Story Behind the Song
Jimmy's song was written after I met a Vietnam veteran in Nashville, Tennessee
and when I thanked him for his service
he told me that no one had ever taken
the time to thank him before. It inspired
me to write a song that would in some small
way communicate to all veterans that the
citizens of our country are truly
appreciative of what they did for us.
Lyrics
Jimmys Song
©1997 Haydensong Music (SESAC)
Note from John Stevens :
I know your name was'nt Jimmy. I beleive it was John. You were from Atlanta and I met you at the Holiday Inn out past Opryland in Nashville. We had a few drinks at the bar and a wonderful conversation about our lives, past and present.
Out of that conversation came a great song! I wish I had room to list all of the thank yous and tearful handshakes I've received for simply playing this song at my shows.
I've never received more sincere appreciation in my life. I hope that someday you will hear this song. I wrote it for you and all of the veterans out there. You're the ones who deserve our country's admiration, respect, and at the very least, our thanks
(Ironically, this song was recorded on Veterans Day in 1997)
Lyrics:
I was sitting in a bar in Nashville, Tennessee one night and I met a guy from Atlanta, Georgia. We small-talked for awhile
And I asked him what he did for a living and he told me that he sold motorcycle parts for Harley-Davidson. And he asked me what I did and I said Im a songwriter here in town tryinto get a writing deal.
Then I asked him what he did before he started selling motorcycle parts. He said in 1971, he was in Vietnam. I thought to myself, 1971, What was I doing? and I remembered I was playing Little League Baseball.
So, I stuck my hand out toward his and I shook his hand and I said Thank you. And he looked back at me and he said, You know, after all these years, not one time has anyone ever told me thanks.
So this song goes out to Jimmy and all of the other veterans out there who have never been properly thanked.
July 1971, Jimmy from Georgia was carryin' a gun
In the jungles of Vietnam
I was ten years old, roundin' third base headin' for home
The day we both heard a voice yell, RUN fast as you can
Jimmy was dodgin' bullets
I was dodgin' a tag
But somehow we both made it safe at home
'Cause we gave it everything we had
(Chorus)
I'm glad there's people like Jimmy
Who live what they believe
And those who fought and died
For the love of Liberty
To every man and woman,
Who's ever served the Red, White and Blue
Well this song is a simple gift to you.
THANK YOU
July 1996, I first met Jimmy we became friends quick
At the Holiday Inn, Ivory Lounge
We talked about our lives,
How we loved our kids and our wives
And how we thought the country needed turnin' around
When he said he served in Vietnam
I said thank you for your time
He stared at me with watery eyes and said
No one ever said thanks in my life
(Repeat Chorus)
I'm glad theres people like Jimmy
Who live what they believe
And those who fought and died
So you and I could all be free
To every man and woman
Who's ever served the Red, White and Blue
This song is a simple gift to you
THANK YOU
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