One Tin Soldier (1969-74) 8/27/20

Today, we have 3 “Great Song” links to check out! Read on!

When a song charts 5 years in row by 3 different artists in 2 different countries (US & Canada) and becomes iconic because of its use in an extremely popular counter-culture film, I firmly believe it counts as a “Great Song of the '70s.”

The song is “One Tin Soldier,” and the film was 1971's “Billy Jack.” The song is about 2 kingdoms. The Mountain Kingdom has a treasure that is coveted by the Valley Kingdom, who attacks and destroys the Mountain Kingdom only to to find the treasure is “Peace on Earth.”

Although it pre-dated the film, “One Tin Soldier” was the perfect song to add extra impact to the screenplay: A Native American half-breed who is also an ex-Green Beret, Vietnam Vet, and martial arts expert (played by Tom Laughlin) tries to peacefully protect the students and teachers of a counter-culture school in the American Southwest—with violent results.

The original version of the song was by a group called “The Original Caste,” and was a mid-charter in the US (#25) and a Top 10 song (#5) in Canada in late 1969/early 1970.

In 1971, Coven covered the song for the movie soundtrack, and it reached #16 in the US (#22 in Canada).

In 1972, country music star Skeeter Davis took her version to #2 on Canada's Country Chart and #4 on the Canadian Adult Contemporary Chart.

In 1973, the Coven version was back on the charts, charting at #79 in the US, and in 1974, it charted AGAIN in the 70s in both the US and Canada!

The film (and its sequels) certainly helped the popularity of “One Tin Soldier,” but the message was strong on its own ...and any time a song can chart 5 years in a row...by 3 different artists...you know you've got a “Great Song of the '70s” (and 1969) on your hands!

Original Caste:

Coven:

Skeeter Davis: