I love John Anderson, and this song is one of his best. When I hear those first three notes from the pedal steel, it just transports me. The steel guitar, for me, is the best part of the sound.
I am impressed that you actually pay attention to the words. Have you ever heard "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" it has an amazing message good in any time. The best is the version by the composer.
You don’t have to be famous and then get old for people to not care about you anymore. Because I’m 68 years old now and my own family doesn’t care if I live or die.