[Flycatcher]

Too bad John Phillips was such a sicko in real life.

Yes, and it’s reflected in a couple of verses in this song too. In one verse, he sings: “Got down on my knees, and began to pray” and the chorus follows with “I pretend to pray.” That always bugged me a little.

The other problematic verse goes: “If I didn’t tell her, I could leave today…” So I guess he’s contemplating abandoning his girlfriend/wife. For better weather? Really.

Not surprised at all the lyrics were penned by him.

[sit-rep]

I always related that song to the Vietnam war and a soldier thinking of home...

I guess I was way off...

[BlueLancer]

In one verse, he sings: “Got down on my knees, and began to pray” and the chorus follows with “I pretend to pray.”

For all these years, I honestly thought the chorus was "I began to pray" ... all of the chorus repeats are fairly direct quotes from what the lead singer has said.