My Son (song)

"My Son"
Single by Jan Howard
from the album Jan Howard
B-side	"The Tip of My Fingers"
Released	November 1968 (1968-11)
Recorded	October 4, 1968
Genre	Country Nashville Sound [1]
Length	2:46
Label	Decca
Songwriter(s)	Jan Howard
Producer(s)	Owen Bradley
Jan Howard singles chronology
"I Still Believe in Love" (1968) "My Son" (1968) "When We Tried" (1969)

"My Son" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Jan Howard. It is among several songs recorded by country artists during this period that related to the Vietnam War. The song is based on a letter Howard wrote to her son, Jimmy, who was drafted into the war. After writing the letter, she was inspired by family and friends to put it to music. Recording the song in a single take, it was released as a single in 1968.

Howard sent the song to her son in 1968 after its release. Before he could write back, he was killed in battle. At the same time, "My Son" became a commercial success on the US country chart. The recording later appeared on Howard's 1969 self-titled studio album. Since its release, "My Son" has been considered among Howard's signature songs. In later years, the song also has also been featured in documentaries that discuss the Vietnam War.