Pathos of Dave Dudley's "What We're Fighting For"

Dave Dudley appeals to the emotions of his audience through the optimistic tone and lyrics of the song.  Dudley’s song is representative of a letter that he is writing to his mother from Vietnam.  He appeals to pathos as he requests that the people support the war so that we “protect our shores”.  “Protect our shores” is playing on the audience’s desire to defend their nation from attack.  “Tell them that we're fighting for the old red, white and blue.  Did they forget Pearl Harbor and Korea too” furthers his appeal to pathos as it invokes patriotism and retaliation for past attacks.  The tempo of this song is slow, which helps portray an image of gradually carrying on through tough times.  The reference to “Mama” is also an appeal to pathos.  “Mama” is a symbol of the love, strength, and support needed to soldier through the tough times.  Dudley’s appeal to the audience’s emotion helps rally support for the troops fighting in Vietnam. 

Kyle Strouth