Til the Last Shot's Fired

Album: X (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Like Adkins' 2005 single "Arlington," this epic tune is written from the perspective of a dead soldier. Adkins explained to CMT.News that in this instance the song asks the question, "What if?" He added: "What if soldiers are in this kind of - I don't want to say purgatory - but that's kind of what it is. What if these soldiers are in a place where they can't rest until the last shot's fired, until war doesn't exist? What if only then they can find peace? I think if we knew that, and if that were true, there probably wouldn't be wars anymore. So I thought that was a real unique way of looking at it. And it pays tribute to soldiers but, at the same time, asks that question."
  • This track features the West Point Cadet Choir. Adkins told CMT News that he has, "probably heard that song 50 times, and every time I hear it, it still gives me goose bumps on that last a cappella chorus."
  • Adkins and his team had to go all the way to the Pentagon to get permission to record with the choir.

Comments: 3

  • Warrenw from Pleasanton, CaWonderfully moving, first heard days after Veteran's Day 2025...
  • Kaylahyke from Manchester, IaTrace Adkins is one of my favorite male country singers and he's a supporter of The Wounded Warriors Project
  • John Williams from Chattanooga,tn HomeAbsolutely LOVE this song. So point-blank, poignant. Say a prayer for peace.... Semper Fi
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter Egos

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?