<P> Because the song was released in 1974 , it was associated by some listeners with the Vietnam War , though the war to which it actually refers is never identified in the lyrics . It has been suggested that the drum pattern , references to a marching band leading soldiers in blue , and `` riding out '' ( cavalry ) refer to the American Civil War . However the drum beat and cavalry `` riding out '' is not specific to the American Civil War , and blue uniforms were common in the 19th century . That being said , Paper Lace themselves performed the song on Top of the Pops wearing Union - style uniforms , as can be seen on Youtube . </P>
<P> Because the song was released in 1974 , it was associated by some listeners with the Vietnam War , though the war to which it actually refers is never identified in the lyrics . It has been suggested that the drum pattern , references to a marching band leading soldiers in blue , and `` riding out '' ( cavalry ) refer to the American Civil War . However the drum beat and cavalry `` riding out '' is not specific to the American Civil War , and blue uniforms were common in the 19th century . That being said , Paper Lace themselves performed the song on Top of the Pops wearing Union - style uniforms , as can be seen on Youtube . </P>
when was billy don be a hero released
when was billy don be a hero released
1974
1974