The feelings (deep and profound romantic friendships) that American men might have had for each other during the Second World War had no widespread precedent for years, not since the culture had begun inducing such anxiety about same-sex genuine affection. Combat, actual or potential, gave to men's wartime relationships a peculiar intensity and tenderness that was no doubt as common in the war as it was rare in civilian life. No wonder that popular singer Kate Smith reported that one of the most requested songs during her many visits to troops overseas was "My Buddy", a sweet and mournful song to an absent love:
"Nights are long since you went away
I think about you all through the day
Miss your voice, the touch of your hand
I long to know that you'll understand
My buddy, my buddy
Your buddy misses you."
Exceptional (and very unique) in its own fashion, has there been anything in American popular music quite like "My Buddy" since the war? Any other mainstream song primarily imagined as being sung man-to-man --- other than son to father or vice versa --- that so directly expresses affection?
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