Ok, first of all, I'm not quite the musician that I may have lead everyone to think I am. I play mostly by ear and know very little music theory, although I do understand what you are asking me. In fact, thanks for asking me this question because it tends to make me stretch my music knowledge, and that is always good. I looked up the tab and lyrics for the song and watched the video about three times through while trying to go back and forth, reading the tab and lyrics while watching the video. Not an easy thing to do but it really opened my eyes to this song and this group.

First of all, I just love this video and this song. It is so touching and so moving. And I can see what you mean about when all the sus and minor chords come in. It is always during the verses, and the major chords dominate the chorus. I'm not sure if the writer had what you said in mind when he wrote the song, but it sure comes out that way doesn't it? AND it just sounds like he is agonizing over his separation from his son when it goes from the verses to the chorus. The major chords make such a powerful statement right along with the powerful lyrics. Whatever the writer had in mind, one thing is certain, this is a powerful song and it makes a heart-felt statement about divorce and what it can do to both children and adults. I wonder if he is writing from personal experience? It sure looks like he might be. This video puts tears in my eyes every time I see it now.