aftermath of returning home resonates deeply with ongoing debates about how society treats its veterans, particularly those from marginalized communities. Cash’s ability to speak to these issues with empathy and honesty helped elevate the song beyond a simple folk tune into a statement on social injustice.
Legacy
Johnny Cash’s The Ballad of Ira Hayes has remained an enduring classic, its powerful message continuing to touch audiences today. The song’s impact is still felt in contemporary discussions about race, war, and the plight of Native American communities. Its message, about the cost of heroism and the neglect of those who serve, remains relevant, especially as we continue to reckon with the challenges faced by veterans and Indigenous people in America.
Cash’s version remains a cultural touchstone, but the song’s influence extends beyond his performance. It serves as a reminder of the struggles that often go unrecognized and the importance of empathy and awareness in addressing the complexities of our nation’s history.
Conclusion
The Ballad of Ira Hayes is more than just a folk song—it is a poignant narrative about the price of war, the neglect of those who serve, and the overlooked struggles of Indigenous Americans. Johnny Cash’s deep, emotive performance and the song’s simple, powerful lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it as relevant today as it was when it was first performed. For anyone interested in understanding the deeper complexities of American history and the stories of those who have been overlooked, this ballad is a powerful and thought-provoking place to start.
If you’re looking to experience the depth of the song, I highly recommend listening to Johnny Cash’s live performance at San Quentin, where the raw emotion of the setting amplifies the song’s impact. It’s a timeless piece of music that continues to remind us of the human cost of heroism.
Video
Lyrics
Ira Hayes
Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war
Gather ’round me people
There’s a story I would tell
‘Bout a brave young Indian
You should remember well
From the land of the Pima Indian
A proud and noble band
Who farmed the Phoenix Valley
In Arizona land
Down the ditches a thousand years
The waters grew Ira’s peoples’ crops
‘Til the white man stole their water rights
And the sparkling water stopped
Now, Ira’s folks were hungry
And their land grew crops of weeds
When war came, Ira volunteered
And forgot the white man’s greed
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war
There they battled up Iwo Jima hill
Two hundred and fifty men
But only twenty-seven lived
To walk back down again
And when the fight was over
And Old Glory raised
Among the men who held it high
Was the Indian, Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war
Ira Hayes returned a hero
Celebrated through the land
He was wined and speeched and honored
Everybody shook his hand
But he was just a Pima Indian
No water, no home, no chance
At home nobody cared what Ira’d done
And when did the Indians dance
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war
Then Ira started drinking hard
Jail was often his home
They let him raise the flag and lower it
Like you’d throw a dog a bone
He died drunk early one morning
Alone in the land he fought to save
Two inches of water and a lonely ditch
Was a grave for Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war
Yeah, call him drunken Ira Hayes
But his land is just as dry
And his ghost is lying thirsty
In the ditch where Ira died