Ohio
Neil Young with Crosby Stills & Nash Lyrics


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Tin soldiers and Nixon's coming
We're finally on our own
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio

Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done long ago
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground?
How can you run when you know?

Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done long ago
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?

Tin soldiers and Nixon's coming
We're finally on our own
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio
Four dead in Ohio (four dead)
Four dead in Ohio (four)
Four dead in Ohio
Four dead in Ohio (how many more?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (oh)
Four dead in Ohio (oh)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio (why?)




Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Four dead in Ohio

Overall Meaning

Neil Young's song "Ohio" was released in 1970 as a reaction to the Kent State shootings on May 4th, 1970. The song serves as a protest to the events that occurred and the government's handling. The title of the song refers to the state in which the tragic shooting occurred, and its lyrics convey a sense of sadness and anger towards the political unrest of the time. The phrase "tin soldiers" refers to the National Guard, who were responsible for the shooting, while "Nixon's coming" refers to President Nixon's administration who were responsible for escalating the situation.


The song's chorus of "Four Dead in Ohio" is a direct reference to the four students who were killed, all of who were unarmed and protesting against the Vietnam War. The lines "Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down" convey a sense of urgency and helplessness in the face of the brutality of the National Guard. The song also illustrates the shock and confusion of the students who had been standing up for their beliefs, and the sense of injustice felt by many in the aftermath of the tragedy.


Neil Young's "Ohio" was widely regarded as one of the most powerful protest songs of the era, and it remains a poignant anthem for those who still rally against injustice, war, and governmental oppression.


Line by Line Meaning

Tin soldiers and Nixon's coming
Refers to the National Guard troops sent by President Nixon to Kent State University


We're finally on our own
Kent State students were left to fend for themselves as they protested the Vietnam War


This summer I hear the drumming
The beat of war is approaching, referring to the escalation of the Vietnam War


Four dead in Ohio
Four students were killed by National Guard troops at Kent State University during a protest against the Vietnam War


Gotta get down to it
There is a need to take action against the violence being perpetrated by the National Guard


Soldiers are cutting us down
Refers to the actual violence being inflicted on the students by the National Guard


Should have been done long ago
The protests against the Vietnam War should have already made a significant impact by now


What if you knew her
Asking the listener to imagine knowing one of the victims personally


And found her dead on the ground?
Painting a vivid picture of the tragedy of violent deaths


How can you run when you know?
Reflecting on how anyone can turn a blind eye to the violence and injustice happening around them


Four dead in Ohio (four dead)
Repeated reference to the four victims to emphasize the tragedy


Four dead in Ohio (four)
Continuation of the repetition to emphasize the tragedy


Four dead in Ohio (how many more?)
Rhetorical question asking how many more people have to die before change happens


Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Questioning the senseless violence that led to four students being killed


Four dead in Ohio (oh)
Emotional expression of grief


Four dead in Ohio (oh)
Continuation of the emotional expression of grief


Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Repeating the questioning of the senseless violence


Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Continuing the questioning of the senseless violence


Four dead in Ohio (why?)
Final questioning of the senseless violence




Lyrics © Broken Arrow Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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