"charlie" is actually smith's childhood step-father who was a pervading source of strife and pent-up resentment in his life. smith had suspicions that charlie may have physically (or sexually) abused him as a child. whatever the case, charlie was a very dark force in his life. this song was written (i believe) after charlie sent a letter to elliott saying he was a changed man and apologizing for the abuse (though he denied the sexual abuse). i believe this song was elliott's small way of forgiving him.
"charlie" is actually smith's childhood step-father who was a pervading source of strife and pent-up resentment in his life. smith had suspicions that charlie may have physically (or sexually) abused him as a child. whatever the case, charlie was a very dark force in his life. this song was written (i believe) after charlie sent a letter to elliott saying he was a changed man and apologizing for the abuse (though he denied the sexual abuse). i believe this song was elliott's small way of forgiving him.