. . . were both inspired to write songs about the horrific events of 40 years ago today: the Kent State Massacre (and the less-noted killings at Jackson State in Mississippi).

Ohio (Neil Young)

Tin soldiers and Nixon 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?


Jackson-Kent Blues (Steve Miller)

I was down in Nashville just payin' my dues
Headed for Ohio when I read the news
'Bout the people demonstrating 'gainst the President's views
Four were shot down by the National Guard troops

Just like Uncle Sam I put on my fighting shoes
School shut down 'cause there's no more to lose
Now we're headed to D.C. two by twos
Got those low down, profound, killin' four blues

Lookin' for my Congressman to make it well known
But the politicians already won't answer his telephone
Making it in his office while they're shooting kids down at home
Worried about the voters but he won't be worried long

Silent majority still glued to the tube
Say CIA ain't lookin', FBI come unglued
Shot some more in Jackson just to show the world what they can do
While we're marching to D.C. 'cause there's too much to do

Give peace a chance
Give peace a chance
There's no turning back, my friend
There's no turning back

When the President said that the tear gas is gone
The army's pulled out leavin' blood on the ground
The streets are empty and the crying's died down
You can be President if no one's around

Just like Kow Kow, you've heard it before
Get back, Gangster, don't you open that door
Space Cowboy's back to tell you the score
Nothing any good is gonna come from a war
Got those low down, profound, killin' four blues

Give peace a chance
Give peace a chance
Give peace a chance

That's some fancy pageant walking Joey (in your personal photo) !!

Chicago did a song on the even as well.