The song tells the true story of five siblings, the Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, who died aboard the USS Juneau in World War II.

[3] Musically, "Sullivan" opens with a galloping bass line before kicking into a full instrumental intro complete with a somber, three-note lead guitar.

The verses maintain a quick tempo and detail the Sullivans' boarding a train and writing to their mother about the war.

A gentle melody and slowing in pace mark the bridge before declaring the Sullivan boys' tragic demise.

As the intensity returns, a third chorus informs Mrs. Sullivan of their death in the same fashion as those prior, suggesting that she "change her Blue Star to Gold."

"Sullivan" was originally written as a stripped down acoustic song in contrast to the full-fledged electric ensemble recorded for the album.