Six Songs Military Wives of Deployed Soldiers Should Avoid

Lesson Your Worries and Fears by Changing the Station when These Songs Play

Ashley Woods
As an army wife of a deployed soldier I have encountered many songs to avoid like the plague. Six songs in particular stick out in my mind; these selected songs speak of waiting and death, not exactly the type of music I want to hear while my husband is in danger. Every time one of these songs comes on the radio I hurriedly switch the station to avoid an uncontrollable fit of sobbing.

Coming in at sixth place is "Far Away" by Nickelback. This is actually the song my husband and I have coined as ours. The lyrics clearly describe our situation and our relationship perfectly. However, when the songs reaches, "Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore," it gives me reason enough to avoid it at all costs.

"Right Here Waiting for You" by Richard Marx falls in at number five. I personally believe this is a beautiful song, a little cheesy, but nonetheless packed full of meaningful lyrics. That is until I hear, "If I see you next to never, how can we say forever?" That's a definite blow to the hope and faith I have in my relationship with my husband.

The fourth most depressing song is "The 8th of November" by Big 'N Rich. Not only is this song just awful to listen to, but the lyrics, "With the fire raining down and the hell all around, there were few men left standing that day," are purely gloomy. The last thoughts I need in my mind are only a few men left standing after a battle.

Sliding into a deeper depression with number three is, "American Soldier" by Toby Keith. Although this song makes pride pulsate through my veins it also makes me a little uneasy. "Oh and I don't wanna die for you, but if dying's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with honor." There is a certain comfort in knowing that my husband is protecting our country's freedom, but at the same time I don't want to be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice.

Coming in at second place is "Cry Out to Jesus" by Third Day. The first time I heard this song while my husband was overseas I actually had to pull my car into a parking lot because I was crying so hard. It is a gorgeous song with very touching lyrics, "To everyone who's lost someone they love long before their time, you feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye." It could almost be bearable until the line, "To the widow, who suffers from being alone, wipin' the tears from her eyes," plays. There is no need for me to listen to songs that could quite possibly be played at my husband's funeral!

Here it is; number one is awarded to "Travelin' Soldier" by the Dixie Chicks. A lovely song that I actually enjoyed until I find out that our sweet, loving hero in the song dies. "I close my eyes and see your pretty smile, don't worry but I won't be able to write for awhile." Not the most reassuring song to a soldier's wife!

Published by Ashley Woods

Ashley Woods currently resides in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, a soldier in the Army. Ashley is known for her honest and upfront marriage and dating advice. She has been writing articl...   View profile

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  • Former Army Wife 4/5/2011

    If You're Reading This by Tim McGraw is far more moving then some of those mentioned. Letters From Home too! Till the Last Shot's Fired is bone chillin' too. I do agree with Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood.

  • Kristiana 2/11/2011

    I've never been a fan of country music, but I can appreciate the meaningful lyrics country music can bring.
    That aside, these are the military songs I've had a hard time listening to: Someone already said gunslinger(Definitely emotional), Far from home(The lyrics are especially heart wrenching including "The faces of people I'll never see again, and I can't seem to find my way home. Cause it's almost like your heavens trying everything to break me down") and When Angels Fly Away(Every single verse is reaking of overwhelming emotion "Watched a young girl cry and her mother scream, it's the saddest thing when angels fly away. I can't be home tonight, I'll make it back it's alright. Noone could ever love me half as good as you."

  • Marine fiancee 1/17/2011

    all of these songs are very difficult to hear. I pray for all of you who have a significant other in the military. and for all of you who have lost someone in the military. its hard being away from my fiancee and i can only imagine how hard it would be to lose him. Your all in my prayers.

  • Amber (Army Wife) 12/1/2010

    These are all such good songs. Later I know I'll be at home torturing myself with all of them. It feels so good to know I'm not the only one. That there are people who have got it just as hard maybe harder. Thank you to all those who serve and to those who support them.

  • Mrs. Pedey 11/29/2010

    I have to agree about Gunslinger, when my husband was deployed that was a tough one. Also "When your Gone" By Avril Lavigne, makes me cry even when he is home!!

  • Rita 11/11/2010

    Im a Army widow and there are so many songs that I could add to this list that still make me cry 5 years later.

  • Yesterday by leona lewis 11/10/2010

    I love this song, but completely axed it when hubby was away. Yesterday by Leona Lewis

  • His Wife 10/9/2010

    I would have to say that they missed "Come Home Soon" by SheDaisy in this article. That song makes me sob. It's a very beautifully written song though. :)

  • rhia-army wife 9/30/2010

    omg no just a dream by carrie underwood should be number one that song makes me cry for hours uncontrollably

  • Sgt. Dunbar 9/22/2010

    I really appreciate what you have posted here.

    Thanks for making it just a little easier for the spouses back home (my wife included).

    Honestly, the family members who stay behind have the hardest job of all.

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