The 'Enola Gay' was the name of the plane that dropped the 1st atomic bomb on Hiroshima. It was named after the pilot's mother, Enola Gay. The main pilot's name was Paul Tibbetts. He is still alive and makes very rare appearances. He wrote a book that is out of print about his experiences.

The bomb was dropped at 8:15am in the morning.

I always thought how strange it must have felt to have your son honor you by naming his plane after you, and also having the knowledge and weight of what the purpose of the plane was...it's mission and legacy. Bittersweet. I feel for Paul Tibbetts who was following orders. How strange to carry out such a transforming mission and trust in the decision makers. I am not interested in making a political statement about atomic bombs...i am more interested in exploring the humanity and emotions of those who were in the strangest of all postitions.

The only historical mistake I think I made in writing this song is that I found out Paul only had two kids...and I sang "He brought back 3 kids, and a wife". If I ever re-record it, maybe I'll change it? Or maybe I'll wait to see who even notices.

Sydney


Lyrics for "Miss Enola Gay"
Come take the boots off your feet
Would you like something to eat?
Unlace the thoughts in your head
I've fixed up your childhood bed

Do you remember when you were a boy?
On the first day of school they took your favorite toy
And I wiped all the tears from your face
And said a good little soldier must be strong and brave

My little boy dropped off on the corner at 8:15
The school bus picked up my son all neat and clean
I took you to church and taught you to behave
And they all said, you've done a fine job
Miss Enola Gay

Seems when you came back home that afternoon
You had graduated college and left all too soon
And you brought back three kids and a wife
And carried their pictures with a familiar pride

And you grew into big soldiers clothes
And followed the leader into the unknown
You believed in the U.S. of A.
And you always would call on Christmas day

My little boy dropped off on the corner at 8:15
The school bus picked up my son all neat and clean
I took you to church and taught you to behave
They all said, you've a fine boy
Miss Enola Gay

But you cried mama, mama please...
Help me decide
Mama, please help me
Mama, please help me
Be a good little soldier

Saw your name in the paper today
You looking more like your father with that slight touch of gray
They said you're a hero and put a medal on your chest
But I still remember when you fit underneath my breast

So I unlaced the shoes on my feet
And fixed my self something to eat
And I sat in my chair for a while
And I closed my eyes with a half-hearted smile
It's been a hard day
Miss Enola Gay