The song was released in 1993 and is featured on their second, full-length studio album, "Dirt." It was written for guitarist Jerry Cantrell's father, who served in the Vietnam War. His nickname was "Rooster." It is unknown where the nickname originated, but there is speculation that it may have been in relation to the 101st Airborne Division, in which Cantrell's father served. The 101st Airborne wore patches on their arms featuring a bald eagle. There are no bald eagles in Vietnam, so the closest thing to which the Vietnamese could reference them was the chicken. They referred to them as "chicken men," which is also referenced in the song.