I struggled with this song for over 40 years. The process caused much angst. I knew what I wanted to do with it, I just had the hardest time getting it right. I think about the comparison of writing Wonder is the Pilot in 45 minutes and the 40 years it took to get Baby Come Tonight finished. It was originally titled Fit to Fight. The song is about a soldier who has returned from the battlefield, traumatized by terrifying close combat and by the relationship struggles with his gal. The opening riff and drums are intended to musically evoke the feeling of being under fire as the enemy is approaching, closer and closer, culminating in a near direct explosive hit. The song then transitions to a soft acoustic riff with emotive electric guitar accents to set the tone for this day in his life - trying to find and reconcile with his gal. He deals with his reality and his deep heart wrenching hallucinations about what could be. There is no chorus or hook in the song. It just tells a story.
Below are images of the original composition written in pencil.