The Ones That Didn't Make It Back Home

Album: Late Nights and Longnecks (2018)
Charted: 46
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Songfacts®:

  • This ode to the young soldiers whose lives are cut short by war was born out of a tribute Justin Moore does every concert. For a number of years he'd asked his fans to raise a glass to those who died fighting for American freedom overseas. One day it hit him that he should write it into a song, so he got together with Paul Digiovanni, Jeremy Stover and Chase McGill to pen a tale of a 22-year-old soldier who lost his life just as he was scheduled to return home.
  • Moore said in promotional materials that the song is "dedicated to ALL the ones that didn't make it back home. Soldiers, first responders, doctors, nurses, teachers, students... every person who made the ultimate sacrifice, while fighting for what and whom they love."
  • The song's music video was shot on Veterans Day 2018 and stars real-life firefighters fighting blazes, and policemen in the line of duty. The clip was directed by Moore's own social media manager, Cody Villalobos, who is a former EMT.
  • The song was inspired by Moore's hit tune "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away." The country star explained to ABC Radio that whenever he performs it on stage he "kinda go through this spiel about how much our military means to us and how much we appreciate 'em."

    And after saying, "Here's to the ones that didn't make it back home," for several years, one night it hit him. "Man, I need to write that.'"

Comments: 3

  • Mr. Jeffrey R. Leonard from Bourne, MaThank you Justin Moore for delivering such a powerful song in tribute to heroes on the front lines. Whether it be military, first responders, doctors, nurses, or even teachers, it sends a powerful message that makes sure everyone comes home safely.

    I have several cousins in the Military, most notably, Capt. Thomas Leonard, USMC and Lt. Colonel Christopher Renninger, USAF. God Bless you both and I'm proud to be called your cousin. Thank you both for serving our country and God Bless.

    "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." ~Ephesians 6:13-17
  • Lilli from LouisianaHonestly if I could thank Mr. Justin Moore in person I would, but since I'm pretty sure that will happen this will have to do. Thank you Mr.Justin Moore because I don't think you realise how much this helps to every time I go to think about my very brave cousin who is still in boot camp.And thank you to all who even consider going into the military men and woman that takes a whole lot of guts and a big heart to risk your life for people you know and love and people you don't even know And you've never have and prolly never will meet You are appreciated by all.
  • Daniel Woolf from Naples, FloridaI can't help but say this song speaks to me in many ways. I myself want to one day be apart of the military in some way. It has been my dream since I was five. I got two more years till I can see how I can contribute. I salute all the families that lost a loved one that was protecting us, and I salute those of you who came home without your friend. I'm sorry. Thank you for what you've done. I hope to do the same one day.
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