Story Behind The Song
The three writers of this song all have a different backgrounds and are generations apart, yet their common goal was to pay tribute to the Valor of United States Marines.
Tyson G. McKinster was a U.S. Marine, that served in the Al Anbar Province of Ira
Song Description
A young man becomes a United States Marine.
During a firefight in the war, he refuses to let down his fellow Marines.
Choosing to stand and fight until his last round of ammo, so his Marines may return home.
| Song Length |
3:10 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, Folk - Traditional |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Serene, Moving |
Subject |
Armed Forces, Patriotic |
| Similar Artists |
Vince Gill, Jim Croce |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
"And They All Came Home But Me (Once A Marine)"
Performed by Chad Van Rys
Arrangement by Chad Van Rys
Produced by Steve Tveit, Omni Sound Studios, Nashville, TN
Guitar/Vocal Sound Eng. -Frank Imbesi
Sound Chamber Recording Studio, Modesto, California
Written by Tyson G. McKinster, Kirk Wesley Boland, Jr. (Wes),
and Kirk W. Boland, ASCAP
© 2005, PAu2-971-265, Kirk W. Boland
Sound recording, © & (p)2006,
Full Metal Jacket Music
www.southeastofnashvillerecords.com
(verse)
Once a Marine, then you are changed
Once a Marine, you'll never be the same
Yes, some may never understand
That I did not choose to die
My Marines pinned down
They needed cover fire
(chorus)
And they all came home but me
I'm proud to claim the title of United States Marine
I stood my ground until my last round
And they all came home but me
(verse)
Once a Marine, I took several rounds
Once a Marine, still took that sniper out
Well I earned the Silverstar
Daddy held it in his hands
As they folded up my flag
The bugler played taps
(repeat chorus)
(bridge)
Yes, you can make a difference too
What will they say one day
When they put the dirt on you
(final chorus)
Yes they all came home but me
I told my mom I'd make a difference
Now I guess she sees
I stood my ground until my last round
And they all came home but me
Yes, they all came home but me