Billy Don't Be a Hero blue, and "riding out" (cavalry) refer to the American Civil War. However the drum beat and cavalry "riding out" is not specific to the American Civil War, and blue uniforms were common in the 19th century. That being said, Paper Lace themselves performed the song on "Top of the Pops" wearing Union-style uniforms, as can be seen on YouTube. A young woman is distraught that her fiancé chooses to enlist with Army recruiters passing through the town, causing her to implore him: The song goes on to describe how Billy is killed in action in a pitched battle after volunteering
A Million and One A Million and One "A Million and One" is a song written by Yvonne Devaney, which was a hit single for Billy Walker, Dean Martin, and Vic Dana in 1966. "A Million and One" was first released by Billy Walker, in late May 1966. Walker's version reached No. 2 on "Billboard"s Hot Country Singles chart. Dean Martin's version spent 7 weeks on the "Billboard" Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 41, while reaching No. 4 on "Billboard"s Easy Listening chart. In Canada, Martin's version reached No. 64 on the "RPM" 100 and No. 23 on the CHUM Hit Parade. Dean