Some Gave All-Billy Ray Cyrus Lyrics
Inspiration Behind Some Gave All:
Some Gave All ended up fulfilling two purposes: a commercial breakthrough and a heartfelt tribute to military service. Billy Ray Cyrus and his first wife, Cindy Smith, wrote Some Gave All in 1991. The idea came during a conversation with a Vietnam veteran. Billy and Cindy were both moved to create a song that honored the sacrifices of those who served.
Biblical Application:
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Mark 10:41-45.
Exegesis of Some Gave All:
I knew a man, called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero, yes, was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still, many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free
The Vietnam vet that Billy and Cindy met. So many Vietnam veterans went unrecognized. Sandy left as a teenager and returned to America as a man, full of deep wounds to his soul.
I can’t forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me
These stories are heart breaking, making others cry. Sandy poured out his heart to Billy and Cindy.
All gave some, and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white, and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
While not everyone died in action, many returned scarred for life. However, when you consider the freedom within America, remember that some gave all.
Now Sandy Kane is no longer here
But his words are, oh, so clear
As they echo throughout our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Sandy passed away before this song was finished. Yet the words spoken to Billy and Cindy remain loud and clear. This song is for the service men and women who gave us all they had.
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
These individuals died for freedom that America still possesses.
Love your country and live with pride
And don’t forget those who died
America, can’t you see?
A call for patriotism, remembering the sacrifices that were made in the past.
All gave some, and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white, and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
Another chorus with images of laying your life down, standing up for the American flag and what it represents. Don’t take your liberties for granted as someone gave their life for freedom.
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Yes, recall
Some gave all
Some gave all
Sandy wanted to be remembered instead of heckled like other Vietnam vets. Don’t forget about my friends who gave up their lives for freedom.
Final Thoughts:
One of my former high school teammates, Tom Carr, recently passed away. I had lunch with Tom before moving to South Carolina. The Gulf War really messed him up, suffering from PTSD. While Tom made it back home after fulfilling his years of service, he was never the same. May Some Gave All remind you of all the Tom Carr’s in your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 