Not Like the Other Ones

The story of a wounded soldier's fear of rejection and a wife's devotion.

Inspired by a true story.

Steven Jeffrey

Marcy Priest-Jackson

Listen:

Not Like the Other Ones

I’ve seen those wives

When they get their first look

At their soldier and see

That somethin’s been took

Don’t want to be the next

Bagged casualty

But, if I saw that look,

When you looked at me…

So Baby, think twice

‘Fore you get on that plane

You can walk away now,

It’ll be no shame

Not a hard choice yet,

But it’s gonna get worse

When you see what’s left

Of a war’s cruel curse

I’m not like the other guys

My arms can’t hold you

Or my hands caress

The beautiful face

Of the girl I left

I’m broken and beaten,

As a man can be

I don’t want you to see,

What’s become of me

I’m not like the other guys

We knew the stakes

Of the mission you made

Either you’d die young

Or we’d hold a parade

Now we’re somewhere between

But I promise you now

I’m gonna stand by you

And we’ll make it somehow

I’m not like the other girls

My arms can hold you

And my hands caress

The man I married

And gave my pledge

You as broken and beaten,

As a man can be

But Baby, I promise

You’ll aways have me

I’m not like the other girls

Here we are standing

In the very same place

Got my arms around you

And we’re face to face

I promise you darlin’

If you’re ready to try

One way or another

We’ll make a new life

One way or another

We’ll make a new life

We’re not like the other ones

Your arms can hold me

And my hands caress

The one I married and

Gave my pledge

I promise you darlin’

If you’re ready to try

One way or another

We’ll make a new life

We’re not like the other ones

Inspired by a true story

Vietnam veteran, Dave Roever, and his wife Brenda are the inspirations behind Not Like the Other Ones. I had the privilege of going with Dave to several of his high school rallies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and heard him tell of his experience of coming back to the states, with an army buddy, both of whom were severely wounded in battle.

When his buddy’s wife came to the military hospital and saw her husband’s condition, she took off her wedding ring, threw it in-between his legs and told him she could never stay married to a man who looked like that. Dave’s buddy died that night.

Fear gripped him as he imagined his own wife responding in the same way. He knew, if she did, he would not survive the night.

However, when Brenda Roever finally arrived and saw her husband, she never wavered in her love or commitment. Dave survived and went on to have an amazing career as a motivational speaker to youth, civic, veteran, and church groups all across the USA. Dave was a frequent guest of Billy Graham at his world televised crusades.

Having seen appeals by groups like Wounded Warriors, The Gary Sinese Foundation, Tunnels to Towers and other likeminded organizations, it felt like the right time to write a bold love song about these courageous military men and women, their spouses, and families. Hopefully, the song inspires them to affirm their love and support to one another, and challenges us all to give generously toward these heroic organizations, not once, but on an ongoing basis.

—Kenneth Wayne Wood

Credits

Words and Music: Kenneth Wayne Wood

Producers: David Hooten,

LG Hamilton,

Kenneth Wood

Vocals: Steven Jeffrey & Marcy Priest-Jackson

Musicians:

Guitars and Bass Steven Jeffrey

Drums and Guitars Trent Austin

Keyboards LG Hamilton

Recorded at: The Music Group, Edmond, OK

Mix: Kevin Lively Mastering, Edmond, OK

Kenneth Wayne Wood Music, Publisher

Released: November 10, 2020

The story of a wounded soldier's fear of rejection and a wife's devotion.

Inspired by a true story.

Steven Jeffrey

Marcy Priest-Jackson

Listen:

Not Like the Other Ones

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