Tune Tuesday – Some Gave All

On this day in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus released his debut album “Some Gave All.”

Yes, this is the album that exposed us all to Achy Breaky Heart. Thankfully, there were other songs on the album. Wher’m I Gonna Live, Could’ve Been Me, and She’s Not Crying Anymore were all released as singles.

The title track was also released, but it never cracked the top 40. However, it did strike a chord with many US Veterans.

I know this first hand. When I would go and hang out with my dad at the VVA or VFW, this song always played. Sometimes it was played by the jukebox, other times whoever happened to be DJing, would play it.

I recall watching tears being shed by veterans as this song played. It was a very powerful thing to experience. The only other song that was as powerful was God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

I learned so much by sitting and talking with my dad and other Vietnam Veterans. This song was actually inspired by a veteran. According to songfacts.com:

Billy Ray Cyrus originally recorded this patriotic song about the ultimate war sacrifice, as the title track of his 1992 debut album. He penned the tune with his first wife Cindy Smith after talking with a Vietnam vet. Cindy and Billy were married between 1986 to 1991.

The song is more popular today than when it was first released. You can hear it on country radio on Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and other patriotic holidays.