"See The Elephant" by James McMurtry is a song about a young boy who desperately wants to see the elephant at a traveling show in Richmond. He asks his father for permission to go, and even offers to borrow the truck from his uncle Phil to get there. His father eventually agrees, and the boy goes off to see the elephant. The term "see the elephant" originated during the Civil War, when soldiers talked about wanting to see the elephant, meaning to experience the excitement and adventure of battle. In this song, seeing the elephant represents the boy's desire for adventure and something new and exciting in his life. The lyrics also reference the possibility of war by the end of summer and the potential for the boy to be drafted, which adds an extra layer of urgency to his desire to see the elephant. Additionally, the song touches on the idea of growing up and leaving childhood behind, as the boy's little brother is told that he will have his chance to see the elephant someday. Overall, "See The Elephant" is a coming-of-age story about a young boy's desire for adventure and excitement in a time of uncertainty.
