Lyrics
TO SUSAN ON THE WEST COAST WAITING
Introduction to the addressee, Susan, on the West Coast who is waiting.
Donovan
Indication of the artist, Donovan, as the sender of the message.
Dear Susan, I know you love me so
Expression of knowledge about Susan's love, with a desire to hear it directly.
But I want to hear it in my ear.
Expressing the desire to receive verbal affirmation of Susan's love.
You know I'd be there working at my craft
Acknowledgment of a commitment to work on his craft, disrupted by the draft.
Had it not been for the draft.
Reference to being unable to fulfill the commitment due to military conscription.
Dry up your tear and feel no fear,
Encouragement to Susan to stop crying and not be afraid.
You're here with me like I'm there with you.
Assurance that Susan is mentally present with him despite physical separation.
To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
Reiteration of the message to Susan, emphasizing the sender Andy being in Vietnam fighting.
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-I'm writing a note beneath a tree,
Description of the act of writing a note beneath a tree, possibly a letter or communication.
The smell of the rain on the greenery.
Sensory detail of rain on the greenery, setting the scene for the note-writing.
Our fathers have painfully lost their way,
Recognition that previous generations (fathers) have faced difficulties.
That's why, my love, I'm here today
Declaration of love and the reason for being present despite challenges.
Hear me when I say there will come a day
Assurance that a better future will come, anticipating a day of understanding.
When Kings will know and love can grow.
Expression of hope for a time when leaders (Kings) will understand, and love will thrive.
To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
Repetition of the message to Susan, emphasizing Andy's location in Vietnam.
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-Susan, I know you love me so
Reiteration of Susan's love, the impact of the draft on Andy's plans, and the emotional connection.
But I'd like to hear it in my ear.
-You know I'd be there working at my craft
-Had it not been for the draft.
-Dry up your tear and feel no fear,
-You're here with me like I'm there with you.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
Continued repetition of the message, with a mention of Andy supposedly hating, adding complexity to emotions.
From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy supposedly hating.
-To Susan on the West Coast waiting,
-From Andy in Vietnam fighting.
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