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

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Band Names

Band NamesFact or Fiction

Was "Pearl" Eddie Vedder's grandmother, and did she really make a hallucinogenic jam? Did Journey have a contest to name the group? And what does KISS stand for anyway?

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.