Part 4/7:
As the 1960s unfolded, the Vietnam War loomed large. Like many young men of his generation, the songwriter received a draft notice in 1966. The anxiety of military service mirrored the sentiments of his peers, contributing to a growing discontent regarding socioeconomic injustice. Many wealthy families managed to secure exemptions for their sons, creating a bitter divide between the privileged and those compelled to serve. This disconnect weighed heavily on him, adding layers to his burgeoning consciousness of political and social issues.