Literary Elements, And Historical Impact Of The Song Ohio By Neil Young

This paper discusses the importance, literary elements, and historical impact of the song “Ohio” written by Neil Young and recorded by the rock group Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. The song responds to the May 4, 1970, Kent State massacre, the killing of four students in a protest rally against President Nixon. The paper also goes on to discuss the song’s logos, pathos, and ethos appeals, as well as the message conveyed by the lyrics and accompanying instrumentation. “Ohio” is deemed one of the greatest anti-war protest songs and not only does it protest the war but exemplifies the horrifying deaths of four students who were only exercising their rights of the United States Constitution.
Keywords: Kent State, Neil Young, Ohio, protest, anti-war

26-30). At eleven thirty General Canterbury arrived on the Commons, saw the crowd forming, and ordered Lieutenant Colonel Charles Fassinger to have the Guardsmen break up the rally. Shortly before noon, the students were still peaceful, and there was little activity at the rally. At approximately 11:55 a.m. a Kent State patrolman, escorted by three Guardsmen, was driven around the Commons to announce through a bullhorn that the assembly was unlawful, and ordered the students to disperse. The announcement enraged the crowd and students began to throw rocks at the announcer. For several minutes the Guardsmen fired tear gas into the crowd. The rock throwing and cursing contunued. At 12:24 p.m. the troops suddenly turned about-face, lifted their rigles to their shoulders, and opened fire into the crowd of students (Gordan, 1990, p.

When you saw the picture of the girl kneeling over the kid dead on the ground after Kent State, you were horrified, right? You said, how can they shoot somebody’s child for doing what the Constitution says they have the right to do? How can they do that? How can this happen? Well, we feel the same way…(“Ohio”, analysis).
The 1970’s was an era that conveyed peace. It was beautifully written and composed to express that peace should be among countries and within our own country. In the fade towards the end of the song, Crosby can be heard deploring “Four, why? Why did they die?” and “How many more” (Ohio, youtube.com). With the steady vocal level, the song is showing the importance of each line and in the fade showing sympathy towards the victims. The music behind the lyrics is simple and straight to the point. When “Ohio” was recorded, they used drums and a guitar. The instruments themselves intertwined well with the lyrics, to make sure that neither overpowered each other. The song was recorded in less than five takes. From the beginning, “Ohio”, was not complicated to write or record, but was packed full of important messages and from a standpoint that so many Americans