The history and politics of the English protest song

1968

Sky Pilot

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Eric Burdon & The Animals
Composer: Eric Burdon & The Animals

The promotional video makes brutally clear the song’s message. A priest – the Sky Pilot – is seen blessing soldiers destined for Vietnam, and then turns to bless two Nazi soldiers. The song’s cheery chorus sugar coats the condemnation of the Church’s hypocrisy (‘he’s a good holy man’) in condoning the war in Vietnam

Cause: Anti-militarist | Anti-clerical
Theme: War and Peace
Addressed to: Clergy
Target of Protest: Clergy | War
Proposal/Solution: Honesty