Story Behind The Song
As I drive from my hotel to the recording studio in Nashville I use, I pass by a national cemetery. Each time I pass, I think of the ultimate sacrifice made by all those American patriots. Given the political climate today, I wondered whether they might have died in vain. That thought gave rise to the song.
Song Description
The song describes a national cemetery and echoes my patriotic thoughts and admiration for all who fought and died. It is my salute to them and my hope and pledge that they did not die in vain.
| Song Length |
3:50 |
Genre |
Unique - Patriotic |
| Tempo |
Very Slow (Under 70) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Subject |
Pride, Determination |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
VERSE
Driving north in Nashville up a rolling hill
I see acres of gravestones uniform and white
And I salute all of them who would fight and die
For everything they believed; for everything that was right
VERSE
Every last one gave their all so all of us could be
Free to seek the American dream with peace and dignity
But now we're losing our freedoms at such a very fast pace
That I can't help but wonder as I look them all in the face...
CHORUS
Did they die in vain when they made that sacrifice?
Did they die in vain when they paid the ultimate price?
How can we allow all they did to be pushed aside
Cast away on a tide of lies? Did they die in vain?
VERSE
I want to visit every grave, make a promise to them all
That when all of this is over, we'll still be standing tall
We may need to make room for a few more stones of white
But no one will have died for nothing, our dreams still shining bright
Repeat CHORUS
BRIDGE
For too long, too many of us have been asleep at the switch
We've got to turn all this around at least for the sake of those to come
Repeat CHORUS
TAG
Once and for all we must assure, they did not die in vain
Words & Music by Don Tomlinson
© 2019 Solid Sterling Music (BMI)
All Rights Reserved.