Music Monday: Jinx Dawson, Coven and “One Tin Soldier”
Posted By RichC on December 29, 2025
The 1971 recording of the song “One Tin Soldier” sung by Jinx Dawson, lead vocalist of Coven, is my pick for today’s Music Monday. It triggered some of last year’s book reading on “Kent State: An American Tragedy” and my post in TheHustings. For 
those living through the Vietnam and military draft era, music was a common thread. Some songs were a bit more patriotic and celebrated heroes, but the vast majority were resistant to U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.
| Jinx Dawson – Coven “One Tin Solder” | 1971 |
This particular song was featured in the counterculture Native American-Western film by Tom McLaughlin — “Billy Jack.”
Plot Overview
Billy Jack lives near a remote desert community and becomes involved with a progressive “Freedom School,” a place for runaways and youth led by Jean Roberts (Delores Taylor). Although the school preaches pacifism and creative expression, it draws hostility from the town’s residents and political leaders.
Tensions escalate when local youths harass and attack the school’s students, prompting Billy Jack to defend them with his hapkido skills. The conflict intensifies with harassment, violence, and tragedy, including assault, racial antagonism, and murder. Billy reacts with decisive force, even killing in defense of others, which leads to a dramatic standoff with law enforcement. Eventually he bargains his surrender on conditions protecting the school’s future.
Themes and Reception
The film blends counterculture themes—anti-establishment sentiment, racial injustice, and youth idealism—with vigilante justice. Critics noted the tension between its message of peace and its frequent violence. It became a cult hit, particularly among younger audiences, and was a significant independent box-office success despite mixed critical reviews.
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