Billy Don't Be a Hero Billy Don't Be a Hero "Billy Don't Be a Hero" is a 1974 pop song that was first a UK hit for Paper Lace and then, some months later, a US hit for Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods. The song was written and composed by two British songwriters, Mitch Murray and Peter Callander. Because the song was released in 1974, it was associated by some listeners with the Vietnam War, though the war to which it actually refers is never identified in the lyrics. It has been suggested that the drum pattern, references to a marching band leading soldiers in
One Voice (Billy Gilman song) bridge, is a similar take on the line of the song. US CD single UK CD single "One Voice" debuted at number 71 on "Billboard"s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the chart week of May 27, 2000. When the song became a top 40 hit, Gilman became the youngest artist to chart a top 40 country hit, edging out Brenda Lee to become the youngest person to ever have a song on the country singles chart. The song also became a top 40 hit on the "Billboard" Hot 100 chart, reaching number 38. One Voice (Billy Gilman song)