Posted on 05/27/2007 1:36:17 PM PDT by Altura Ct.
Link to performance from 2007 Academy of Country Music Awards 5/15/2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3bc7mdkyTw
May 21, 2007 — Tim McGraw's performance of "If You're Reading This" during the Academy of Country Music Awards last week brought the crowd to their feet and tears to many eyes.
After a closed rehearsal set and days of speculation over what Tim would be performing on this year's show, fans and TV viewers were surprised with an emotional tribute to the families of America's fallen heroes in the war on terror. Nashville's WKRN reports that the song was only written three weeks beforehand and was a complete surprise to everyone.
As Tim sang "If You're Reading This," which he wrote with the Warren Brothers, tears began to flow in the arena packed with industry execs and fans. Toward the end of the performance, lights on stage revealed nearly 100 spouses, children and relatives who stood in memory of their loved ones — in total representing 32 fallen heroes.
Tim said he didn't realize the impact of the song until afterward when one of the children from the stage approached him. "This little 5-year-old girl tugged on my sleeve and said, 'You just sang a song about my dad, didn't you?'" Tim related, adding, "No matter what side of the politics you fall on, these are people going over there sacrificing their lives for what they're sent to do."
The Palm Beach Post reports that Tim paid all of the expenses to fly the family members of the fallen heroes to Las Vegas to participate in the performance.
If you’re reading this….
Tim McGraw
If you’re reading this, my momma’s sitting there
Looks like I only got a one-way ticket over here.
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
That war was just a game we played when we were kids.
Well I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God
And we’re both watching over you.
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.
If you’re reading this, I’m already home.
If you’re reading this, halfway 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.
And stands up for the innocent and the weak.
I’m laying down my gun
I’m Hanging up my boots
Tell Dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes.
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.
If you’re reading this, I’m already home.
If you’re reading this, there’s gonna come a day
When you’ll move on and find someone else and that’s ok.
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Where Soldiers live in peace and angels sing amazing grace.
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.
If you’re reading this,
If you’re reading this, I’m already home.
Well, that’s a switch on his part????
This is Country Music. This and Charlie Daniels.
I cried seeing him perform the song during the show and so did everyone in the audience. He has a real knack for penning lyrics that really touch an emotional chord.
Just reading the lyrics brings tears to my old eyes.
Could anyone make that link to the song a click on deal. I am just slightly stupid and dont know the ropes to get to it.
If not I will eventually have my son navigate to the site.
Thanks Ingtar!
BTTT
Duty, Honor, Courage.
These gave it all.
Wow! Tears falling fast! Thanks, Ingtar
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.