“If You’re Reading This” performed by Tim McGraw

“If You’re Reading This” performed by Tim McGraw

If you’re reading this
My Mommas sittin there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
Sure wish I
Could give you one more kiss
And war was just a game we played when we were kids

I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up boots
I’m up here with God and we’re both watching over you

[Chorus:]
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you’re reading this
I’m already home

If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there
To see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and weak

I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes

[Chorus]

If you’re reading this
There’s going to come a day
When you’ll move on
And find some one else
And that’s OK
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Where soldiers live in peace
And angels sing amazing grace

[Chorus]

A song that holds dear especially to those who have family members serving the army, Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This”, is indeed one of the greatest songs to pay tribute to our country’s fallen heroes. This song was first performed during the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on May 15, 2007. Although it was not officially released as a single by that time, the live performance alone helped it receive airplay from radio stations which further bolstered its popularity at that time. As a result, shortly after the telecast, the single debuted on the Top Country Songs at number 35 without official radio airplay. “If You’re Reading This” is one of the many hits McGraw’s hits, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard Top 100.

Apart from its strong charting power, this song proves to be a very solemn and important to a lot of people – particularly those who are related to the military. Basically, this song is a story of a fallen soldier who is sending a loving message to the families that they have left behind. As observed throughout the song, it takes a narrative format in a form of a letter that the said soldier wrote for his family. It tells everything that he wanted to say to the most special people that he has left behind. From the lyrics alone, the song suggests that he will not be able to be with them in the important moments of their lives like the birth of their daughter. Despite that, he reassures his family that he is in a better place where they can finally live without war. The soldier urges their families to look at the brighter side and be certain that they will be forever in their hearts.

This is the reason why “If You’re Reading This” is considered to be one of the most popular funeral songs, especially for those with loved ones that are soldiers or serving in the military. Dealing with the loss of such loved ones may be difficult to take in and understand. With this song, however, these families are somehow given with the idea of their beloved son, husband, father, uncle, or brother has lived and is now moving forward to another chapter in their life. The healing effect of this song makes it a perfect tribute to the soldiers and their family all over the world.