About the song

Background:

  • Released in January 1966 by Decca Records [Wikipedia].
  • Loretta Lynn’s second self-penned song to chart, following “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl” in 1960 [Wikipedia].
  • Became her seventh top ten hit and her first significant songwriting success [uDiscover Music].

Significance:

  • One of the first country songs to address the Vietnam War [uDiscover Music].
  • Showcased Loretta Lynn’s willingness to push boundaries with her music [uDiscover Music].

Themes:

The song is written from the perspective of a wife whose husband has been drafted into the Vietnam War. The lyrics express her anxieties and frustrations with the situation:

  • Fear for her husband’s safety
  • Anger towards the government (“Uncle Sam”) for sending him to war
  • Pining for normalcy and a life together

Video

Lyrics

Dear Uncle Sam I know you’re a busy manAnd tonight I write to you through tears with a trembling handMy darling answered when he got that call from youYou said you really need him but you don’t need him like I doDon’t misunderstand I know he’s fighting for our landI really love my country but I also love my manHe proudly wears the colors of the old red white and blueWhile I wear a heartache since he left me for you[ trumpet ]Dear Uncle Sam I just got your telegramAnd I can’t believe that this is me shaking like I amFor it said I’m sorry to inform you

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