[Verse 1]
I noticed how the leaves have changed
It’s come to wintertime
I saw a bit of news today
I thought maybe I would drop a line
Brother, how was the war?

[Verse 2]
I heard you met a woman there
I hope she makes you smile
All the shots they show of Vietnam
I swear I see your face once in a while
Brother, how was the war?

[Bridge 1]
Did you get over?
Did you find what you were looking for?

[Verse 3]
She asks me all the time
She says, “Is he still alive?”
I remember all the games we'd play
You'd jump, you’d run, you'd seek, you'd never hide
Brother, how was the war?

[Bridge 2]
Did you stay sober?
Did you find what you were looking for?
Brother, how was the war?
[Chorus 1]
The days get so long in here
You wonder what you’ve lost and sold
All the bullshit passes year to year
Brother, did we get older?

[Post-Chorus]
I see the draft committee signs
McCarthy says we're winning hearts and minds
But your 4F brother just hopes you make it back alive

[Verse 3]
I know I haven't written much
I'm doing okay, I guess
They say I make parole in sixteen weeks
I don't know, I'll try my best
Brother, how was the war?

[Chorus 2]
The days get so long in here
You wonder what you’ve lost and sold
All the bullshit passes year to year
Brother, did we get older on the day the war had begun?
When were we ever young?