<Table> <Tr> <Td> "Deeper and Deeper" (1974) </Td> <Td> "Billy Don't Be a Hero" (1974) </Td> <Td> "Who Do You Think You Are" (1974) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> "Deeper and Deeper" (1974) </Td> <Td> "Billy Don't Be a Hero" (1974) </Td> <Td> "Who Do You Think You Are" (1974) </Td> </Tr> <P> "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 . </P> <P> 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 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 . </P>

Who sang billy don't be a hero first