Four Dead in Ohio…
Soldiers are cutting us down.

Neil Young’s “Ohio” is the true story of four students shot dead in the middle of a college campus by US soldiers. How did it happen? For those that don’t know the history of Neil Young’s “Ohio”, read more about the Kent State shootings in 1970. Soldiers shot four students there. It was a crazy time. Part of the power of the song comes from the backdrop of the song. But of course, the song would not be remembered if not for the strong melody–as there are many protest songs.

Interestingly, the song names “Nixon” in it. You would think that the song loses its timeliness by inserting so much politics into it, but it has the opposite effect. We remember what events caused Young to write this song that still resonates all this years later.

“Ohio” was also recorded as a CSNY record and it has all the staples: beautiful harmonies, tons of guitars, emotional songs and great songwriting. I have argued that The Beach Boys have the best harmonies but if you think it is CSNY I think that is a fine choice as well.

“Ohio” is both one of Neil Young and CSNYs harder rock songs. You can hear the anger in Young’s voice. This was the end of an age of protest songs in American rock music. Springsteen would produce some years later, R&B would take up the mantle in the 70s and the UK punk scene would produce some in the 80s but looking back, this was the end of an era.

Ohio Lyrics

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 done long ago.
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know? Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done 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.