If you are a lover of country music, chances are high that the song “Travelin’ Soldier” has crossed your path at least once. The song stands out for its emotional lyrics that recount a poignant love story between a young soldier and a girl he meets just before leaving for the Vietnam War. The song has since become a classic in the country genre and has been covered by several artists. This blog post aims at exploring the history behind the iconic song, detailing not only who sings the song but also the song’s background and the artists who covered it.
Background of Travelin Soldier
“Travelin’ Soldier” is a song written by Bruce Robison, a Texas-based country music artist, and originally recorded in 1996. However, it was not until 1999 when the song gained mainstream recognition after being rewritten and subsequently recorded by Ty England, a country music singer, in his album “Highways & Dance Halls.” The song’s poignant theme coupled with its simple, melodic tune resonated with fans, driving it up the country music charts. At the time, the song hit number four on the Billboard Country charts, making it one of the most successful hits of that year.
The Story behind Travelin Soldier
The song’s lyrics tell the touching story of a young couple, a soldier and a girl he meets at a diner before leaving to fight in the Vietnam War. The lyrics describe the pair’s blossoming romance through exchanging letters. However, the bittersweet end of the story reveals that the soldier has been killed in action, leaving his love back home to mourn him. The song captures all the emotions that come with young love, separating but waiting and missing each other. The song’s mournful tone serves as a warning of how war can tear people’s lives apart, making it an especially poignant reminder during the Vietnam War era.
The Artist Who Sings Travelin Soldier
The previous sections have touched upon the song’s story and background, now to the all-important question of who sings “Travelin’ Soldier.” As already stated, Bruce Robison wrote and recorded the song in 1996. However, it was country music star Dixie Chicks who brought the song to the mainstream consciousness after including it in their 2002 album “Home.” The Dixie Chicks’ version amplified the message behind the song, gaining national attention for its portrayal of a young American soldier’s tragic fate during the Vietnam War. The song was not originally a single but became so after the group’s criticism of President Bush’s foreign policies at a concert in London in 2003. After the incident, the Dixie Chicks came under fire and had a series of performances boycotted. However, the controversy did not stop “Travelin’ Soldier” from becoming a country classic.
Cover Artists of Travelin Soldier
Several artists have since covered “Travelin’ Soldier” over the years, each adding a unique spin to the tune. One of the most notable covers of the song is by The Highwaymen, a country supergroup consisting of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Their version of “Travelin’ Soldier” was released by the group before their concert in New York City’s Central Park on May 3, 1990, and received considerable airplay. A notable feature of their version of the song is the harmonious blend of the different voices of these legendary country singers.
Other notable artists who have covered the song include The Chicks, P!nk, and Pearl Jam. P!nk gave a masterful presentation of the song’s message of love and sacrifice, delivering a powerful acoustic rendition that stayed true to the song’s emotional core. Pearl Jam also gave their stamp of approval to the song, covering the tune in concerts in 2003.
Conclusion
“Travelin’ Soldier” is undoubtedly a country music classic that has stood the test of time. The song’s emotional narrative captures the feelings of young love during a time of war and effectively sends out a message to listeners of the devastating impacts of war on human lives. Although the song was originally written and recorded by Bruce Robison and later covered by other notable artists such as Ty England, Dixie Chicks, P!nk, Pearl Jam, and The Highwaymen, it is Dixie Chicks’ version that has garnered significant attention. Dixie Chicks not only popularized the song but also used their platform to highlight opposition to foreign policy by the government, ultimately cementing the song’s place in country music history.