Do the words ‘Billy, don’t be a hero’ mean anything to you?

(S01E01)Ross: (scornful) Grab a spoon. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve grabbed a spoon? Do the words ‘Billy, don’t be a hero’ mean anything to you?

When Ross says “Do the words ‘Billy, don’t be a hero’ mean anything to you?” he is making a pop culture reference to a popular song from the 1970s. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” was a hit song by the band Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods, and it was released in 1974. The song tells the story of a soldier named Billy who is urged by his girlfriend to avoid enlisting in the military and fighting in the war. The lyrics include the line “Billy don’t be a hero, don’t be a fool with your life,” which has become a well-known phrase in popular culture.

Ross’s reference to the song “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” does suggest that he is talking about the 1970s, which is when the song was released. By saying “Do the words ‘Billy, don’t be a hero’ mean anything to you?” Ross is implying that it has been a long time since he last grabbed a spoon