Actually, while Edwin McCain did not actually find the letter, the information from Bob, below is very accurate, and it was written during WWII. As some of you referenced, this song seems to cover the gamut. My father served as a pilot in Vietnam twice, and thank God he returned, but what he saw changed his life. War is so brutal, as are the all too familiar domestic acts of violence this song fits them all. I had a chance to talk to his guitarist about this song, it was clear the importance is not lost on this group. It is one of the first McCain songs I learned to play.
Actually, while Edwin McCain did not actually find the letter, the information from Bob, below is very accurate, and it was written during WWII. As some of you referenced, this song seems to cover the gamut. My father served as a pilot in Vietnam twice, and thank God he returned, but what he saw changed his life. War is so brutal, as are the all too familiar domestic acts of violence this song fits them all. I had a chance to talk to his guitarist about this song, it was clear the importance is not lost on this group. It is one of the first McCain songs I learned to play.