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