Will Fenton
Becoming a soldier takes a lot of strength and courage, and that is why it is important that we continuously appreciate soldiers.
Soldiers contribute a lot to ensuring that civilians are free by putting their lives on the line daily on the war front.
While most might survive the travails of war, others do not, and they leave behind sad loved ones.
You don’t have to wait for Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day to remember the soldiers we have lost or appreciate their heroic works.
You can start by creating playlists for the soldiers that are still here by selecting from our curated list of songs about soldiers.
1. “Battle Hymn of The Republic” by Lee Greenwood
“Battle Hymn Of The Republic” is one of the oldest songs about soldiers composed by William Steffe and recorded by Lee Greenwood.
This hymn gained massive traction during the American civil war because several soldiers could relate to its lyrics.
The song uses bible analogies to depict the injustice in the world and how the war was the only way to get justice for the oppressed.
2. “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice
“I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice received several accolades after its release in 2012, including the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year and the Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year.
This is a country song about veterans that was inspired by a father’s story about driving his son’s truck after he didn’t return from deployment.
The song’s lyrics describe the father who misses his son and feels closest to him whenever he is driving the truck.
3. “For You” by Keith Urban
“For You” by Keith Urban is the first song on the album for the 2012 soldier-themed movie Act Of Valor.
This is a country song about soldiers in its entirety as Keith Urban sings about laying his life down for his fellow soldier even though he had a pregnant wife.
The situation described in this song is very popular amongst soldiers as making sacrifices is integral to answering the call.
4. “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals
There have been complaints from veterans all over America about how they are treated poorly after returning from the war.
It would amaze you that these complaints have always existed, as evident in The Animals’ 1965 song “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.”
Veterans adopted this song as an anthem after the Vietnam War because of the minimal support they received.
5. “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw
For those that have lost their loved ones to the cold hands of war, “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw was written and recorded to comfort you.
This sad military song tells the story of a soldier who died at the frontlines but left a letter behind for his mom.
In the letter, the soldier sends comforting messages to his mom and promises that he will be watching over her from above.
6. “Just A Dream” by Carrie Underwood
“Just A Dream” is a country song about soldiers not coming home, recorded by Carrie Underwood.
This is a sentimental ballad that chronicles the story of a woman that lost her fiancé to war and had to wear her wedding gown to his funeral.
It is a sad soldier song and one that would have you bawling if care is not taken.
7. “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash might not be widely acclaimed, but he is one of the few American musicians with a fantastic pen game.
In “Ragged Old Flag,” he compares the pains of veteran soldiers to a torn flag and emphasizes that the torn flag represents everything the soldiers have been through together.
8. “Battle Of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton
As the title suggests, “Battle Of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton is a comical song about soldiers engaging in the Battle of New Orleans against the British.
The song starts with Horton describing how the soldiers followed Colonel Jackson down the Mississippi.
The humor of the song is felt when Horton sings about the soldiers using a dead alligator as a gun because they are out of ammunition.
9. “These Colours Don’t Run” by Iron Maiden
Heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden are known for their unconventional lyrics about societal issues, and “These Colours Don’t Run” is a perfect example of such a song.
In this song, the band sings about the effects of war and its diminishing returns despite the bloodshed by soldiers on the war front.
10. “Travelin’ Soldier” by The Chicks
There are soldiers out there with no one to send letters to, and this song is about soldiers in such a sad situation.
“Travelin’ Soldier” is a country song about a soldier that pleads with a waitress he met in a restaurant to be the recipient of his letters since he has no one.
11. “American Soldier” by Toby Keith
It is not easy to be tasked with serving and protecting your country at the war front, but American soldiers have effortlessly done it over the years, and we are grateful.
“American Soldier” is a song by Toby Keith that honors the patriotism of all the soldiers fighting for the country.
12. “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” by Justin Moore
As the title suggests, “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” is a military country song about soldiers who lost their lives at war.
In this song, the singer tells the story of a woman who was expecting her soldier husband but heard a knock on the door holding bad news about his demise.
The singer sings, “The not forgotten but gone, they’re in a better place up there,” to show that their loved ones miss them dearly.
13. “See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
“See You Again” is a country song by Carrie Underwood and was described by Billboard as “Truly a taste of heaven.”
The lyrics of this song are sentimental and would drive anyone to tears because it provides hope for all those that have lost a loved one to war.
14. “Soldier” by Fleurie
The decision to be conscripted as a soldier and take up arms to defend your motherland requires strength and determination.
In “Soldier,” Fleurie describes the strength and determination of fighting as a soldier on the war front.
In the song, he urged soldiers to keep marching on and keep their heads down until they were victorious.
15. “Letters From Home” by John Michael Montgomery
“Letters From Home” is a 2004 country song about soldiers recorded by John Michael Montgomery.
In the song, the artist writes a letter to his son and wife, telling them how much he misses them and how he’s also expecting their letters.
16. “Citizen Soldier” by 3 Doors Down
The National Guard is an integral part of America’s military service, which is why 3 Doors Down recorded “Citizen Soldier” as a tribute to them.
The song chronicles the duties of the National Guard, their dedication to keeping everyone safe, and how it is important that we honor them.
17. “Still A Soldier” by Trace Adkins
“Once a soldier, always a soldier” is a very popular saying amongst veteran soldiers, and Trace Adkins captures the phenomenon in “Still A Soldier.”
In this song, Trace sheds light on how difficult it is for soldiers to return to their normal lives after serving their country.
18. “Machine Gun” by Jimi Hendrix
In the 70s, Jimi Hendrix was regarded as one of the greatest performers, and he used his guitar mastery to record a song about soldiers titled “Machine Gun.”
He dedicated this song to soldiers fighting in Berkley and Vietnam with the awareness that their opponents are only just people.
19. “Born In The U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
“Born In The U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen is a country song about veterans and their patriotic endeavors.
In this song, the singer sings about being proud that he was born in the USA and that being a soldier was patriotic.
20. “God Bless The U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood
“God Bless The U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood is a country song about respecting the braveness of soldiers or veterans.
If you have a soldier or veteran in your family, do something nice to appreciate them today because it is not easy.
21. “8th Of November” by Big & Rich
“8th of November” is an American soldier song by the popular country music duo Big & Rich.
The song tells the story of 19-years old Niles Harris from Deadwood, South Dakota, that bade his mother goodbye as he left for the army during the Vietnam War in 1965.
On November 8th, 1965, at the war front, Niles witnessed a devastating event where he lost 48 soldiers and was left with shrapnel in his leg.
22. “Warrior” by Kid Rock
“Warrior” by Kid Rock is a motivational song for soldiers and was used as a recruitment tool by the National Guard after its release.
In this song, the narrator boasts of being a citizen soldier as it is a proud moment for him and also promises to provide help and relief wherever needed.
23. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Fortunate Son” is a song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival released during the Vietnam war and is one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
This anti-war anthem was very significant at the time of its release because it bashed all who were not active participants in the war but encouraged its occurrence.
24. “Hey Brother” by Avicii
Soldiers at the war front share a special bond that was depicted in the lyrics of the song “Hey Brother” by Avicii.
In this song, Avicii promises his brother in arm, that he would always respond to his calls no matter the distance.
25. “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith
“Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” is a country song about soldiers by a popular country musician, Toby Keith.
This provocative song was released after the 9/11 terrorist attack and soon became an anthem for American soldiers.
In the song, the narrator sings about Americans getting their pounds of flesh in lyrics like “Justice will be served and battle will rage.”
26. “The Other Little Soldier” by Josh Gracin
Get ready to feel several bouts of emotions as you listen to this sad country song about a soldier titled “The Other Little Soldier” by Josh Gracin.
This song tells the story of a soldier’s male child playing dress-up in his dad’s military clothes after deployment.
However, the song ends on a sad note when the soldier returns in a casket, and his little son had to pay his final respects.
27. “Letters Home From The Garden Of Stone” by Everlast
As mentioned before, joining the army is not an easy decision because there are many things to consider, including your friends and family.
In “Letters Home From The Garden Of Stone” by Everlast, the singer contemplates his decision to join the army as he fights the urge to put his family first before anything else.
28. “If Heaven Was Needing A Hero” by Jo Dee Messina
Grieving a loved one that lost their life at the front lines is one of the most traumatic experiences, and Jo Dee Messina captures the pain in her hit country song about soldiers, “If Heaven Was Needing A Hero.”
This song tells the story of a woman that lost her husband in the war and how she visits his grave and reminds him that he died because heaven needed a hero.
29. “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)” by Shinedown
“Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)” was written by the rock band Shinedown for the 2010 hit movie, Expendables.
The song emphasizes what it takes to be in the frontline fight as a soldier and how the adrenaline rush motivates soldiers to always think with their fists first before anything else.
30. “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus
“Some Gave All” is a song about a veteran called Sandy Cane, recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus.
In the song, Sandy Cane left his town as a boy for the army and came back a man after the war with so many experiences.
Billy emphasizes the need to respect soldiers because they are the reasons we are all free.
31. “Didn’t I” by Montgomery Gentry
The worst thing that can happen to any soldier is coming back from the war front to face awful treatment from people that are supposed to appreciate your efforts.
Montgomery Gentry describes such a situation in his hit song about soldiers titled “Didn’t I.”
In this song, the singer rhetorically asks if they would have welcomed him differently if he had returned from war with burns and bleedings.
This song was part of the soundtrack for the 2002 movie, We Were Soldiers.
32. “Indestructible” by Disturbed
This song has the power to evoke strong emotions about joining the military and has gained massive airplay because so many soldiers can relate to its powerful lyrics.
“Indestructible” is a song about conscripted soldiers by a heavy metal band, Disturbed, and it is also the name of their debut album.
This song details all it takes to become a soldier, including swearing an oath, fighting with all your strength, and coming home victorious.
33. “‘Til The Last Shot’s Fired” by Trace Adkins
In Trace Adkins’ 2008 hit song about veterans, “‘Til The Last Shot’s Fired,” he commemorates veteran soldiers from the American Civil War to World War II to Vietnam.
In the song, the singer urges everyone to pray for peace and for everyone that has died at the war front.
This song also expresses the tiredness of many soldiers at the war front with the lyrics, “Sweet mother Mary, I’m so tired, but I can’t come home ’til the last shot’s fired.”
34. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” is an American soldier song by the famous rock band Green Day.
In this song, the singer goes through an emotional roller coaster because he lost his father to the war.
Because of the haunting, emotional lyrics, this song has become a love song for couples that were separated by a party joining the military.
35. “Brothers” by Dean Brody
“Brothers” by Dean Brody is one of the saddest military songs ever written, and it might bring you to tears as you listen.
In this song, Dean recounts watching his brother leave for the military and how much he misses him.
Dean’s situation is very relatable, especially for those that have veteran soldiers as loved ones.
Songs About Soldiers – Final Thoughts
Since we can’t all join the army, the least we can do is support and appreciate those that have confidently served their motherland.
Most of the songs in this list honor the legacy of soldiers and veterans, and those songs can be sent to your loved ones in the army so that they will know they are loved.
Similar Articles:
