Compelling country-rock ballad inspired by a disillusioned Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD in the late 70's. He was selected in the last draft to see combat. Features a nice dual Strat lead guitar riff and vocals.
alternative
pop
rock
folk
blues
country
political
lead guitar
vietnam
mental health
ptsd
Story behind the song
Never having been in Vietnam, I was going to write the lyrics in the 3rd person, but decided that it was more effective in the first person. It was a very touching account he gave regarding the loss of troop morale in the midst of gruesome scenes, while anti-war protests raged back home. I assumed he was drafted in 1971 or early 72 and saw action just prior to the April '73 cessation of direct US combat involvement. The last verse was written out of my own head, reflecting what I had wished for him.
Lyrics
Back in 1971 I was young and having fun
Just a red-blooded regular guy
Playin' guitar in a local bar
Then by 1974 I'd been drafted into the war
I saw my share of blood and gore
I couldn't take it anymore
Woe the tales that I can tell
Then by 1975 I was just barely alive
Wild eyed and razor thin
They threw me in the luney bin
They hooked electrodes up to my brain
It made me feel like a social stain
Injected me with every drug
I walked the streets like a zombie thug
Oh the tales that I could tell
Branded as a lunatic
I quit the program no longer sick
I hit the road to find a new life
I met a girl and now she's my wife
Went back to school and then found work
I'm in an office with some real nice perks
I still play my guitar on the side
But I gotta say it's been one helluva ride
Woe the tales that I can tell
And now it's a beautiful summer day
A breeze is blowin' through my hair...