Did you know this Glen Campbell classic was very popular during the Vietnam war because of its reference to a soldier cleaning his gun and daydreaming of his girl back home in Galveston
What a beautiful heartfelt tribute. I was a kid during this war, I remember some young men from our neighborhood didn’t make it back. When I turned 18 & got a cocktail waitress job ( in Wisconsin/drinking age was 18 at the time) the bartender was a 38 year old man, and had been drafted & served . After closing one night, I asked him what he did when he got word he was drafted and what his thoughts were, he replied :”I drank every day until I left , I was terrified! I served & we tried to stay high the whole time I was there . I felt damn lucky to make it home.War is terrible and it irritates me when I see people thinking it’s glamorous somehow , it’s ____ wasteful & terrible..”
Thank you Billy Dean! I grew up during the Vietnam War. I enlisted in 1974 and thankfully didn't go to Vietnam. This song was popular during the war, but to me it was too fast and almost upbeat. But as a soldier, I slowed it down in my mind and would sing it to myself the way Mr. Dean does. Of course, not as beautifully. This is such a gift. As an older soldier now, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My first listen of Billy and this version. I was in the very last Vietnam draft and this song says a great deal to those of us who lived through that time. Billy, your cover is beautiful and inspiring. Thanks.
Wow.. guitar work is beautiful and it s always been a " forever" kind of song. I spend all the time I can at Galveston, as it's s near by..I can really feel and see the things this soldier describes so vividly
One of the most beatiful versions I have ever heard.
Love this version. The tempo that was always intended by Jimmy Webb, super voice and guitar accompaniment.
What a beautiful heartfelt tribute.
I was a kid during this war, I remember some young men from our neighborhood didn’t make it back. When I turned 18 & got a cocktail waitress job ( in Wisconsin/drinking age was 18 at the time)
the bartender was a 38 year old man, and had been drafted & served .
After closing one night, I asked him what he did when he got word he was drafted and what his thoughts were, he replied :”I drank every day until I left , I was terrified!
I served & we tried to stay high the whole time I was there . I felt damn lucky to make it home.War is terrible and it irritates me when I see people thinking it’s glamorous somehow , it’s ____ wasteful & terrible..”
Great story, great guitar pickin', great voice, great song. 👍
Thank you Billy Dean! I grew up during the Vietnam War. I enlisted in 1974 and thankfully didn't go to Vietnam. This song was popular during the war, but to me it was too fast and almost upbeat. But as a soldier, I slowed it down in my mind and would sing it to myself the way Mr. Dean does. Of course, not as beautifully. This is such a gift. As an older soldier now, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jimmy Webb thought the same thing! th-cam.com/video/H8qsYsG3aQY/w-d-xo.html
WOW ! That was incredible ! When an artist can mesmerize an audience with just a guitar and a voice it is magic !!!
My first listen of Billy and this version. I was in the very last Vietnam draft and this song says a great deal to those of us who lived through that time. Billy, your cover is beautiful and inspiring. Thanks.
Beautifully done!
This was a performance at the Starlite Theater in Branson Missouri,2016. TERRIFIC❣
Billy has always had such a great voice and I only discovered how phenomenal his guitar work is a few years ago.
One of the greatest songs ever made!
Beautifully done.
Why so few likes? This guy is insanely good. Goosebumps!
I think he did it too slow
Outstanding version. Very talented performer. Thank you for sharing this - best from the UK
Wow.. guitar work is beautiful and it s always been a " forever" kind of song. I spend all the time I can at Galveston, as it's s near by..I can really feel and see the things this soldier describes so vividly
Thank you and thank you to all our Veterans. Will always hold a special place in my heart for our Vietnam Veterans.
This is great 👍🏼😎
Very Nice.
Thanks. Jimmy Webb is an amazing poet.
The best!
Yea. This is the way I wish i could play and sing it.
Heartfelt as always; thanks Billy.
❤️