Meaning of "I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die" by Country Joe And The Fish

"I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die" by Country Joe And The Fish is a powerful protest song that vehemently condemns the war in Vietnam and criticizes the United States government's involvement in it. The lyrics expose the absurdity and senselessness of the war while questioning the motives and decision-making of those in power. By directly calling out "big strong men" and urging them to pick up guns, the song mocks the idea of heroism and glorification of war. It portrays Uncle Sam, symbolizing the government, as having gotten itself into a terrible situation in Vietnam and calls for help from its citizens, indicating an irresponsible and unnecessary war.

The song also targets the generals and military leaders, urging them to move quickly and seize their opportunity, indicating a thirst for power and conquest rather than a genuine desire for peace. It suggests that their goal is to "get those reds," referring to the communists, and reinforces the idea that the only good communist is a dead one. This reflects the anti-communist sentiment prevalent during the Vietnam War era.

Country Joe And The Fish further critique the war by highlighting the financial motivations behind it. They point a finger at Wall Street, accusing them of profiteering from the war effort, emphasizing how there is "plenty good money to be made" by supplying the army with the tools of war. By linking the interests of Wall Street to the continuation of the war, the lyrics expose the corruption and greed that often accompanies conflict.

The lyrics also criticize the parents who send their sons to war, arguing that they are complicit in the cycle of violence. The song encourages fathers to act quickly and not hesitate in sending their sons off to war, mocking the notion of patriotism and sacrifice. It even suggests that being the first one in the neighborhood to have a son come home in a casket is a status symbol, adding an element of derision and irony to the narrative.

Overall, "I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die" conveys a sense of cynicism and fatalism. The repetition of the lines "What are we fighting for? Don't ask me, I don't give a damn" reflects a disillusionment with the war and the belief that its purpose is senseless and absurd. The song's final line, "WHOOPEE we're all gonna die," reinforces the fatalistic perspective that in this war, everyone is destined to die. It serves as a powerful critique of the Vietnam War and the societal issues surrounding it.