I think this song references the Spanish Flu pandemic that swept the planet in 1918. This was a form of the H1N1 virus that was particularly virulent among young, healthy people and was fatal for 10-20% of the people who contracted the illness. So when he talks about 1917, one year, the doctor, praying to St. Veronica, etc-- he hopes to see his love in one year, but it's not to be, they are separated forever. So, yeah, get your flu shots, kids! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1918_flu_pandemic
I think this song references the Spanish Flu pandemic that swept the planet in 1918. This was a form of the H1N1 virus that was particularly virulent among young, healthy people and was fatal for 10-20% of the people who contracted the illness. So when he talks about 1917, one year, the doctor, praying to St. Veronica, etc-- he hopes to see his love in one year, but it's not to be, they are separated forever. So, yeah, get your flu shots, kids! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1918_flu_pandemic