This has long been one of my very favorite songs because of the emotions it invokes. For me, this song works on a couple of levels. I think the most common one is of losing a close friend or brother in war or otherwise. I first heard this song as a teenager and had never lost a brother or a friend to death. So for me this song became an anthem of friendship. I often think of this song when I part ways with very close friends. This song really captures the loneliness and longing that accompany such a parting, whatever the circumstances (I still see his shadow; his laugh lingers on/When I dream we are back together; when I wake he is gone). Also, it espouses the hope that we will be reunited with our loved ones someday.
In addition to lovely sentiments, this song poses a thought provoking question: “Why do men with so much hate destroy what they cannot create while we all stand by?”
Questions for discussion and comments: