It Ain't Hemingway

My all time favorite Young song. A sad and moving story.

“There’s no small controversy over the meaning of this song. Some think it is set during the Civil War, with the attackers being Union soldiers. Others say that the “White Boat” is actually a Coast Guard Cutter, and the family being attacked are involved in drug running or operating an illegal distillation business. (thanks, David – Lilburn, GA)

Young offered this to Lynyrd Skynyrd, but 3 members of the band died in a plane crash before they could record it.”

~songfacts

Here is a beautiful rendition by Cowboy Junkies

Mandolins should be a requirement. lvoe leov love