Both of my grandfathers were war veterans, and while I never understood the gravity of that concept when they were still alive, I appreciate and try to honor their service now that I’m older. For those of you embarking on Memorial Day vacations this weekend, I’ve compiled a haunting playlist that takes a paranormal perspective on wartime sacrifice.
Admittedly, this is a rather solemn theme for roadtrip music and might not prove quite as fun as listening to your kids’ favorite “Let It Go” on repeat. But Monday’s holiday exists explicitly to remember the many veterans who have fallen, and each of the diverse tunes below memorializes such selflessness. So before you hit the road for your excursion, consider loading up your iPod with these anthems dedicated to Memorial Day ghosts.
“Riding with Private Malone” by David Ball
The song’s narrator wants a cheap yet cool ride but ends up with more than he bargained for when his Corvette comes with the ghost of its previous soldier owner. Fortunately, the spirit of Private Malone is less banshee and more savior when he rescues the new title-holder from a fiery car crash. Sacrifice, even from beyond the grave.
“Camouflage” by Stan Ridgway
With an otherworldly twist ending reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, the sentiment of “Camouflage” rescues it from its dated 80s counterparts and memorializes the enduring strength of those men and women who’ve defended freedom across the centuries.
“The Ghost of General Lee” by Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings’ antiwar requiem, told from the perspective of a fallen Confederate foot soldier during the First Battle of Bull Run, suggests even decades after the last casualty, wars never truly end.
“Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” by Warren Zevon
After fighting on behalf of the Congolese, the eponymous warrior finds himself betrayed by his own government and fellow comrades. Warren Zevon’s trademark songwriting slyness is on full display here as he grants Roland the ability to avenge the double-crossing, albeit sans a noggin.
“Soldier’s Lament for Home/The Ghosts of Fort Washita” by Wayne Cantwell
This instrumental medley blends a sorrowful sound with raucous, toe-tapping fun. The musical prowess of Wayne Cantwell, better known as the Flyin’ Fiddler, harkens back to the heyday of bluegrass, a time when people half-expected a soldier’s spirit to materialize just to enjoy the square-dancing festivities.
“Ghost Soldier Blues” by Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen
A forgotten big band treasure, the only version of this song I could uncover sounded a bit raw, but it’s certainly worth a listen. Released during the Cold War era, “Ghost Soldier Blues” exudes a jazz-heavy and downtrodden longing.
“Love Vigilantes” by New Order
With an old-school club tempo and decisively New Wave style, this 1980s melody deceives you into believing it’s upbeat. But the final verse about a soldier returning home to his wife and child packs a devastatingly macabre sucker punch.
Wherever you readers might roam in the world, I want to wish everyone safe and pleasant wanderings this weekend. Happy haunting!