[4] Reviewing the song, Cash Box commented on the "incredible soft harmony luster" and "delicately composed material.

"[5] Billboard called it "a smooth country-flavored ballad that should prove an even bigger hit on the charts [than 'Woodstock'].

"[6] Stephen Stills gave the song its "country swing", replacing the "Henry VIII" style of Nash's original demo.

The image, which depicts a child with an angry expression holding the toy weapon, prompted Nash to reflect on the societal implications of messages given to children about war and other issues.

In 1994, Crosby, Stills & Nash re-recorded the song with guest vocals from country music artists Suzy Bogguss, Alison Krauss and Kathy Mattea, crediting the recording to "The Red Hots".