To Susan on the West Coast Waiting

Song Meaning

This song paints a stark picture of separation, with the narrator, Andy, writing to Susan from the front lines of Vietnam. He acknowledges her love but longs for verbal reassurance, a stark contrast to the silence and fear of his current reality. The lyrics immediately establish a sense of distance and longing, amplified by the knowledge that Andy's presence with Susan is purely imagined, a mental escape from the brutal circumstances of war. The opening lines highlight the disconnect between Susan's love and Andy's need for direct affirmation, a need that cannot be met across the miles and the conflict. The central tension lies in the forced separation caused by the Vietnam War, explicitly mentioned as "the draft." Andy expresses a desire to be home, pursuing his "craft," but is instead "fighting." This creates a poignant conflict between his personal aspirations and his wartime duty. The repeated chorus, "To Susan on the west coast waiting / From Andy in Vietnam fighting," acts as a constant, almost desperate, refrain, underscoring the vast geographical and emotional chasm between them. It's a message sent across a battlefield, a lifeline of connection in a place of profound disconnection. The lyrics' power is amplified by the simple yet effective imagery and the hopeful, albeit fragile, vision of the future. Andy finds solace in nature, "writing a note beneath a tree" amidst "the smell of the rain on the greenery." This natural setting contrasts sharply with the implied violence of his environment. He then pivots to a broader, almost prophetic statement about "kings" and "love" growing, suggesting a desire for a world free from the conflicts that separate him from Susan. This hopeful outlook, juxtaposed with his immediate reality, makes his plea for Susan to "feel no fear" and believe "You're here with me like I'm there with you" incredibly moving.