Oh, there’s a Billy Joel song I thought of, but can’t remember the title. It’s on the live album of his concerts in the Soviet Union, and it’s about the experiences of those who fought in Vietnam. The only lines I remember are:
Probably the best thing Joel’s ever written IMHO.
Tuckerfan, you’re thinking of “Goodnight Saigon.”
Re the OP: You MUST MUST MUST play Paul Simon’s "American Tune."
(I started to try to type out the most apropos lyrics from that song, but then I realized that I’d have to break the no-complete-lyrics rule to do it.)
Black Sabbath’s War Pigs, YEAH!
The song, Tuckerfan, is “Goodnight Saigon” from Nylon Curtain (1982). I recall that when I got the album (or rather my brother did), my English class was reading “Alas Babylon” and a little TV movie entitled “The Day After” came on TV. Between an obsession with the sadness of that song, and those two stories of nuclear war running through my head, the 13-year-old me became morsely depressed for a long time. But I digress. The most obvious Billy Joel tune is “New York State of Mind” (1985), but I’m sure others would be appropriate given his connection to NY.
Since your show is '80s, would you consider “Holding out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler (1984), which appeared on the “Footloose” soundtrack?
I know it’s not exactly an obvious choice, but you might lead into it saying something along these lines… “We never knew there were so many heros walking around among us until that tragic day–from the fire and police men to the hospital workers and even the local restaurants that fed the workers. The generosity of spirit and support that shone through the clouds of smoke and debris answered the questions of this song. Here are the good men…”
I was also reading the lyrics to Phil Collins’ “Against all Odds,” and almost teared up imagining a friend or family memory reciting them to a loved one lost in NY or DC.
Other tunes that might fit:
99 Luftballons, Nena
Lean on Me, Club Nouveau (80s version)
Put a little love in your heart, Annie Lenox
A. Yes, Kate is the goddess. Maybe play “Army Dreamer”?
B. Boiled in Lead’s “Army (Dream Song)”–one of the most poignant antiwar songs I’ve ever heard.
THis morning I found a remake circa 1980s of “Eve of Destruction,” so that version is getting added to the playlist. Also, a local musician and friend wrote a song about her cousin who was in the WTC on 9/11 - she’s yet to be found. That one gets added as well.
I like “New York City”, originally done by a band called Cub, I think, but covered excellently by They Might Be Giants
I know you already have The The’s “Armaggedon Days Are Here Again,” but I have to recommend as a double-shot “Love Is Stronger Than Death” and “Slow Emotion Replay,” off of Dusk (1992). The lyrical relevance is simply eerie; the music, poignant and compelling. I guarantee that if you play those two, you’ll have motorists pulling over to the curb…
Also, although I’ve never been a fan of Bobbie McFerrin, I believe he recorded a wonderful, a cappella rendition of “Ave Maria”.
Good luck with the show!
Sparrow beat me to “Brothers in Arms”.
Manic Street Preachers “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next”.
Jeff Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah” is an absolute tear jerker.
Gomez “We Haven’t Turned Around”.
One to avoid: The Strokes’ “New York City Cops”. Actually, I think this dumped as a single in the US, following 11 September (one line goes “New York City cops, 'aint so smart”).
“Keep On Walking In The Free World” Neil Young
“Defy You” Offspring
“Blow Up The Outside World” Soundgarden
I thought the words at that point in the song are
THREE BLASTS, they took your life, they could not take your pride.
Still kind of appropriate.
There is a Bowie song from the Labyrinth soundtrack called
When the World Falls Down.
“Storm the Embassy” by the Stray Cats.
I think Lennon’s “Imagine,” Dire Straits’ “Brothers in Arms,” and Bowie’s “Heroes” are all capital suggestions. I used the Wallflowers’ version of “Heroes” in a Flash presentation I made about 9/11, and it worked wonders. That’s from the Godzilla soundtrack, if you’re wondering.
My suggestion would be a song that was being played a lot a few months ago, but seemd to have slowed down now, at least where I am – “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting. Had I known of this song before I did my Flash thing, I might well have used it instead… a very moving song in this context.
Also, you might consider Michael Kamen’s “An American Symphony” from Mr. Holland’s Opus. It’s purely instrumental (no vocal), but a very rousing, moving piece. The short version (just over 3 minutes) can be found on the compilation soundtrack, while the longer version (8 and a half minutes) is found on the original score.
Anyway, I hope that helps. It sounds like your playlist is going to be great.
It’s sixties, not eighties, but how about the Hollies’ song, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”.
And excuse me while I kiss this guy… The song is, “Keep on ROCKIN’ in the free world”.
Rock N’ Roll was never really known for its walking metaphors, although Nancy Sinatra’s boots did it, and the Bangles did it like an Egyptian. Patsy Cline did it after midnight, but not with Eric Clapton. And of course, who can forget the blues walking inspired in Robert Johnson?
Nevertheless, it’s ‘Rocking’ in the free world.
Actually, the verse goes:
“A shot rings out in the Memphis sky:
Free at last!
They took your life;
they could not take your pride!”
The live version Tanaqui refers to is from U2’s Rattle and Hum album. At one point in that version, Bono says “for Martin Luther King… sing!”
Your version of the line is actually featured at a couple of those misheard lyrics sites. Don’t feel bad though: I managed to completely overlook the fact that the OP called for 80s songs! :smack:
“New York Minute”, Don Henley.
“Suite Madame Blue”, Styx (it’s all about America losing its innocence)
… and because they did a lovely job with it in one of those Concerts for America, “Livin’ on a Prayer”, Bon Jovi
In this New Yorker’s opinion, although she loves Billy Joel DEARLY, she really does not want to hear “Miami 2017” in conjunction with this. I heard it played on NY radio once we went back to music and I just couldn’t deal. Too much for me, hearing about blowing the Bronx away and all that.
By the goddess herself, Kate Bush: “Hello Earth”
I dunno. It just brings to mind the satellite shots we all saw of Ground Zero. 
I meant “Keep On Rocking In The Free World” - Neil Young
Holy Wars…The Punishment Due - Megadeth
War Ensemble - Slayer
Blitzkrieg Witchcraft (yeah, God really loves his children) - The Crown
Fight Fire with Fire - Metallica
The Enemy - Anthrax
2 Minutes to Midnight - Iron Maiden
Tomorrow Belongs to Nobody - Carcass
Screaming for Vengeance - Judas Priest
Out of Hand - Entombed
Scum - Napalm Death
…That is, if you’re looking for some pick-me-up music.