Behind the Meaning of John Prine’s “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore”

John Prine had several songs that protested the Vietnam War. A veteran himself, Prine knew the trials that come along with military service. In “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore,” Prine uses his trademarked humor to comment on the significant loss of life during that conflict. Uncover the meaning behind this song, below.

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Behind the Meaning of John Prine’s “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore”

While digesting Reader’s Digest in the back of a dirty book store

A plastic flag with gum on the back fell out on the floor

Well, I picked it up and I ran outside and slapped it on my window shield

And if I could see ol’ Betsy Ross, I’d tell her how good I feel

Following his service, Prine worked as a mail courier. The opening lines in this song were inspired by one of his mail routes. Prine describes finding a small flag decal in Reader’s Digest. Despite taking it and strapping it onto his car as a vote of patriotism, Prine reveals an uncomfortable truth.

But your flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore

They’re already overcrowded from your dirty little war

Now Jesus don’t like killin’, no matter what the reason’s for

And your flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore

Prine says, though you can support the troops by hanging up flags, at the end of the day men and women are being sent off to die overseas. He calls heaven “Overcrowded,” pointing a finger at the Vietnam War’s high death toll.

Prine had a knack for making the listener revel in something they likely didn’t want to hear. He had an airiness to his lyricism that made even the harshest of sentiments go down easy. This song is no exception.

Revisit the song, below.

(Photo by Tony Russell/Redferns/Getty Images)