Darryl Worley Photo Courtesy of 903 Music
In much the same way "Have You Forgotten" was inspired by events Darryl experienced while on a tour supporting our troops, "I Just Came Back from a War" was inspired by more conversations with troops?and by one specific event.
"I was talkin' to this kid and he was telling me a very intense story," explains Darryl. "Something had happened to him when he got home [from the war]. He got into a little trouble. It was obviously a product of what he'd been through. And this line just came to me, 'Hey man, you know what? Cut me a little slack. I just came back from a war.' And I just wrote that line down real fast. And I remember getting chills.
"In God We Still Trust" (2005) written by Kim Nash, Bill Nash and Rob LeClair and recorded by Diamond Rio
The reception to this song was curious, to say the least. It's not overtly patriotic in a pro military or pro war sense, but it's absolutely patriotic in its call to preserve America's spiritual heritage and tradition. From the first performance, and at numerous shows thereafter (possibly even to this day), audiences rose to their feet and began cheering before Diamond Rio reached the first chorus. Yet the tune received precious little radio airplay. It's obvious by the audience response that a lot of people embraced the song's message—that a large and vital portion of America's essential cultural fabric is being systematically eroded with the removal of any references to God. As might be expected, the song has its critics. But, there's no denying that many thousands of country fans see things the way Diamond Rio does.
"Where the Stars and the Stripes and the Eagle Fly" (2001) written by Aaron Tippin, Casey Beathard and Kenny Beard and recorded by Aaron Tippin
This tune was written about two-and-a-half years before the 9/11 attacks. But after that terrible day, Aaron knew it was time to finally record it and get the single out. And, lest anyone question that his motives, Aaron made sure that proceeds from the song went to the American Red Cross. The song, like others of the period, lauds America's virtues—freedom, hard work and the "lady in the harbor." It was the kind of message a lot of fans wanted to hear from a man who has embodied patriotism throughout his career. "This song is an opportunity to speak to people," said Aaron at the time. "And I hope it will help our country heal."
"The Eagle" (1991) written by Hank Cochran, Red Lane and Mack Vickery and performed by Waylon Jennings
The eagle is a perfect metaphor for America—strong and willing to be peaceful unless and until its feathers are ruffled. Then, the eye and talons that have been kept sharp through a period of calm may be pressed into service to deal with whatever threats may be on the horizon...or knocking on our door. Waylon delivers it masterfully and, coming near the time of the first Gulf War, it met with a receptive audience among country music fans.
"American Soldier" (2003) written by Toby Keith and Chuck Cannon and performed by Toby Keith
This song shows a side of Toby's patriotism that a lot of people might have been surprised to see after having experienced the in-your-face righteous indignation he showcased in "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" in 2002. But "American Soldier" is simply the story of a family man who's just trying to "Be a father, raise a daughter and a son, Be a lover to their mother, everything to everyone." And, along with that, he straps on his boots and serves his country, knowing he's got what it takes to do his duty, no matter what the price. This quiet strength is comforting in a way that an angrier song can't be—even though they can both have their place at one time or another. But, as Toby states so simply, the bottom line with both tunes is that, because of American soldiers, we can sleep in peace tonight.
