The song, co-written by McGraw, serves a a “last letter” from a fallen soldier to his wife. In it, he reads the letter, describing how he misses his family and how he wishes that he could be with them. He assures his wife and mother that his soul is in [heaven], and that he is with God watching over his family.
If You're Reading This
Tim McGraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mama's sitting there
Looks like I only got a one-way ticket over here
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
And war was just a game we played when we were kids
Well, I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up my boots
I'm up here with God
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my mama always prayed that it would go
If you're reading this, I'm already home
If you're reading this
Halfway around the world
I won't be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
She stands up for the innocent and the weak
I'm laying down my gun
Hanging up my boots
Tell dad, I don't regret that I've followed in his shoes
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my mama always prayed that it would go
If you're reading this, I'm already home
If you're reading this, there is going to come a day
You move on and find someone else and that's okay
Just remember this
I'm in a better place
Soldiers live in peace, and angels sing amazing grace
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my mama always prayed that it would go
If you're reading this, I'm already home
The song "If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw is a poignant tribute to soldiers who have lost their lives in service. The song reflects the thoughts of a soldier who is writing a letter to his loved ones, knowing that he may not see them again. The opening lyrics of the song reference the soldier's mother, who he imagines sitting with the letter in her hand, reading it for the first time. The soldier wishes that he could give his loved ones one more kiss before leaving them behind.
The song paints a picture of a soldier who has come to terms with his death and is at peace with it. He imagines himself in heaven, alongside God, watching over his loved ones. The mention of war being a game played as kids suggests that the soldier may have been young when he enlisted in the military. He is ready to lay down his gun and hang up his boots, indicating that he is ready to surrender and face his fate.
Towards the end of the song, the soldier acknowledges that his loved ones will eventually move on and find someone else. However, he wants them to know that he is in a better place, and that he is at peace with his death. The song's final chorus reiterates the soldier's desire to be laid down in an open field, out on the edge of town, where his soul can rest peacefully.
Overall, "If You're Reading This" is a moving tribute to soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It offers solace to their loved ones, assuring them that their sacrifice was not in vain, and that they are in a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're reading this
If you are reading this message that I have left behind
My mama's sitting there
My mother is present and watching over you
Looks like I only got a one-way ticket over here
It appears that I have passed away and am not able to return
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
I deeply regret not being able to show my affection for you one last time
And war was just a game we played when we were kids
The experiences of combat were not what I had expected them to be
Well, I'm laying down my gun
I am no longer obligated to fight, and as a result relinquishing my weapon
I'm hanging up my boots
I am no longer in the military and will no longer be using my military boots
I'm up here with God
I am now in heaven with God
And we're both watching over you
God and I will always be looking down and protecting you
So lay me down
Please place my body in
In that open field out on the edge of town
A field on the outskirts of the city
And know my soul is where my mama always prayed that it would go
My soul is in heaven, the place my mother always hoped it would be
If you're reading this, I'm already home
If you are reading this, I am no longer on Earth and have found my eternal rest in heaven
Halfway around the world
Even if I am far away from you, perhaps thousands of miles away
I won't be there to see the birth of our little girl
I will not be able to witness the birth of our child
I hope she looks like you
I hope our child bears a resemblance to you
I hope she fights like me
I hope our child is strong-willed like me and stands up for what is right
She stands up for the innocent and the weak
I hope our child advocates for those who cannot defend themselves
Tell dad, I don't regret that I've followed in his shoes
Please assure my father that I am proud to have followed in his footsteps and served my country
If you're reading this, there is going to come a day
There will come a day in the future when you read this message
You move on and find someone else and that's okay
It is perfectly acceptable for you to move on and find love with someone else
Just remember this
I would like you to keep this message in mind
I'm in a better place
I have found myself in a better, peaceful place
Soldiers live in peace, and angels sing amazing grace
In heaven, soldiers are at peace, while angels sing beautiful music
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: TIM MCGRAW, BRAD WARREN, BRETT WARREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind