Tim McGraw.
“If You’re Reading This.”
As performed on the 2007 ACM Awards.
Press Play. Then Play Again.
Update:
Now that it’s been released officially as a single, let me add a few words and a grade. The song says it all for me, but what a beautiful tribute to those who serve, and to those who serve a higher power in the process. It joins the ranks of Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier” and Dolly Parton’s “Welcome Home” in my very own pantheon of favorite soldier songs. He’s done a great honor giving voice to our men and women in uniform, and the families that love them. As the comments prove, the comfort that this song provides is immeasurable. It’s a masterpiece from the genre’s most consistent and consistently surprising superstar.
Grade: A+
Listen: If You’re Reading This
This song I Love I work at Fort Plok LA I train the soilders before they go to war I am fully dedicated to them we have has several 509 boys we lost it pulls at your Heart string so when I hear a song like this by Tim Mcgraw I didn’t have a dry eye for hours Because we are side beside the troops 14-16 hours a day and night .GOD BLESS THE SONG WRITER AND TIM MCGRAW GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND ALL WHO TRULY SUPPORT THEM NOT ONLY BY WORDS BUT BY DEEDS WHO SEND CARE PACKAGES THERE LATRICIA MERCHANT MERCHANTGRAND6@AOL.COM
So, what’s the plan here? Is this going to radio? It’s not on the album Tim just released. Tim and Faith just sent “I Need You” to radio and Faith just released “Alone.” All three are good songs, but I can’t imagine that all three will get played concurrently.
Wow, the impact of this song didn’t hit me while I watching the show, I guess I was too occupied with writing, but…just wow. Thanks for hunting it down and posting it.
For Tim McGraw
Thank you for “If You’re Reading This”.
My son was KIA 21 June 2006, Afghanistan. I sit sobbing when I hear you sing this song.
There was not a last letter. I know he felt it would be “bad luck”. He always believed if we held faith, nothing bad would happen. Patrick always promised to come home safe.
Patrick was not married, but engaged. There are no grandchildren. Most tragic is his younger brother who has special needs. Patrick was determined to return to our small rural Wisconsin community, provide guardianship and continuity of care of his brother when the time came. A terroist bullet took so much from us.
I am left memories of a cherished little boy who grew into a man determined to serve and defend America.
I know my son denied his own risk, he refused to ever be intimidated. The night of his death I am told He faced the enemy and gave not one inch.
As a Mom I ache for that last letter, last words, last opportunity denied me to hold him close in my arms.
Thank you Tim for what I am going to feel is “the last letter” from my son I never received.
Mother of SSG Patrick Lee Lybert
KIA 21 June 2006
3-71 CAV 10th MTN DIV (Recon)
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Tim for this song. I have been in the US Military for fifteen years and have most recently served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This song will always sit very close to my heart as we all have lost brothers and sisters out there. Tim, it’s a nice tribute to all that have to endure the loss associated with our chosen occupation. Thanks.
BCW
So Sorry for your Loss Mom of SSG PATRICK LEE LYBERT
Saw it on the acm awards…..SINCE THEN trying to find the replay I checked youtube last weekend……I’m glad it’s available now…
I cry thinking about this song…VERY Moving….I hits home to all of us..mostly those who have lost a family member….My son’s been in Baghdad for 4 months now…he mentioned such a letter he was going to write to me before he left and once he got over there……..when I heard this song it reminded me of what my Son said to me…..I try EVERYDAY to keep the faith..try to up for him…but it’s hard for me being a Mom….some dayz are just too tough….like today 5-23-07…Thanks for the song Tim & the Warren Bros..it should make us all here in the US stop and take notice…God Bless Our US Soliders!! Pray for them ALL to Come Home ASAP!
Thank you for such a beatiful song…. It gives so many people something to relate to…My Brother is US Marine and has been to Iraq 3 times…. I thank the Dear Lord that he has made it home each time. I continue to pray for all of our brothers, sister, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, family and friends that are still out thier fighting this war, and also the ones who are already home, weither it be thier resting place or the place they rest thier head for the night…. This war has changed so many lives…not always good…for all of these I pray.. Thanks again for such a touching song… God bless you…
Such This could be a great opportunity to help families of servicmen and women who’ve died or been injured in the current conflicts.
I run a Country music reviews site, and we’re so taken by Tim McGraw’s song that we’ve launched a campaign to have it released as a charity single.
It’s a simple on screen poll, there are no catches, no spyware, and with a little luck, it’ll help persuade Tim M and his people to get the song out there to raise funds for families.
PLEASE: if you like the song, and think it’s a good idea, check out the site and this page specifically.
http://www.coquet-shack.com/cmr-M/McGraw-Tim/If-Youre-Reading…
Thank you to the writers of this song! My husband served in IRAQ for 15 months he is home now. But this song just touches my soul for the friends we lost.
This song has touched my heart. As a spouse of an active duty Air Force member, I always fear that letter home telling me “if you’re reading this…” I know that my husband has written one of these letters and every time he deploys he takes it with him. I am in total living fear of his next deployment as it will be his last (he will be retiring soon after he is supposed to come home from his next deployment). Thank you so much Tim McGraw for bringing life to the words that so many of us have to read. It is truly a moving song and I have cried everytime I have heard it on the net.
Thank you so much for this song. My husband is currently serving with the US Army in Iraq as a platoon seargent. He is a former Marine who retired early with a back injury but was able to enlist in the Army and deployed in August 2006 to Iraq.
His main goal is to get all of his soldiers home safely so no family member will have to read a letter like this. My heart goes out to every one of the families who have lost a loved one overseas.
Our 7 year anniversary is May 30th and although we won’t be together, we will be in each other’s hearts.
This song is the BEST!!!!!! It SHOULD be on his 2007 CD, but its NOT! What a great song that touches HOME to everyone. My father fought in the Vietnam and cousin, JOSH EDWARDS is in Iraq & lots of friends. GOD BLESS YOU GUYS AND ALL THAT ARE FIGHTING TO END THE WAR ON TERRORISM! Thank you to the songwriter and Tim for performing such a True song. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
My son Glenn lost his daddy in the war 2 and a half years ago. This song really hit hard. This is Glenn’s new favorite song and I want to personally give my thanks to any member of the military and especially to the families of all the members who have made the biggest sacrifice for our country. I am a Tim McGraw fan myself and my son Glenn is the biggest 9 and a half year old Tim McGraw fan you would ever meet. This made the song just that much more meaningful to him. If anyone wants to say anything to my boy, please go to kevinluna.memory-of.com. Thank You
My family has had a lot in the militairy and and lost one we support them all the way. Bless them always and keep them safe.
I saw Tim’s performance and it was breath taking. You could tell he felt every word that has was saying. the fact that he was in all black singing on a blacked out stage was so much more moving then if he had a movie screen with images on it. Then when the lights came on and the families of fallen heros were standing there it brought tears to my eyes, I am a single mom raising a two year old little girl and seeing the children sitting there was the most moving part to me. I just thought they will never see there mommy or there daddy again, and some have never met them at all. GOD BLESS OUR TROUPS AND BRING THEM ALL HOME SO NO ONE ELSE EVER HAS TO READ ONE OF THOSE LETTERS AGAIN.
Once again something moves the heart of Americans:to stand,and sing with pride:to give thanks and gratitude for the active duty and for the sacrifices made of those who don’t come home to be hugged and welcomed back. Every single loss is a great loss to ALL Americans. Let the politicians continue to blow their own hot air..reguardless of your stance on “The War” the individual soldiers need to hear, and feel our gratefull support.. They are making sacrifices for all of us. They leave their homes and families and do what we can not, but what needs to be done for us and future generations. There are too many who take their sacrifices for granted…We all need to thank any and all who serve in the US Military. Tim’s song is a beautiful gift, a recognition for those who don’t make it home, as we all learn and sing his song, we honor our Troops,
and when you listen to the words, who can’t help but think of someone they have loved and lost? Thank you Tim for giving words to the emotions of our hearts. God Bless you and God Bless and keep our Troops….Jan
I woke up with this song playing over the radio, and it just bought tears to my eyes.
Thank You to our soldiers and their families- YOU ARE THE GREATEST.
This is the most powerful song and performance I have ever heard or seen. It’s beyond a number one hit, to that of something historic. Absolutely beautiful. This song should be a wake up call to decision makers who decide the fate of the service members of our country.
My brother is in the United States Army and this song means a great deal to me. What the soldiers do and what they stand for is really honored by the words of this song. Soldiers and there families are proud of the sacrifices they have made for their country, and it is nice to know that others like Tim McGraw are too.
I absolutely love this song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I lost my son in IRAQ in 2005 and we just celebrated his birthday. Tim put alot of thought into this song and he done a wonderful job, although it is a kleenex alert song.
Thanks again!
Debbie
I recently signed with the marines. this song is so amazing and true. my brother and i used to play war as kids, and now i’ll be going to war. I want to thank Tim McGraw for supporting our soldiers, and making people realize that every soldier not coming home isn’t just a number, but a family member too.
Thank you so much for this beautiful song.
The first time I heard it was when we lost one of my childrens friends in Iraq. I had just heard that he was gone and got in the car and this was playing. All I could do was cry. It was like this song was for John.
For Nicholes O’Brien, Stay safe you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
There are no words to express the sympathy I feel for those who have lost a loved one in The War on Terrorism, nor are there any words to express the gratitude I have for each and every soldier who makes the sacrifice to fight and lay down his life for our freedom! It makes me so proud that there are other people who support our troops, the war, and our President! I know that most people feel like we should not be where we are, but to those, it would be such a disservice to our troops to pull out now. Every thing they stand for, everything they believe in, and everything that they gave would be in vain, and would be compromised. I refuse to let them believe that they are fighting a lost cause. Thank you Tim McGraw for bringing to life in a song, what so many of us want to say, we just do not have the courage. To the Men and Women of Our Military: I am forever endebted to you and yours, you gave the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may live free. You stood up for what you believed in, even if it meant you were standing alone. We should all hope to be as brave as you. You are not alone, and will never be far from my thoughts and prayers. Give ‘Em Hell and show them what it means to be an American! To Our Nation’s Leader: I cannot find the words to tell you what a great job you are doing. You have my regards, prayers, and thoughts! You have let no one down! God Bless America & God Bless Our Troops!! Until They All Come Home!!
Semper Fi!
HooRah!!
Mr. McGraw,
Great song, kid just came back and in one piece. Anyone that has a problem with this song needs to hug a soldier. That would be the only way you would be able to complain. Different place and time you wouldn’t even be around to complain.
Mark and God bless the soldiers and their families and this great country
great song!
Hopefully Tim will keep cutting songs like this! This is the Tim Mcgraw I remember. Love the song!
Is this song available anywhere for purchase? I LOVE IT its soo great.
This song hits the heart, but what really gets me is the way Tim puts his whole heart and body into the song. His body movements really shows how much he feels and cares for our country and the fine men and women that are fighting everyday to save it. Thank you Tim for another great song and performance. You are a fan of my whole family. May God Bless Tim, his family, everyone involved in this song and every military person and their families.
I agree with the gentleman who thought Tim should put this out as a charity single. Too bad there isn’t a way to get a hold of Tim’s people – because I am sure he would be all for that if the money went to the families of fallen soldiers. There is probably no way that Sony will allow that now that there is so much buzz though – too bad. Great song – it touches all and reminds us we need to bring our troops home – now.
My name is Dejae. I have a son in the Marines who is being deployed to Iraq in Sept. This will be his first tme over there. This song is so AMAZING and so sad….I cry every time I hear it. I don’t listen to the News much, and I TRY not to listen to songs that will depress me or scare the hell out of me until I know that Joshua will be returning home safely to me again. My heart and prayers go out to ALL of our men and women in the Military away from home. PLEASE stay safe and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
It sit hear after hearing the song and now reading the comments and I don’t know what to say. I have not been in the military, i have not had to watch my brothers and sister be shipped off to war, nor have I had to build relationships with soldiers who may never come home. I don’t know how I feel about the war, but I know that I am extremely grateful, proud, and inspired by our soldiers. Any man or woman who is willing to fight and die for their country is a truly amazing person. I do hope and pray that everyone comes home soon and that they come home safe. I pray for the families of lost soldiers and want to let them know that although I may have never known them, I will never forget them and their service. I am proud to be an American. I guess I just want to say that I do not take my life for granted and I am aware that the only reason that I have or any of us have enjoyed the life that we live, is because of the efforts of the soldiers of the past, the present, and the future as well. Please support our troops, whether you support the war is your choice, what matters more than that is that you support our soldiers, because they are fighting oversees in support of your way of life.
Dear Lord, Thank you for all of the military personel that have ever been in service. Thank you for their commitment, courage and strength. I humbly ask that you please watch over them wherever they may be and that you return them home to their families safe. I ask that you continue to spread peace across the world. Lord you are our guiding light, and the soldiers are the batteries powering that light so that we may find our way in this world. Please watch over them so that the light in our lives may shine bright forever. Please comfort the families of those who have lost, help heal those who have been injured, and pass along my love and gratitude to all those who have ever served our country. It is in your most precious name I pray. Amen.
Speachless!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMAN FIGHTING EVERY MINUTE OF THEIR LIVES MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE. COME HOME SOON!!!!!! AND TO ALL THOSE THAT ARE HERE IN THIS WONDERFUL USA THAT WE MAY NEVER TAKE FORGRANTED OUR FREEDOM, AS YOU GO ON WITH YOUR DAILY LIVES DON’T FORGET THEIR IS STILL A WAR GOING ON AND THESE MEN AND WOMAN NEED OUR SUPPORT!!!!
I also agree with the gentleman who says Tim should make this a single and donate the proceeds to the familes who have lost their love ones.
Tim, you’ve really, really done an exceptional thing. My son is due home on Sept. 11 after a 1 yr deployment. I can’t begin to tell you how many prayers I’ve prayed.Thank you so much for such a beautiful song.God bless each and every soldier, I pray they all come home soon, and God bless you.
Jo Ann-TN
I am a Proud and Loving Mom of my Fallen Hero, CPL Joshua Sticklen, USMC, killed in Iraq on 3 December 2006, just one short month after his 24th birthday!! I would give anything to be able to “hug and kiss” my baby boy again!! My son believed in what he was doing, and stood up for what he believed in!! He also played war when he was a kid, and wanted nothing more than to be a MARINE!! He is laid to rest in a cemetery at the edge of town, five minutes from where he was raised, and I vist almost daily!! I love this song, because it sounds like something my son would have said!! God Bless You Tim McGraw, for putting this into words!! If love could have saved my son, he would have lived forever!!! Maggie, Proud & Loving Mom of fallen hero CPL Joshua Sticklen, Forever and Always
This song means the world to me. I received that last letter 6 months after my husband was killed. In his letter he wrote that he did his best to defend our freedom and to keep us safe, but but if I was reading that letter, he didn’t make it back to me and our 3 year old little girl.
He also stated in his letter that he didn’t want me to sit around and wallow in sorrow forever over him. He wanted me to grieve and then move on and find someone who would love me and our little girl the way he did.
Its so hard to stand back and hear someone sing about something that is so true, but it really puts a soldiers life and family into a perspecitve for someone who has never had to stand in my shoes what my life was like with him here and how its never go to be the same now that he’s gone.
Tim, I just attended your concert in Pittsburgh on July 17, 2007, and when you sang that song, I was in a total breakdown with my sister sitting next to me. To know that you understand what goes on and how to put it into such beautiful words, I am in total shock. It means to much to me because its how my life with my husband ended. It really tells my story.
I would love to someday be able to thank you and Fait both for you continued support of our troops and especially for the families that have lost. You are both such amazing people that you deserve so much more than a THANK YOU, but right now, its all I can give.
Sincerely
Tracie L. Hall
Proud wife of Spc Robert E. Hall, Jr.
KIA June 28, 2005 Ad Dujayl, Iraq
what an incredible song and tribute to those fighting and those who are here at home. My dear friend lost her son over a year ago in Iraq. I think of her often and send her prayers and thoughts from me. God bless our troops!
In Memory of JJT – 2006
Tim, you set an example that I hope others will follow. I am a Marine wife and have loved every minute of it. Not only does my husband serve our country but our family and friends do as well by their support. I have circled the globe to support my husband’s bravery for our country. To all the men and women out there that serve our country you are my heros. To the families be strong and pray hard. To all those who lost a loved one in the service. Tim was right “in heaven soldiers live in peace and angel sing amazing grace”
Jessica
Corp. Scott R. Moore
TIM THIS IS A WONDERFUL SONG. I CRY EVERYTIME I HERE IT. MY HUSBAND WAS DEPLOYED TO KWAIT LAST YEAR, AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS NOT IN HARMS WAY YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW. I AM THANKFUL THAT HE MADE IT HOME TO ME AND OUR KIDS. I WOOULD LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE FAMILIES THAT HAVE LOST A LOVE, JUST REMEMBER THAT WE WILL SEE THEM AGAIN SOMEDAY. TO ALL OF THE ONES THAT HAVE LOVE ONES OVERSEAS AT THIS TIME, I WILL PRAY FOR THEIR SAFE RETURN. GOD BLESS THE MILITARY SPOUSES IT IS THE HARDEST JOB EVER.
STACEY
It is so nice to see someone with your influence, and the ability to reach so many people, doing something positive for our country and the families of America. God bless all our troops and families. They fight for our freedom to be able to hear music and lyrics that touch so many people. Bring them all home safe. and God bless America.
i would like to thank Tim for this wonderful song. It hits hard for me cause my husband has been to war twice and came home but several of his friends have not made it back home. We have lost several family members over there and still have friends and family over there and i hope we don’t have to ever get another letter from them like this. I am so greatful to all the people who have shown support to the troops no matter what you view of the war is. they are just doing their job to protect this great country. Being a military wife is hard but when you have support it makes it a little easier. God bless America and bring all of our military home safe.
In loving memory of all the brave men and women.
US Navy Wife
DJ Medford
Last Friday night, August 3rd, I witnessed the Freestyle Reining at the Arabian National Youth Championships. A young rider dedicated her ride to a brother in Iraq, rode to this song, and outclassed the competition to the point that tears filled the crowd. She was truly “one” with the horse, the spins, the slides, “one” with the song, and “one” with God. At the end, she rode no handed, spinning, and saluting the American Flag. Did anyone get a video of this???
SPEECHLESS!!!! WHAT A GREAT JOB TIM & THE SONGWRITERS DID & THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS. I HEAR THIS SONG MORE & MORE ON THE RADIO EVERYDAY. MY FATHER IS A COLONEL IN THE UNITED STATES MILITARY & I THANK GOD EVERYDAY THAT HE IS SAFE. MY FATHER WILL RETIRE IN 2 YEARS AFTER SERVING OVER 40 YEARS IN THE MILITARY. HE HAS BEEN IN VIETNAM AND SAUDI.
I READ THE ABOVE COMMENTS ON PEOPLE THAT HAVE LOST LOVED ONES IN THE IRAQI WAR AND OTHERS, JUST REMEMBER THAT AMERICA MOURNS THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONES & AS MILITARY FAMILIES, NOT ONLY DID YOUR LOVED ONE GIVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO OUR COUNTRY BUT SO DID YOU AS FAMILIES.
I AM 36 YEARS OLD & THIS HAS TO BE MY FAVORITE SONG THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD!!!
THANKS AGAIN TIM FOR A JOB WELL DONE
I want to mention Tom T. Hall’s “Mama Bake a Pie (Daddy Kill a Chicken)” as another affecting soldier song.
This song is beautiful beyond words. It leaves me speechless, in tears, and with chills everytime I hear it. It is a masterpiece by every definition of the word.
I would just like to say to Tim Mcgraw that I LOVE YOU for making this song there was a friend that dead in War and i miss him and cry every time i hear this song… so thank you.
First of all I would like to say that this song is very touching and is very much appreciated. However in your review to even mention this song goes along with anything by the dixie chicks is well your opinion. However it is not one shared by very many(none to be exact that I know) of those of us serving on active duty the dixie chicks rank up there with hanoi jane fonda. Enough Said
Active Duty –
The Dixie Chicks hit “Travelin’ Soldier” is on par with “If You’re Reading This” in terms of soldier tributes. Actually, it’s better than “If You’re Reading This.” My father died earlier this year, so he never heard the Tim song, but I know he would’ve loved it. He was a veteran and remained a military man to his core. It didn’t matter how many times he’d heard it before – every time “Travelin’ Soldier” was played, he would stop all conversation and action and just listen to it.
Matt C, second comment from the top, questons “the plan”. I think this songs airplay was hurt because of the multiple songs on the radio. I Need You is losing spins and If You’re Reading This is picking up bigtime. While it may not make it to #1, I’d like to see it top out higher than where it has been in the standings for so long. It truely is a great song!
I sit and cry as I listen to this song. My husband just left us this morning to Iraq on a two year tour. The song causes me sadness and at the same time comfort. Thank you for thinking of our soldier who are on foreign soils.
My brother-in-law is serving his second tour in Iraq. He left in May when his son was 18 days old for 15-18 months. He is in the 3rd Infantry 2nd Brigade 1-9 FA. This song is so sad because I know that there are people who get those “If your reading this” letters every day. I pray every day my sister and nephew never have to receive one of those letters like a couple of her friends already have. All you hear is bad news and this song bring tears to my eyes every time I hear it because it hits close to home and I know of people who lost loved ones. You have to live your life wondering if your going to get a knock on your door from a soldier. Unless you have someone that you love over there, there is no way to describe how you feel every day wondering how they are and what they are doing and most of all if there are alright. He is only off once every 4 days so you have to wait that long to see if he is ok. This war is taking its toll on families and thank you for making this beautiful song, however, I pray I never have to read an “If your reading this letter” with my sister. There are no words to express how I feel toward the courageous young men and women who are serving in our military, especially those in Iraq right now. I personally saw how hard it is for the soldiers to leave their families, friends, and safety of their own country and I honestly dont know how they do it. Thank God there are people like them out there, because I could not do it. I think the soldiers needs the support from our entire country and this song is a wonderful way to support those who gave their lives unselfishly for those who listen to it.
God Bless America and bring our troops home safe!
Tim McGraw is my hero, I have been serving in the Army for over 19 years and this is the most touching song I have ever heard. Thank You Mr. Tim McGraw I am proud to serve Americans like you.
I am the wife of a fallen soldier. I was three months pregnant with our second daughter when he was killed. This song means so much to the families and I want to Thank you for it.
My husband Carl J Ware Jr was killed at Camp Bucca Iraq in July of 2006. I was three months pregnant with our second daughter who I named Carly after her loving father. This song hits so close to home for my family. Carl is buried on the edge of a town that he loved dearly. Our daughter says Daddy is God’s Cop now Mommy and she is right. Carl is Protecting us from Heaven. I want to thank you for this song and Thank every soldier who has ever fought for the freedoms that some take for granted. I myself have served and have written a letter very similar to this one. I did not get one from Carl he thought it was bad luck. But when I hear this song it is like he is talking to me again.
I too, another Gold Star family member. Our son, Sgt. Emerson Noah Brand, joined the ranks of our dead from this present WW conflict, 15 March 2007.
There is no ache so deep as that of the loss of a loved one. Em was my only son, my only child. What a part of me he will ever be. . .
This song honors our son. And countless others who never had the chance to say “goodby.”
Thanks Tim. I had the song included in one of my playlist, but now, that song is unavailable. I rue that.
Ilove this song isurched and surched for the words because they mean so much not just for me but for every one ! Idont listen to country music alot of rand b but this song well it does somethign to me
my son is going back in december. he is in the 4th infentry. i just hope that bush gets them all out of there soon.
Thank you Tim for this wonderful song. My father is in the millitary and was in Iraq for 14 months. This song describes all the feelings our family felt. We all knew that my father would write letters weekly incase something were to happen to him. If he did not have enough time to write a letter he would add something to the privious letter he wrote. this song shows the feelings of each letter i recieved from my father knowing it could be his last. Thank you for this tribute.
Dancer
My husband did 18mths in Iraq. Thank God he came home safe. We are dreading the next deployment. This time we have a beautiful little girl that I want him to see grow up. I fear getting that “last letter”. Thank you Tim and for the person who wrote this it touches us more than you can ever know!
This song has very special meaning to myself and my sister. Our father loved country music with it playing all the time. When he passed away on August 14, 2007-with his last breaths “if your reading this” was playing on the radio beside his bed. He is now buried in the cemetary in the town that he grew up in-“the big field on the edge of town” and we take comfort in knowing that “his soul is where is Moma always prayed that it would go”! This song is now a great comfort to us! Dad served in the Army in Korea 18 months from 1953-1954. Thank you, Tim for this wonderful song!
Thank you tim for this song i am 17 years old and i am not a soldier yet but i am soon to be. My father was KIA In Korea . I believe in fighting for what you believe in and i believe in fighting for my country i don’t want to die but i will if it means protecting my country my mother cries when she hears this song because she knows that there is a possibility of my getting killed. I always tell her that if i die i am right with god and i will be with dad and my grandpa and i will see her up in heaven. But thank you for this song tim its very moving
i love this song that you wrote and that song must me sad
it must be sad to you or anyone that gets upset easely but i loved that song
Tim McGraw is the ultimate male country entertainer and has a personal interest in the song (If You’re Reading This) he co-wrote with the Warren Brothers. Tim McGraw is a very kind, compassionate individual who has a great respect for all of our military personnel involved in the war we are fighting in Iraq and has friends who are in Iraq. His vocal rendition of this song at the awards show was especially heart felt and meaningful to many soldiers and their families. I’m not sure many people know this, but Tim and Faith paid for all those family members to come to that show and also paid for their hotel rooms and meals while they were there, which I thought was a great thing to do for the families.
I do not have family in the military nor do I have friends in Iraq, but my heart goes out to those who do. I can’t imagine the constant worry you must cope with on a daily basis! I am not totally convinced we should be in this war, but my loyalty and support for our military personnel is unconditional. For those families who have lost loved ones and for those families who still have loved ones involved the war my prayers are with you! May God bless and keep your family safe and bring them home soon!
I lost both of my legs in the ‘Nam.
I’ve lost my oldest boy in Afghanistan.
I lost my youngest boy in Iraq….June of 2003.
I’ve lost my wife of 25 years…..she commited suicide after our youngest died.
My father died in Korea, my mother died shortly after.
I don’t have much to live for….no family, no friends, no hope.
Tim…….I will die shortly, probably by my own hand, but when I go, I will be listening to this song.
Tim,
I heard this song, for the first time this past Sat. I was driving home from a friends , listening to the radio and thinking about my Son, Cpl. Joshua Ware. Who was also (KIA) Nov.16, 2005. My mind a thousand miles away. This was my son’s 2nd tour. I’am so proud of my son for his Honor, Courage, and Commitment, And growing up, You hear about war and I remember the after effects the war had on my oldest brother, who served in the Army and fought in vietnam. And when my son joined the Marines right out of high school. I never thought I’d lose him. Our song to one another, was letters from home. every time I hear that song, the tears begin to flow.
My son didn’t send me a last letter. But he did send me a letter, Telling me, Happy Birthday, and that if he didn’t, get to call me on that day, He wanted me to have a great day. He died the 16th of Nov. My birthday is the 22nd of Nov. I received his letter on my Birthday, Waiting for him to come home. For the last time . My son loved music so much, and was a fan of yours also. Thanks for the song, it really touches the heart . I really can’t see my typing through all the tears. May God watch over all our sons and daughters (Our true Hero’s), over in Iraq. and bring the rest of them home safely. No more mothers need to hear the sad and devasting news that their loved is not coming home.
Not a lot of songs bring me to tears anymore, but this one did. It was so well delivered and so full of heart. I love it. My only problem is from a commercial standpoint. I think it sucks that it was added to his CD, since I had already bought it. I’m not an Itunes user because I like to have the complete CDs, but I don’t plan to buy the same CD again for an added song. I mean, I suppose I could buy the CD and give the other one away, but then that person would be missing out on a great song and I would feel like I was cheating that person. What the heck, I shiuld just go buy it or something, I suppose. Not so dramatic of an issue, huh?:) Again, loved the song. I also should mention that I love a song called “Somebody’s Someone” by Lonestar, too. It was never released, which I thought was interestingly appropriate, since so many songs about soldiers were being released at the time, but it’s a good thought-provoking song, nonetheless.
Now I understand why my girlfriend would leave me for this guy.
Although this is very moving and brought me to tears. I can say that as a wife of a deployed solider this isnt a song I want to hear on the radio ~ We try VERY HARD to wake up every day and tuck that feeling of fear away ~pray that there isn’t a knock at our door . We don’t need any reminders of what MAY happen . People need to remember this isn’t just a song, a movie, a story this is our REAL LIFE !
I am very thankful that stars and award shows are still showing support of our hero’s and fallen hero’s. But at the end of the day some one is making money off our personal tragedy and I don’t support that .
REGRETABLY ALL THESE VOCALIST,SONG WRITERS,TV AND MOVIE STARS ARE REALLY INTERESTED IN JUST ONE THING. “HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I MAKE OFF THESE PEOPLES GRIEF AND PATRIOTISM”
THEY ARE JUST LIKE THE NEWS MEDIA. INVADE AND EXPOSE ALL THE PERSONAL AND PRIVATE FEARS AND GRIEF OF THOSE WHO DAILY MUST LIVE THAT PERSONAL HELL.
I DEFICATE ON ALL THOSE MERCENARY INDIVIDUALS. THEY ARE JUST LIKE OUR SO CALLED POLITICAL LEADERS.
THERE SHOULD BE ONLY ONE VOICE AND IT SHOULD BE SAYING “TO HELL WITH THE MIDDLE EAST, BRING ALL OUR LOVED ONES HOME IMMEDIATELY.
Surely the most moving, compassionate piece of work I have ever heard. Even having heard it many times, it never ceases to bring me to tears and to feel the pain of loss of so many families. May this song bring them a little comfort. Tim McGraw, you are unsurpassed in your gift. Thank you for giving so many people so much understanding and comfort.
I like this song because if you just sit down and listen to it. It really makes alot of since. I like this song because it reminds me of my grandma and all the fun we had together. And now that shes gone it makes alot more since to me. And I went and got the CD just because this song is on it. aND i LOVE TIM Mcgraw anyways he is my idol in country music. And I hope I will get to meet him one day. I from UNION S.C. Well I g2g bye?!?!?!
For school this year we had to do our service learning project about the war. We read articles and watched the news to figure out how we truely felt about the war. Our teacher ms. Thorne read us letters from soldiers who did not make it home. As my class sat there with tears in our eyes feeling bad for the families who were suffering, we all smiled because the soldiers were happy because they stud up for something real and they had their families behind them 100% of the way. One of my older brothers is in the coast guard and he is proud to be in New Orleans helping the people. My oldest brother is getting ready to go into the Army but they told him to lose some weight before they send him to boot camp. And I want to be a lawyer, my parents are so proud but just for my brothers and I to move out of the house it’s hard for them to deal with. To imagine what these parents go through when they find out that their child was killed must be so harsh. And I don’t really know any one who is in the army for now but to listen to songs you feel the emotions, it makes you want to cry (and some times I do). So I guess what I really want to say is thank you for showing compassion to these people and hope for them to make it hope. Like I always would say when my brother was in boot camp for the USCG..
Faith will help you cary on
Love will keep you moving on
And the suport of your family will always bring you home.
thank you!
omg, this song made me cry like no other; every time it comes on the radio; i’m a big fan of Tim’s, but this has to be his best song to date.